The Aerospace Eco-Responsibility Initiative

A structuring program that has supported nearly 40 SMEs in their sustainable transition.

Tangible results, committed partners, measurable impacts and momentum that continues through new collective initiatives.

Concrete Impacts for the Ecosystem

In a context marked by increasing ESG performance requirements and where sustainable innovation is being driven by pressure from major OEMs, new government and defense procurement rules, and increasingly stringent global market standards, particularly in Europe, Aéro Montréal launched the Eco-responsibility initiative to accelerate the integration of ESG factors across Québec’s aerospace supply chain.

Delivered in partnership with COESIO, the program has enabled more than 40 SMEs to structure and accelerate their sustainable transition through tailored support, practical tools, and strong intercompany collaboration.

The program has generated tangible outcomes, both within participating organizations and across the broader ecosystem. Discover how it has helped transform industry practices, raise ESG standards, and equip the leaders of tomorrow.

Companies wishing to take part in the initiative and benefit from professional support as well as dedicated financial assistance may register individually.

Concrete Program Outcomes

9 6 7 7 0

8 3 6 4 9

8 %

of companies found a clear and structured methodology

9 2 6 9 8

8 6 5 3 0

8 %

report feeling motivated to take action based on the priorities identified

8 4 9 2 5

8 8 0 9 4

8 %

would recommend the program to their peers

4 1 6 9 2

0 9 0 5 1

+ 2 3 0 7

Understanding ESG Standards

The Eco-responsibility initiative is built on an integrated vision of overall ESG performance, enabling companies to anticipate the requirements of major OEMs, government procurement, and international markets, particularly in Europe. COESIO supports SMEs at every stage of this transformation.

Environment (E)

Assessment and improvement of environmental performance. Example criteria include:

Reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
Energy efficiency and process optimization
Responsible management of raw materials and waste
Circularity, eco design, and responsible supplier selection
Regulatory compliance and anticipation of emerging standards
Analysis of environmental flows (materials, energy, GHG emissions)
Asset decarbonization
Identification of operational and financial gains
Monitoring tools for environmental performance indicators
Support in meeting European requirements (CSRD, CBAM, sector specific regulations)

Social (S)

Strengthening human capital, corporate culture, and social practices. Example criteria include:

Occupational health and safety
Skills development and training plans
Talent attraction, engagement, and retention
Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Community relations and local impacts
Organizational culture and skills assessment
Sector adapted tools for manufacturing and aerospace
Internal training programs and team development support
Integration of social considerations into governance and operational processes

Governance (G)

Structuring decision making, transparency, and compliance. Example criteria include:

ESG risk management
Ethics, compliance, and business integrity
Accountability and internal policies
Decision making processes and issue disclosure
Integration of ESG factors into business strategy
Implementation of internal policies (governance, ethics, responsible procurement, risk management)
Definition of performance indicators and ESG dashboards
Strategic alignment with client and market expectations
Support in structuring accountability and reporting mechanisms

Support Packages Offered as Part of the Program

The Eco-responsibility program, delivered in partnership with COESIO, offers pathways tailored to the realities of SMEs. The proposed approach is grounded in contextual pragmatism, innovation, strategic thinking, operational execution, and rapid, measurable impact.

360° ESG Diagnostic — A comprehensive assessment of ESG strengths, risks, and opportunities. Includes:

Maturity profile across the three pillars (Environment, Social, Governance) │ Mapping of existing practices and stakeholders │ Prioritization of key issues and high value actions │ Sector benchmark to position the company against current requirements

Customized ESG Strategic and Action Plan — Co-creation of a realistic roadmap aligned with client requirements and international markets.

Soutien à la mise en œuvre et au changement

OESIO supports teams in transforming on-the-ground practices. Includes: │ Manager coaching │ Implementation of tools (indicators, registers, internal processes) │ Operational support (responsible procurement, quality processes, OHS, HR) │ Progress monitoring and guidance on ESG investments

Industry focused workshops and intercompany collaboration

A core component of the program: learning from peers, accelerating collective solutions, and strengthening the value chain. The program notably includes: Thematic workshops (Environmental management systems, GHG emissions, sustainable innovation, governance, risk management, supply chain, OEM requirements) │ Peer exchange sessions focused on shared challenges and best practices │ Direct connections with OEMs and strategic partners

Financial Assistance for Participating Companies

Certain eligible SMEs may benefit from financial support to facilitate the completion of the diagnostic and the implementation of ESG actions. COESIO supports companies with: Understanding eligibility criteria │ Optimizing available funding │ Planning implementation steps to maximize the impact of financial support │ Preparing grant applications and managing follow up

With the support of

Why launch an Eco-responsibility initiative within your industry cluster?

The Eco-responsibility initiative within a sectoral cluster enables companies to be supported collectively in their sustainable transition. It helps SMEs integrate ESG factors through practical tools and shared support, while strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of the entire supply chain.

By fostering collaboration and innovation, the initiative turns environmental and social challenges into true performance levers for the whole ecosystem.

Participating Companies

What next?

he Eco-responsibility initiative led by Aéro Montréal laid the foundations for a long term sustainable transformation. Concluded in early 2025, the Asset Decarbonization cohort, delivered with the support of CAE, the Fonds Écoleader, and the expertise of COESIO, enabled several SMEs to integrate eco responsible practices into their business strategies. The initiative continues with the Eco-design & Decarbonization cohort (October 2025 to March 2026), supported by the Fonds Écoleader and delivered with COESIO, to support aerospace companies in analyzing their carbon footprint and integrating eco design into their products. Interested in engaging in the energy transition? Contact our team.

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