Since 2017, Musique du Bout du Monde has been recognized by the Bureau de Normalisation du Québec as part of the responsible event management certification (BNQ 9700-253).
In 2021, we reduced our environmental footprint and progressed to level 2 (out of 5) of this certification. In order to embed the principles behind this certification in our long-term practices, the board of directors adopted, in June 2022, a sustainable development policy with the support of the Société d'aide au développement des collectivités (SADC) de Gaspé. Thus, after having made a diagnosis of our organizational practices in terms of sustainable development, we adopted a policy that targets 9 specific objectives related to various issues related to our organization:
- Governance - Economic
- Environmental - Social
To view the policy, click HERE
Our highlights
GOVERNANCE
Musique du Bout du Monde has established a Volunteer Development Department to implement practical standards. The creation of this new position is crucial to the smooth running of the organization and has made it possible to consolidate the policy on the recognition, value and economic impact of volunteer work, the volunteer guide and the terms of reference. More than 250 volunteers for more than 2,000 hours of volunteer work are involved each year, filling more than 95% of the positions required to hold our events.
ENVIRONMENTAL
For the 2022 edition of the Festival Musique du Bout du Monde, we are able to state that we have directly emitted 3,725 kg of CO2.
Here are some of the actions taken to minimize our carbon footprint:
- Offsetting the greenhouse gases emitted in a direct way by planting trees, in collaboration with SARGIM;
- Implementation of a free public transportation offer, specific to the needs of the festival-goers.
In the same year, we significantly reduced the amount of recyclable material produced through these actions:
- Public offering of drinking water and ending the sale of plastic water bottles at all of our main locations;
- Substituting the sale of bottled beer for cans, thus eliminating 95% of the distribution of plastic glasses for beer sales
- Maintaining a team dedicated to waste management and environmental awareness (The Green Brigade).
OBJECTIVES AND RESULTS
The goal of the FMBM 2022 edition was to divert 80% of our waste from landfill and the result was 69%.
For the 2023 edition, we intend to revise the quantitative method in order to have a more significant indicator by calculating the weight of residual materials buried per person rather than the percentage of residual materials saved from landfill. With this new indicator, here is the 2022 result and the 2023 objective.
2022 Result: 11 grams of landfill waste per person/day generated.
2023 Goal: Generate a maximum of 8 grams of waste to landfill per person/day.
ECONOMIC
Local and regional suppliers represent the vast majority of our suppliers; 87% are within 100 km. Musique du Bout du Monde has partnered with many businesses and organizations in the Greater Gaspé area to create the Notre Bout du Monde series, a series of shows that not only showcases the talent of emerging musicians, but also provides significant visibility for the partners who participate. This series also promotes the influence of the entire territory.
SOCIAL
The quality of the experience of the volunteers and staff who work on our event is a priority for the organization. In the current context of labour shortage and recruitment difficulties specific to the cultural field, we are particularly proud to note that our efforts to retain staff have paid off.
Fabrics revalorization project
Sorting island for waste materials Water station