INRS doubly rewarded by Réseau Environnement

The Eau Terre Environnement Research Centre and Maxine Dandois-Fafard, sustainable development advisor, honored.

16th edition of Americana, the largest environmental forum and international exhibition of environmental technologies in North America

Congratulations to the INRS Eau Terre Environnement Research Centre, which has received the prestigious Distinction Jeanne Barret Cœur Vert, an award recognizing its efforts in the environmental field. During the 16^th edition of Americana, the largest environmental forum and international exhibition of environmental technologies in North America, several Quebec personalities and organizations were recognized for their outstanding environmental commitment during the Réseau Environnement Distinctions ceremony. This event, which has been held since the 1970s, recognizes environmental excellence in Quebec.

This distinction highlights the commitment of the ETE Center to training highly qualified personnel and meeting the growing needs of the environment in Quebec. In particular, the Center has carried out a meticulous analysis of its programs in order to better meet the expectations of students and professionals. This approach has led to the implementation of a new environmental training program for the period 2025-2030, aimed at meeting the constantly evolving needs in the sectors of scientific research, scientific entrepreneurship, government and non-governmental organizations.

The prestigious award presented to the ETE Center recognizes the exceptional efforts made in several areas, including environmental research and the training of highly qualified personnel. The following are some of the aspects that particularly marked this distinction:

Excellence in research and training: INRS stands out in Canada for its research intensity and its position as a leader in sustainable development, with rapidly growing research funding and a high number of students trained. The ETE Center is a key player in the training of qualified environmental professionals, and its research has a direct impact on Quebec society.
Improvement of environmental practices: The ETE Center has initiated an internal transformation aimed at improving the sustainability of its practices. Transdisciplinary projects, in “living laboratory” mode, have been set up to improve waste management, promote recycling and raise community awareness of the reduction of the carbon footprint.
Waste management and reduction of the carbon footprint: The ETE Center has made significant progress in waste management, with a significant reduction in final waste and the acquisition of a composting bioreactor. It has also pioneered the production of a carbon footprint and is committed to circular economy practices.
Protection of biodiversity: A biodiversity project has been launched with the planting of 42 trees and shrubs, the installation of nesting boxes and insect hotels, and an entomological inventory. This project aims to strengthen nature conservation and biodiversity on the ETE Center campuses.

These exceptional efforts illustrate the Centre ETE’s deep commitment to environmental sustainability and the development of concrete solutions for a greener future.

During the ceremony, Maxine Dandois-Fafard, sustainable development advisor at INRS, was also honored with the Distinction Patrick O. Bourgeois Member of the Year award. This award recognizes her commitment as a volunteer at Réseau Environnement, particularly in the Capitale-Nationale/Chaudière-Appalaches regional committee, as well as her leadership role in the implementation of ecological practices within the INRS.

Maxine Dandois-Fafard, sustainable development advisor at INRS. Crédit photo Eric Carrière

“I sincerely thank Réseau Environnement for this distinction, which highlights my commitment for more than 10 years to this association of environmental professionals. I sincerely believe that it is only by bringing all the actors of society to the same table and by working together that we will be able to change things for a better future.”
Maxine Dandois-Fafard, sustainable development advisor at INRS.

The ceremony took place at the Grand Quay of the Port of Montreal, in the presence of several important figures from the environmental community, including the Minister of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks, Mr. Benoit Charette. Commenting on the importance of these awards, Mathieu Laneuville, President and CEO of Réseau Environnement, emphasized that “we need positive leadership models that deliver results for the environment, especially at a time when many climate advances are being called into question.”

Réseau Environnement, an association of environmental professionals, recently announced that it has tripled its membership since 2021, now reaching 3,000 members, a figure that testifies to the growing importance of environmental commitment in Quebec.

INRS doubly rewarded by Réseau Environnement

You may also like