Sustainable Development at Valcartier Military Base

Extract

[...] In fact, it is sustainable and will therefore never run out. Renewable energy installations generally require less maintenance than traditional generators. Their fuel, derived from natural resources and available, reduces operating costs. More importantly, renewable energies produce very little or no waste, such as carbon dioxide or other chemical pollutants, and therefore have a minimal impact on the environment. Renewable energy projects can also bring economic benefits to many regions, as most projects are located far from major urban centers and capital suburbs. [...]

[...] This also indicates that the best solution to energy problems may be to have a balance between many different energy sources.8. Furthermore, another drawback of renewable energy sources is the reliability of supply. In fact, renewable energy often depends on the weather for its energy source. Generators need rain to fill dams and power rivers. Wind turbines need wind to turn the blades and solar panels need a clear sky and sunlight to capture heat and produce electricity. When these resources are unavailable, so is the ability to produce energy from them. This can be unpredictable and inconsistent. [...]

[...] In fact, it is a new technology and, as such, its capital cost is extremely high for a society.9 Finally, although very costly due to entry barriers: the costs associated with the use of renewable energies continue to decrease. For example, we can take the case of wind energy to show this decrease in costs in a gradual manner. In Canada, it is mainly hydroelectricity that offers an excellent price/production ratio of electricity. In fact, according to the Canadian government, hydroelectricity, which consists of producing electricity from moving water, is the main source of renewable energy, representing 60% of the country's electricity production. In this sense, Canada is the second largest producer of hydroelectricity in the world.10. [...]

[...] In fact, although everyone agrees to designate the military base as the culprit, it is not less that the responsible person is difficult to identify (local, provincial or federal responsibility?)4 Would the implementation of an environmental management process (e.g. ISO 14001) be beneficial for the Valcartier military base? The implementation of an environmental management process such as ISO 14001 would be very beneficial. In fact, such certification would provide a framework and support to improve environmental performance by using resources more efficiently and reducing waste, thereby reducing the risk of another scandal breaking out at the Valcartier military base again. [...]

[...] Sustainable development is today an integral element of the strategy of large companies. In fact, many companies in Canada and around the world have initiated sustainable development programs. However, it is necessary to conduct a critical and analytical study so that companies undertake structural transformations to these projects. This approach can be implemented by developing the company's philosophy internally. In order to be effective, both employees and external operators (clients, civil society, investors) must be involved. It is only by reconciling these two approaches that the company will be able to design a truly effective commitment through a new structural transformation of the company. [...]