Maintaining sustainable real estate

We maintain sustainability features to help reduce the impacts of our buildings on the environment through the implementation of processes, features and initiatives that are more sustainable in certain areas of our real estate portfolio. Some of these include:

Reducing the environmental impacts of our street furniture

In addition to maintaining a range of certifications for our buildings, Bell strives to limit the environmental impacts of street furniture deployed throughout Canadian cities. In Toronto alone, more than 4,600 of our bus shelters and 2,200 of our benches have been designed to promote the use of recycled materials and wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), a non-profit organization that certifies forests and products that meet strict environmental, social, and economic standards. The use of recycled materials promotes a circular economy, whereas the use of FSC-certified wood promotes responsible forest management. Additionally, when planning, modular design is preferred for street furniture as it is easily replaceable (replacement of only the damaged parts is required) and reduces the volume of waste generated. A more eco-friendly maintenance program that limits the use of chemicals complements these attributes. In addition, the upstream selection of materials that are easy to clean allows for the quick removal of graffiti and vandalism markings, whilst reducing the waste generated by the replacement of damaged parts.

Reforestation

Since 2022, Bell has proudly partnered with Tree Canada, a national non-profit organization dedicated to planting and nurturing trees in rural and urban environments, to celebrate National Tree Day. This collaboration is a key component of Bell's commitment to greater environmental sustainability and community engagement.

For the past three years, on National Tree Day, Bell employees across Canada have rolled up their sleeves and gotten their hands dirty, planting trees in various cities. Planting trees not only helps combat climate change, promote biodiversity, and improve air quality in our communities, but it also fosters a sense of community and helps enhance employee well-being. These events are more than just a way to contribute to a greener Canada; they offer numerous benefits, including improved mental health from spending time outdoors, increased physical activity, fostering a connection with nature, mindfulness and focus.

Tree planting is a complex and rewarding endeavor. It involves selecting the right sites, choosing species that are well-suited to local climates and conditions and using proper planting techniques to ensure high survival rates.  For Bell employee volunteers, these initiatives also serve as an educational opportunity. Tree Canada provides valuable guidance on how to plant trees correctly, ensuring they thrive and contribute to the environment for years to come. Bell's involvement in these initiatives highlights our dedication to environmental stewardship and our belief in the long-term positive impacts of biodiversity. We are proud to be part of this vital effort to create a healthier and more sustainable future for Canada, contributing to Canada's 2 Billion Trees Program (2BT)^{1footnote 1}.