Energy efficiency - The Quebec government and Cascades invest $11.3 million in two energy efficiency projects

TÉMISCOUATA-SUR-LE-LAC, QC, Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - With two major projects at its Cabano plant supported by the Quebec government, Cascades will significantly decrease its heavy-fuel oil consumption. These investments will result in an annual reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) equivalent to taking 4,000 light duty vehicles off the road!

Ministers Pierre Arcand and Jean D'Amour, and Cascades President and Chief Executive Officer Mario Plourde, have confirmed that the two energy efficiency projects represent a total investment of $11.3 million in the Cascades Containerboard Packaging–Cabano plant. The government of Quebec will contribute financial aid in the amount of $5.2 million for the two projects, while Cascades will invest $6.1 million.

The projects consist in modifying two residual forest biomass boilers. One will be upgraded with automated controls. The second, more ambitious project involves installing a new combustion chamber and combustion air preheater to the other boiler. These projects will allow the plant to improve boiler operating time and efficiency while limiting the use of another boiler that consumes heavy-fuel oil.

"For many years, Cascades has been taking responsible steps in the area of energy efficiency. We can be proud of this Quebec business for rolling up its sleeves and unreservedly participating in the energy transition, which has been in full swing since our ambitious 2030 Energy Policy was released. This transition not only allows us to improve our quality of life and protect the environment, but also develops and modernizes Quebec's economy," said Pierre Arcand, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Minister responsible for the Northern Plan and Minister responsible for the Côte-Nord region.

"Projects like the ones announced today are part of a long list of environmental initiatives that have made Cascades a leader in sustainable development. This investment will allow us to reduce our ecological footprint and even further improve our energy performance. Thanks to our employees' efforts and ingenuity, Cascades already consumes 2.7% less energy than the Canadian average to manufacture the same products," added Mario Plourde, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cascades.

"With these two new energy efficiency projects, Cascades once again proves it is possible to combine environmental responsibility and economic development—objectives that are perfectly aligned with our government's directions. I am proud to see that Quebec companies are getting involved in the energy transition, to the benefit of all Quebecers!" said Jean D'Amour, Minister for Maritime Affairs and Minister responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent region.

"Thanks to the Green Fund, whose revenues mainly come from the carbon market, the government is supporting Quebec businesses in their transition toward a more carbon‑constrained world. In addition to contributing to the modernization and sustainable development of our economy, this concrete measure, which ties into our 2013-2020 Climate Change Action Plan, allows us to fight climate change together, for a better future for our children. Let's do this for them!" added David Heurtel Minister of Sustainable Development, the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change.

About the 2030 Energy Policy
The vision presented in the 2030 Energy Policy is designed to garner the support of all types of consumers, from private citizens to large companies. It proposes ambitious targets that consumers can help achieve, and from which they will also benefit directly, and shows how the Government will support consumers at every step of the energy transition process. The Policy is a pact proposed by the Government to transform Quebec's energy profile between now and 2030.

For further information, see http://politiqueenergetique.gouv.qc.ca

About Cascades
Founded in 1964, Cascades produces, converts and markets packaging and tissue products that are composed mainly of recycled fibres. The Company employs 11,000 women and men, who work in close to 90 production units in North America and Europe. With its management philosophy, half a century of experience in recycling, and continuous efforts in research and development as driving forces, Cascades continues to deliver the innovative products that customers have come to rely on. Cascades' shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CAS.

SOURCE Cascades Inc.