UL ECOLOGO® Requirements

Legal compliance

All applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and policies shall be respected by certified companies.

Business ethics

From a business ethics perspective, the normative requirements include indicators relating to the prevention of corruption and the accountability of directors and officers.

Specifically, certified companies must ensure the ethical behaviour of members of the organization and adopt a code of ethics and a diversity and inclusion strategy, as well as invest in identifying risks of corruption, the disclosure of irregularities, training and monitoring.

Transparency and reporting

Transparency and reporting in relation to responsible governance practices involve compliance with regulatory requirements when disclosing information, as well as ongoing disclosure of information to shareholders.

While the requirements under this principle specifically address information disclosed to investors, other indicators arising from responsible corporate governance practices address the sharing of information with affected communities.

Recognition of the concerns of affected communities

The normative requirements involve taking into account the concerns of affected communities and Indigenous communities.

For affected communities, the certified company shall ensure the identification and participation of potentially affected stakeholders, the sharing of information, the application of mitigation measures, the resolution of disputes and the respect of its commitments. In addition to these requirements, the recognition of the concerns of Indigenous communities involves developing and adhering to a communication protocol.

Quality of visual, noise and sensory environment

To ensure the quality of the visual environment of affected communities, the certified company shall consult with local authorities and implement measures to mitigate and remediate negative visual impacts.

Local authorities shall also be consulted to ensure the quality of the noise and sensory environment, and monitoring systems necessary to ensure compliance with agreed limits shall be established.

Respect for cultural heritage

In order to respect the cultural heritage of affected communities and Indigenous communities, mitigation and remediation measures for negative impacts on cultural heritage sites that are not protected by current legislation and which are identified by competent authorities, shall be implemented by certified companies.

Health and Safety

Risk identification, the application of mitigation measures, the development and communication of intervention procedures are required to ensure the health and safety of employees and populations.

For employees, the certified company shall implement a prevention programs, emergency measures, training and risk analysis, in addition to establishing appropriate communication and supervision systems. Other provisions must be applied when working on ice or working with particular substances.

Air, water and soil quality

Mineral exploration activities shall be carried out in a way that has the least impact on the environment. The use of biodegradable products that comply with international ecological certifications is required. Several other elements are regulated to ensure water and soil quality, including forest management, hazardous materials, water withdrawals, sediments, camps and site restoration.

Efficient use of resources

From an efficiency perspective, the use of resources must be quantified in order to aim for consumption reduction and continuous improvement. With respect to waste production, the standard proposes to manage residual materials according to the 4 Rs hierachy: Reduction at source, Reuse, Recycling and Recovery. Disposal is the last resort. In addition, a residual materials management plan must be developed with clear objectives for reducing landfilling.

Respect for sensitive areas and wildlife habitats

Verification of the presence of sensitive areas and wildlife on the territory and the application of mitigation or avoidance measures recommended by the various ministries are mandatory. Workers shall be familiar with sensitive species potentially present on the territory in order to recognize them even if they have not been previously listed or located. Wildlife located on private land is also protected by the standard.

Use of responsible technologies

In order to reduce their environmental and social footprint as well as costs associated with their activities, certified companies shall pay particular attention to innovation. Specifically, they shall promote the acquisition of knowledge and ensure information monitoring, in addition to using responsible technologies likely to improve the quality of the environment and to help preserve the quality of life of communities.

Local investment

Local investment occurs through the selection of local and Indigenous workers and suppliers. These practices are important because they generate local economic benefits and promote community development, particularly through the sharing of knowledge and skills.

Economic efficiency

The efficient use of financial resources of certified companies involves financial analysis, environmental and civil liability insurance, the development and implementation of a procurement policy, the periodic assessment of the relevance of continuing work as well as the adequate use of proceeds from the issuance of flow-through shares.