Environment and sustainability

Protecting the beauty and heritage of Au Diable Vert and the surrounding region is key to all aspects of our business

Given that one of the primary drivers of guests to visit us is the beauty and history of the region, is of paramount importance that this is actively protected as we grow and innovate. In recognition of the efforts, Au Diable Vert was the recipient of the Canadian Tourism Awards – Parks Canada Award for Sustainable Tourism – winner 2010 – honorable mention 2011. This award is given to the most ecological tourism business in Canada!

Natural resources

Onsite, natural resources are protected through the elimination of all vehicular traffic and all guests are required to ‘people power’ all their activities, ensuring trails and the forest floor are not damaged.

Recycling

Mandatory recycling, garbage minimization and leave-no-trace philosophies are instilled in all guests to keep the impact of our business on the environment to a minimum.

Sensitive areas

Sensitive areas within the property are marked to ensure their protection, and guests are required to stay on trails, and leave all flora and fauna where they lie.

Cows food

Our grass-fed cows are features of the property and a traditional rotational grazing system allows us to minimize the impact of the cows on the environment and our guests, and portable water system and solar fence energizer complete the ‘green management’ of our herd. A taste of beef our guests enjoy and bring home with them.

Au Diable Vert - 4-season mountain and outdoor resort at Glen Sutton

Even more protection

Ever conscious of minimizing the impact of our business on the environment, Au Diable Vert has taken several active steps to ensure this is accomplished in every possible way. Specific measures put in place are numerous and include :

  • Firewood for cabins and campers is sourced from fallen dead wood or forest pruning initiatives, live standing trees are never used for firewood. Starting in 2016 all small cabins now use sustainable ecologs for interior heating.
  • Strict rules and education prevent guests from taking any wood (or flora or fauna) from the property.
  • Guests are educated on the from bringing firewood from other regions to avoid cross contamination of different forest environments.
  • Garbage minimization, mandatory recycling and composting are required for all guests.
  • Cabins are highly insulated with soy-based spray foam, reducing the amount of heating required.
  • Lighting for cabins provided through and solar panel/battery system,- no electricity is available to cabins or campsites.
  • All construction utilizes wood from local trees never more than 50 kms from the site. Wood is responsibly harvested, not kiln dried and used in as an unprocessed form as possible.
  • All water use, including for the herd of cattle is taken from a single source artesian well, tested bi-weekly for water purity in conjunction with Environment Quebec.

  • No fertilizer, pesticides or insecticides are ever used on pastures. Cattle are never kept on the same piece of pasture for more than 3 consecutive weeks, pastures are chain harrowed following each cattle rotation to speed breakdown of manure.

Sustainable Tourism 2030

The Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge

Au Diable Vert has signed the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge, to demonstrate our commitment to improving the sustainability performance of our organization and our business, between now and 2030.

The UN World Tourism Organization defines sustainable tourism as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.”

At Au Diable Vert, we are committed to fostering sustainable practices within the tourism industry. Our pledge includes actionable steps aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to ensure a positive impact on the environment, local communities, and our business.

Each year, we commit to measuring and improving our sustainability performance in each of the following ways:

1. Environmental Conservation:

• Implementing renewable energy sources for our facilities by 2030, reducing carbon emissions by 50%.

• Preserving local biodiversity through initiatives like reforestation and wildlife protection programs.

• Reducing light pollution to preserve and expand our status as a dark sky reserve and educate guests and local communities.

• Deepening our partnerships with the NCC which has led to the conservation, stewardship and public access to multiple natural areas around Au Diable Vert.

2. Community Engagement:

• Collaborating with local communities to support their economic development through fair employment, sourcing goods locally, and promoting connection with nature.

• Establishing a volunteer and fundraising commitment for the local community and regional organizations in health and well-being.

• Investing in educational programs for local residents about sustainability and environmental stewardship.

3. Waste Reduction and Management:

• Achieving zero waste to landfill by 2030 through recycling programs and minimizing single-use plastics.

• Encouraging guests to participate in waste reduction initiatives during their stay and leave no trace practices.

4. Promotion of Responsible Tourism:

• Educating guests about responsible travel practices, including respecting local cultures and environments.

• Supporting and promoting other businesses that align with sustainable principles.

5. Monitoring and Reporting:

• Regularly assessing our progress, setting measurable goals, and transparently reporting achievements and challenges to stakeholders.

By actively pursuing these initiatives and aligning our actions with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Au Diable Vert is dedicated to contributing positively to both the environment and the communities we operate in. We believe that sustainable tourism is not just a trend but an essential commitment for the long-term health and well-being of our world. We are excited to embark in this process and aim towards a certification with GreenStep.