1. OBJECTIVES OF THE POLICY
Sustainable development is defined as a development “which meets the needs of the present without compromising the capacity of future generations to answer their own needs”.

Since its foundation, the principles of sustainable development have been a fundamental part of the activities of RSW Inc., and this, by the very nature of its energy projects and its field of activity in research and development.

With this policy, RSW Inc. commits to integrating the principles of sustainable development in its decision-making and management. In its actions, RSW Inc. commits to respecting the three poles of sustainable development: environmental, economical, and social, and this, both from within its daily activities, and externally in the update of its projects and in its advisory role.

2. RESPONSIBILITY
The policy is under the responsibility of Engineering Management. RSW Inc. Management adopts the necessary guidelines to implement the present policy and takes the appropriate measures to ensure policy compliance.

3. GUIDELINES
RSW Inc. recognizes the importance of the guidelines of sustainable development as set out here, and on which this policy is based.

3.1 PARTICIPATION AND COMMITMENT
Sustainable development depends on the commitment of all and requires the participation and partnership of all members of society.

3.2 RESPONSIBLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
Methods of production and consumption must evolve in order to minimize their negative impact on social and environmental objectives and, in particular, to avoid waste and resource depletion.

3.3 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Environmental protection must be an integral part of the sustainable development process.

3.4 ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY
Management practices must encourage innovation and efficiency. They must generate economic prosperity for the sake of social justice and improving the quality of the environment.

3.5 PRECAUTIONS
The lack of certainty, given the technical and scientific knowledge at the time, should not delay the adoption of effective measures to prevent the risk of serious and irreversible harm to the environment.

3.6 PREVENTION
In the presence of a known risk, preventive and corrective measures must be implemented as a priority at source, using the best technology available at an economically acceptable cost.

3.7 HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE
The people, health protection, and quality of life improvement are central concerns relating to sustainable development. The people are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature.

3.8 ACCESS TO KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION
Access to knowledge and information stimulates innovation and promotes sustainable development awareness and participation in its implementation.

4. IMPLEMENTATION OF GUIDELINES
With consideration of the three dimensions of sustainable development, that is environmental (or living environment), social (or lifestyle) and economic (or standard of living), RSW inc. implements these guidelines by committing to:

• Adopt the standards, procedures and necessary systems for sustainable management, for safe and environmentally friendly activities, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
• Encourage renewable energy projects and those having minimal ecological impact;
• Raise customers’ awareness, both in Canada and abroad, by offering solutions that meet the principles of sustainable development;
• Integrate the guidelines in all important aspects of our activities through awareness programs and information;
• Communicate our commitment to management, our employees and our business partners and provide training adapted to their needs;
• Communicate this policy to our suppliers and invite them to comply with;
• Promote research, development and innovation activities in our business sectors;
• Encourage the transfer of knowledge within the company and to our customers in emerging countries;
• Favor, when possible, the purchase of local goods and services, designed and delivered in an ecologically responsible way;
• Take the necessary actions to protect the health of our employees, to ensure their safety at work and improve their quality of life;
• Encourage our employees to use sustainable means of transportation (ex.: cycling) as well as ecological gestures in everyday life (such as minimizing paper), to reduce environmental impacts.

5. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
The Sustainable Development Committee’s mandate is to establish an action plan in order to attain the objectives set in this policy and to coordinate its implementation. The action plan is approved by RSW Inc. Management, which allocates the material, financial and human resources, necessary for its implementation.
The Sustainable Development Committee is responsible for making recommendations to Management to ensure the implementation of the policy and its evolvement. It is composed of employees who are concerned about the environment and want to get actively involved.