Sustainability
A priority at Chalets Lanaudière
Our commitment to sustainability
Chalets Lanaudière is actively committed to sustainability. Located on the historic grounds of Camp Mariste, we place great importance on protecting the natural environment that surrounds us. We follow the 4Rs—reduce, reuse, repair and recycle—manage energy and water responsibly, and prioritize sustainable materials such as wood.
As a non-profit social enterprise, Chalets Lanaudière reinvests 100% of its profits in Camp Mariste’s educational mission, helping children from disadvantaged backgrounds build self-esteem, discover their potential and enjoy meaningful experiences at summer camp.
In 2023, Chalets Lanaudière obtained the BIOSPHERE© Sustainable Tourism Certification, becoming the second organization in Quebec to receive it. The certification recognizes sustainable practices aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
That same year, we strengthened our commitment by developing a new sustainability action plan. It includes measures designed to reduce our environmental footprint, support the well-being of our guests and employees, and contribute to the local economy.
Through these initiatives, our certification and the implementation of a comprehensive sustainability action plan, we have adopted a wide range of responsible practices, including:
- Educating and training our team on workplace health and safety, climate change, and the individual and collective actions we can take to reduce our environmental impact.
- Reducing energy consumption and improving energy efficiency by:
- Choosing energy-efficient equipment and monitoring greenhouse gas emissions using carbon-footprint assessment tools developed for the tourism industry.(e.g., replacing conventional lighting with highly energy-efficient LED lighting in our buildings, along our roads and throughout our activity areas. Installing push-button faucets and shower controls in the washroom facilities serving our yurts, cabins and campsites. Replacing toilets with low-flow models.Replacing oil-based heating systems with electric heating systems.
- Using water more responsibly by:
- Monitoring and reducing water consumption throughout our facilities.
- Encouraging guests and employees to reduce their water use.
- Protecting biodiversity by:
- Raising awareness about fragile ecosystems and invasive species, and developing a forest management plan.
- Allowing only Chalets Lanaudière watercraft on the lakes throughout the property.
- Prohibiting motorized watercraft on Lake Morgan, except in emergencies.
- Supporting our guests’ well-being by:
- Measuring guest satisfaction.
- Listening to both written and verbal feedback and using it to continuously improve the guest experience.
- Providing genuine, person-to-person customer service.
- Supporting the local economy by:
- Prioritizing local purchasing whenever possible.
- Working with local suppliers and service providers, including cleaning and excavation companies.
Chalets Lanaudière continues to move forward on its sustainability journey, with a focus on protecting the environment, supporting people’s well-being and continuously improving the guest experience.