COP 26 has crystallized the challenges of our century to the highest degree, and we believe that this is, unfortunately, rather justified. At this stage of the negotiations, and despite an encouraging recent rapprochement between China and the United States to take a united stand on climate change (but again without any concrete measures), the situation is alarming: our societies have seen their greenhouse gas emissions pick up again after a brief lull in 2020. And the prospect of global warming below 1.5 degrees seems increasingly utopian. Thus, the terrible premonition of reaching 2.7 degrees by the end of the century is becoming almost inescapable if inaction continues.

At Ellio, we believe that everyone in our society has the ability to take action and make a difference. From American policy-makers to the administrative assistant of a Drummondville-based manufacturing company. In this sense, we believe that the famous " think global, act local " approach is no longer adapted to the current context. Our companies are gradually but surely demonstrating the power of thinking local, acting global.

With its rich culture of innovation and solutions, its strategic position in North America and the exemplary role played by Montreal in terms of resilience and the fight against climate change, Quebec is well placed to think and act locally to inspire globally.

Our clients partners are perfect examples of this ambition, and we'd like to share some of their best achievements with you:

Le Parcours Développement durable Montréal

• Co-created by Ellio, the City of Montreal and the Government of Quebec, in collaboration with the Sustainable Industries Council.
• It's more than 75 Montreal SMEs that have implemented positive-impact business models, developed eco-responsible management practices and are getting their respective industries moving since 2018.
• Maçonnerie Gratton, a remarkable company in the 2020 edition of the Parcours. In partnership with Pari NRC, Recyc-Québec, the Ville de Montréal and PME-MTL, the company has set up a machine called Brique Recyc that automatically "cleans" old bricks in record time. The benefits are many: a circular economy, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and job creation.
• Major Parcours partners (Énergir, National Bank, l'Oréal Canada, C40) are committed to moving their industries forward, and have been on hand since 2018 to help the various cohorts find innovative solutions. It's a whole ecosystem in action!

Courchesne Larose

• Co-creation of LOOP and recycling of thousands of tons of fruit and vegetables into cold-pressed juices and other food products. Over 5,000 tonnes of CO2 eq have been avoided since the initiative was launched.
• Co-creation of Océan vert, which is launching the production of vertically-farmed leafy vegetables.

Ville de Gatineau

• This autumn, we adopted our first Climate Plan to transform the municipality, achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and adapt the Gatineau region to climate change.
• More than C$100 million will be invested in measures affecting mobility, housing, waste management, weather management and all municipal services offered to residents.