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Below is a translated version of an article posted by the Association of Construction and Housing Professionals of Quebec (APCHQ).
The time has come to look in the rearview mirror and measure the distance traveled. Indeed, in the last year, the APCHQ has carried out projects that are gradually transforming the construction sector to make it an environment at the forefront of sustainable construction trends. This is the time to revisit the landmark achievements before lifting the veil on what the APCHQ has in store for the coming year.
Sustainable construction achievements 2024-2025
In 2024-2025, the APCHQ has taken important steps to move the construction sector towards eco-responsible and sustainable practices. From government representation to pilot projects on the ground, his actions have contributed to modernizing the sector. This year, the APCHQ has multiplied its representations to influence public policies on sustainable construction. Here are some examples:
Bill 69
Specifically, the APCHQ supported the general direction of Bill 69, which aims to ensure responsible governance of energy resources in Quebec, while making strategic recommendations to improve energy efficiency in the residential sector.
Energy Vision
During the Ministry of Economy’s Vision Energy tour, which aims to develop integrated energy resource management plans adapted to regional realities, the APCHQ highlighted the energy needs of the residential construction sector, affirming its role as an influencer in the energy transition.
Royalty on landfill
Finally, the APCHQ participated in the consultations of the Ministry of the Environment on the management of construction waste, more specifically on the impact of the implementation of an additional landfill fee and on the investment management in order to make a change in practice in the sector. This initiative stems from an economic imbalance between the cost of shipping to a sorting center compared to the cost of disposal. The APCHQ advocated the implementation of an additional fee, while emphasising the judicious use of the funds accumulated to facilitate access to sorting centers.
Strategic partnerships with Hydro-Québec
APCHQ has strengthened its strategic partnership with Hydro-Québec by relying on two major initiatives: LogisVert and Solutions efficient. These programs offer entrepreneurs concrete tools, incentives and proven solutions to reduce their carbon footprint while optimizing their projects to meet the growing public’s expectations of sustainability. This partnership illustrates our desire to combine expertise and innovation to accelerate the energy transition in the residential sector.
Concrete pilot projects in the field
This year, the APCHQ has transformed experimentation into a real lever of innovation thanks to several projects:
- A support program for a cohort of entrepreneurs in Lac-Saint-Jean to integrate sustainable management practices into daily life;
- A mandate of $75,000 to implement the sorting of CRD residues on pilot sites in Gatineau;
- The collaboration on the creation of a guide to recoverable materials, by SURCY, in collaboration with McGill University, to promote the circular economy. This guide is available free of charge here: Guide to recoverable materials — SURCY
Sustainable construction package online
The objective is to allow entrepreneurs to complete 16 hours of mandatory continuing education related to sustainable construction. Several topics are addressed such as building envelope and mechanics, construction waste management, renovation and demolition (CRD), resilient buildings, water and building management and more!
Launch of web series: Outside the beaten construction sites
“Out of beaten construction sites” is a web series produced by the APCHQ that demystifies sustainable residential construction in Quebec. Through the testimonies of entrepreneurs and experts, discover how to make the home more resilient, sustainable and accessible.
The sequel for 2026
In 2026, the APCHQ continues and intensifies its commitment with ambitious projects, including a 2026-2030 decarbonization plan, a responsible sourcing guide and a strengthening of training in sustainable development.
Decarbonization plan 2026-2030
The realization of our GHG inventory made it possible to target five themes to be put forward in a future 2026-2030 decarbonization plan. These themes are as follows:
- Governance
- Responsible sourcing
- The digital impact
- Commuting
- Business travel
Responsible sourcing
APCHQ is committed to increasing its level of supply exemplarity by adopting ethical, transparent and sustainable purchasing practices. Why? To reduce the environmental footprint of its purchases of goods and services, strengthen its social impact and build strong relationships with ethical partners.
Strengthening the Federation’s commitment
To strengthen its positioning in sustainable construction, the APCHQ relies on two levers: the commitment of its staff and the increase in communications on its achievements. Indeed, the APCHQ has designed sustainable development training for all Federation employees. At the same time, the APCHQ wants to make its GHG reduction targets transparent and accountable, by intensifying its communications on its actions and progress.
Conclusion
The year 2024-2025 marks an important milestone for the APCHQ in terms of the evolution of the residential sector thanks to key actions that have promoted more responsible practices. Building on this dynamic, the organization will continue on this path in 2026 with ambitious projects, such as the decarbonization plan. Together, we continue to build a construction sector at the forefront of social, environmental and economic issues.