As a private firm, we're proud to be releasing our first official public ESG report. Since the beginning, we've been mindful of our corporate social responsibilities, and this report demonstrates our continued commitment to sustainable business practices.
We recognize that transparency and honesty with our stakeholders are imperative in maintaining their trust. As a socially responsible organization, we understand that sustainability is complex and continuously evolving. Therefore, we remain committed to adapting to any changes and challenges we may face in the future so we can remain relevant and dependable.
This 2022 report reflects our longstanding engagement and highlights our key accomplishments over the last five years.
Sustainability has taken centre stage and expectations are escalating for organizations to demonstrate strong and measurable ESG performance. This movement is driving companies to advance their business model and innovate in order to thrive in a world where cost competitiveness and productivity remain a key challenge. On the journey to sustainability, we understand that every client’s operations, context and challenges are unique.
“We're committed to being catalysts for change and supporting the industry in its transition to a sustainable, mutually beneficial future. This starts with leading by example, so we're dedicated to embedding principles of sustainability and scalability into the blueprint of every solution we develop.”
- Jérôme Pelletier, P.Eng., MBA, BBA President and CEO
(Photo: Catherine Lefebvre)
In 2015, the United Nations crafted a framework of peace and prosperity for all people and our planet. The objective was to unify all countries on meaningful end states. This led to the creation of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), to achieve by 2030.
Companies have an important role to play in attaining them, and BBA is committed to being part of this shared global plan for the planet. We've identified the UN SDGs that our firm contributes to the most through our client projects and in our own operations.
BBA's 6 core UN SDGs
BBA is determined to support communities where it carries out projects, so it recently donated $20,000 to the Mamu Tshishkutamashutau – Innu Education School Board in Sheshatshiu, Newfoundland. This donation was made in partnership with our aboriginal partner, Hagerty Penashue Holdings, an organization BBA works with.
As stated by Engineers Canada, “Diversity in engineering means engaging the best minds of the profession, which includes women, Indigenous peoples and internationally educated professionals.” To encourage women to take steps into STEM studies, we're proud to have joined Engineers Canada in its goal to have 30% of women on its teams and in leadership positions by 2030.
Our multidisciplinary and practical vision supports industrial clients in developing their decarbonization and energy transition plans, from strategy to execution. We also partner with various Indigenous Nations to carry out key strategic projects and bolster their climate change action plans. In doing so, we've witnessed that economic, social and environmental imperatives can coexist, as demonstrated in the following projects:
Once again, innovation is bringing us to a pivotal point in the evolution of industry. The BBA team is a trailblazer in decarbonization engineering solutions, assisting industrial clients on the front lines of this transformational move toward a resilient and low-carbon economy. The following two projects are excellent examples of our team's contributions to progress:
As global demand rises, the mining sector faces increasing pressure from governments, investors and society. BBA experts are helping mining clients upgrade their technology, optimize their operations and change their management techniques. Here are two examples of solutions we developed to meet their energy needs more sustainably:
More and more, climate change is impacting our livelihoods, our communities and our ecosystems around the world. As we become more aware of how we affect the environment, the climate action movement is driving industries to adopt better practices through all stages of their project life cycles, as demonstrated in the following projects:
BBA's culture is centered around a passion for fostering human ingenuity to better value nature. Our team of experts is committed to developing innovative, sustainable and socially responsible projects for our clients and communities, while supporting BBA's goal of being an exemplary corporate citizen. Over the past five years, we've taken even more steps to strengthen environment, social and governance (ESG) practices within our organization and the industry, setting the tone for future progress.
To build a better future, we need to be fully aware of our impact on the environment and the actions we can take to reduce it. That's why BBA takes the time to listen to, learn from and get inspired by communities. We recognize that governance and educational tools, including reconciliation and advocacy efforts, are critical to our environment and emission management strategy.
Some of the initiatives we've launched in recent years to support our corporate goals include:
Environment and emission management:
Biodiversity and resource conservation:
Since its founding, BBA has contributed to improving the quality of life in communities where it operates. Putting people first is a priority in everything we do. We show how we care about the safety and wellness of our employees, our clients and the public, as well as the environment.
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)
Common goals with Indigenous communities
Health, safety and well-being
Charities, donations and volunteering
To reach our strategic aspirations as an organization that is both innovative and committed to supporting the industry in its transition toward a sustainable and profitable future, we've reviewed our organizational structure and processes to guarantee our success.
New organizational structure in 2022
Board mandate and selection
Training and guidance for our leaders
BBA's selection to be part of the prestigious jury for Canada's Best Managed Companies