Polycor: Carbon-Neutral in 2025
QUEBEC CITY — Polycor Inc.will be a carbon-neutral company by the end of 2025.
One of the largest natural-stone quarriers in the world, the company made the announcement today in honor of Earth Day. It is the first natural-stone quarrier to make a firm commitment to carbon neutrality.
“As an organization, we ha.ve a history and brand focused on global leadership, with a reputation of prioritizing and fostering sustainability, innovation, and environmental stewardship,” said Patrick Perus, Polycor CEO. “Our move toward being carbon neutral by 2025 puts the company five years ahead of the curve set by the American Institute of Architects’ call to become carbon neutral by 2030.”
The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) identifies 2030 as a tipping point for requiring significant reduction in emissions. The building industry, which accounts for 39% of annual global GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions, bears a tremendous responsibility to mitigate global environmental risk.
“We are confident that our sustainability leadership within the natural stone industry can inspire other construction material providers to do the same,” Perus added.“This decision is also in line with the will of customers and partners in the industry, who are increasingly demanding environmentally friendly products and suppliers, showing a generalized awareness throughout the industry.”
Polycor will focus its carbon-neutral efforts and improvements on the following areas:
Electrification: By the end of 2025, 75% of the energy used by the company comes from renewable sources.
Fuel use: Through installing electrical charging stations at plants, and prioritizing new vehicles with alternative fuel sources, the company will significantly increase the miles per gallon across its fleet.
Waste reduction: Polycor will meaningfully increase production efficiencies; these efficiencies will increase product yield, emphasize sustainable packaging, reduce chemical use, and will prioritize recycling and reuse.
Offsetting and rehabilitation: Carbon offsetting activities, such as upcoming tree planting campaigns, will create essential carbon sinks, decreasing the net total of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. From the beautification to the repurposing of former production sites, rehabilitation and reclamation will be an important sustainability activity for Polycor and will provide immediate benefits to local communities.
Founded in Québec City (Canada) in 1987, the company now employs nearly 1,300 people and owns over 50 quarries and 20 manufacturing plants across North America and Europe.
