Hydro-Québec is proud to announce that it is adopting a new procurement policy on forest-friendly paper, in response to an invitation from Greenpeace as part of the campaign to protect ancient forests, including the boreal forest. To that end, the electric utility is taking a first major step by amending its procurement practices to ensure that it purchases only chlorine-free FSC-certified 100% recycled paper for its printing and copying needs.

"By adopting this policy, Hydro-Québec is paving the way for others, becoming one of the first large companies in Canada to do its part to protect the boreal forest. We hope that their example will encourage other businesses to do the same," said Steven Guilbeault, Director of Greenpeace Québec.

Hydro-Québec purchases 650 tonnes of paper a year for its printing and copying needs. By adopting the environmentally responsible policy, Hydro-Québec will help save 11,000 trees and 20,000,000 litres of water a year. "Just like water, our forests are a precious resource that Hydro-Québec is proud to use prudently. We applaud the Greenpeace initiative, which is consistent with our own vision of sustainable development," said Thierry Vandal, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hydro-Québec.

Policy to take effect in 2007

The policy of purchasing only forest-friendly paper will apply to all Hydro-Québec facilities as of 2007. Its purpose is to ensure that only fine paper made from non-chlorine-bleached 100% post-consumer fibre is used for printing and copying. Hydro-Québec is planning to adopt the same requirement for disposable paper over the next five years, as procurement contracts are renewed. As soon as the technology is available, the utility intends to extend the use of forest-friendly paper to all its business operations.

Hydro-Québec

Hydro-Québec

Hydro-Québec generates, transmits and distributes electricity, mainly using renewable energy sources, in particular hydroelectricity. It also conducts research in energy-related fields and acts strongly in energy efficiency. In addition, it works to create value from the technologies that emerge from its research. Its sole shareholder is the Québec government. Hydro-Québec has a firmly established sustainability culture that cover all aspects of sustainable development. It adhered to the concept of sustainable development in 1989, in response to the report of the World Commission on Environment and Development. To find out more about sustainable development at Hydro-Québec and reading the online version of our Sustainability Report : www.hydroquebec.com/sustainable-development

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