Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
1. Context for the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
The 2016–2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Footnote i (FSDS):
- sets out the Government of Canada’s sustainable development priorities
- establishes goals and targets
- identifies actions to achieve them, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act Footnote ii.
In keeping with the objectives of the Act to make environmental decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) supports reporting on the implementation of the FSDS and its Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy, through the activities described in this supplementary information table.
2. Sustainable Development in Natural Resources Canada
NRCan’s Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy for 2017 to 2020 describes the department’s actions in support of achieving Clean Energy, Clean Growth, Sustainably Managed Lands and Forests, Low Carbon Government, Effective Action on Climate Change, Modern and Resilient Infrastructure, Healthy Coasts and Oceans, Pristine Lakes and Rivers, and Safe and Healthy Communities goals. This supplementary information table presents available results for the departmental actions pertinent to these goals. Last year’s supplementary information table is posted on the department’s website Footnote iii. This year, NRCan is also noting which UN Sustainable Development Goal target each departmental action contributes to achieving.
3. Departmental performance by FSDS goal
The following tables provide performance information on departmental actions in support of the FSDS goals listed in section 2.
FSDS Target(s) FSDS Goal: Clean Energy |
FSDS Contributing Action(s) | Corresponding Departmental Action(s) | Alignment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target for 2030 Agenda | Starting Point(s), Target(s) and Performance Indicator(s) for Departmental Actions | Results Achieved |
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By 2030, 90% and in the long term, 100% of Canada’s electricity is generated from renewable and non-emitting sources | Invest in clean energy technologies | Develop and demonstrate advanced materials technologies for clean energy production | 9.4 By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities |
Number of innovative materials technologies developed, contributed to, or validated by NRCan for use in power generation systems. Target: 2 over 3 years Ratio of NRCan program investments in clean energy S&T to leveraged funding from partners.Footnote 1 Target: 1:1 ratioFootnote 1 |
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Work with Atomic Energy Canada Limited and other federal departments to deliver the Federal Nuclear Science & Technology program | 7.1 By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services |
The number of discrete federal, activities and projects that are initiated.Footnote 2 Target: 5 discrete projects / initiatives undertaken per year |
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Promote collaboration and work with partners on clean energy | Identify, study and seek consensus on the most promising electricity infrastructure projects that can significantly reduce GHG emissions through the Regional Electricity Cooperation and Strategic Infrastructure initiative | 7.a By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology |
Number of quality products made available to decision makers in a timely manner. Target: Two regional reports that identify the most promising electricity infrastructure projects that can significantly reduce GHG emissions in the Western and Eastern Canadian electricity systems by March 2018 |
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Participate in the Generation IV International Forum, a multilateral endeavour and undertake research and development (R&D) to develop the next generation of nuclear energy systems | 7.a By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology |
The number of discrete federal, provincial and territorial activities and projects that are initiated Target: Greater than 2 discrete projects/ initiatives undertaken per yearFootnote 3 |
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Support voluntary action to reduce GHG and air pollutant emissions through clean energy generation and consumption |
Continue actions to support renewable energy deployment to:
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7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy |
Number of terawatt-hours (TWh) of renewable electricity produced Target: 10.2Footnote 4 TWh (equivalent to the annual power consumption of a typical Canadian city of about 750,000 people) |
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7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy |
There is no existing legislative framework Target: A legislative framework is in place by 2019 |
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NRCan supports the FSDS Goal but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target | Support voluntary action to reduce GHG and air pollutant emissions through clean energy generation and consumption | Provide a new suite of tools to support consumers’ vehicle purchasing decisions and encourage fuel-efficient driving behaviours | 7.1 By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services |
Vehicle purchases influenced by NRCan fuel efficiency information products and tools (qualitative analysis on usefulness of information provided) Target: Fuel efficiency ranks in the top 3 purchasing decision factors for light-duty vehicles by March 31, 2021.Footnote 5 |
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NRCan supports the FSDS Goal but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target | Invest in clean energy technologies | Support Finance Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada in identifying and phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2025 | 9.4 By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities |
Year by which fossil fuel subsidies have been phased out. Target: fossil fuel subsidies are phased out by 2025 |
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Add a certification component for high-performing commercial and institutional buildings to the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager benchmarking tools to allow building owners to compare their energy use and prompt them to make improvements | 7.3 By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency |
Starting point: There is no existing certification program for buildings Target: Introduction of ENERGY STAR® certification for buildings by 2018 |
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Launch the ENERGY STAR® for Industry program in Canada and offer plant certification to 2-3 industry sectors to recognize high performers | UN SDG target: 7.3 By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency |
Energy saved by industry in petajoules from energy efficiency programs Target: 23.2 petajoules saved annually (equivalent to the annual energy used by more than 208,800 typical Canadian households, excluding transportation) in 2021-22 |
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Accelerate the adoption of ISO 50001, an innovative energy management system in the industrial sector | 7.3 By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency |
Energy saved by industry in petajoules from energy efficiency programs Target: 23.2 petajoules saved annually (equivalent to the annual energy used by more than 208,800 typical Canadian households, excluding transportation) in 2021-22 |
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NRCan supports the FSDS Goal but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target | Play a leading role in international agreements and initiatives involving clean energy | Advance Canada’s clean energy and climate mitigation goals through partnerships under the North American Clean Energy Cooperation, Mission Innovation, the International Energy Agency, and the Clean Energy Ministerial process, as well as the G7 & G20, among others | 7a By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology | NRCan undertakes bilateral and multilateral agreements and initiatives with key partners that advance Canadian priorities for clean energy. (signed at the Assistant Deputy Minister level or above). Target:.Not defined given variability of factors affecting international engagement.Footnote 6 |
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FSDS Target(s) FSDS Goal: Clean Growth |
FSDS Contributing Action(s) | Corresponding Departmental Action(s) | Alignment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target for 2030 Agenda | Starting Point(s), Target(s) and Performance Indicator(s) for Departmental Actions | Results Achieved |
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Implement our Mission Innovation commitment to double federal government investments in clean energy research, development and demonstration, by 2020, from 2015 levels | Work with partners on developing and adopting new technologies to reduce GHG and air pollutant emissions | Advance international collaboration on clean energy RD&D through Mission Innovation by implementing domestic initiatives. | 17.16 Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources, to support the achievement of the sustainable development goals in all countries, in particular developing countries |
Ratio of NRCan program investments in clean energy S&T to leveraged funding from partners Target: 1:1 ratio Starting point: Federal investments of $387 million in clean energy RD&D in 2014-2015 Doubling Government of Canada’s federal investments for clean energy RD&D Target: Federal investments of $775 million in clean energy RD&D by 2019-20. |
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NRCan supports the FSDS Goal but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target | Invest in technologies to reduce GHG and air pollutant emissions | Support the development of technologies to reduce energy consumption in mining and milling and eliminate diesel replacing it with alternative energy sources in underground mines under the Green Mining Initiative | 9.4 By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities |
Number of demonstration projects implemented supporting the development of one or more technologies. Target: 3 demonstration projects implemented by 2023.Footnote 7 |
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Implement the Government of Canada’s actions to develop clean technologies to reduce GHG emission, air pollutants and water uses in the energy sector through initiatives such as:
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9.5 Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending |
Ratio of NRCan program investments in clean technology to leveraged funding from partners Target: 1:1 ratio Starting point: emission levels of 2016-17 Through NRCan supported RD&D, reduce GHG emissions from past and ongoing clean technology projects Target: A decrease in emissions of 1 million tonnes a year (equivalent to 250,000 passenger cars removed from our roads) starting in 2017-18 |
Programs such as EIP, Clean Growth and Impact Canada Cleantech continue to invest in RD&D, which will reduce GHG emissions. |
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Develop and demonstrate advanced materials technologies for the safe transportation of hydrocarbons and to reduce emissions in the transportation and industrial sectors | 9.4 By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities |
Number of innovative materials technologies or standards developed, contributed to, or validated by NRCan for use in the safe transportation of hydrocarbons and to reduce emissions in the transportation and industrial sectors Target: 3 over 5 years |
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NRCan supports the FSDS Goal but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target | Support voluntary action to reduce GHG and air pollutant emissions | Provide financial contributions to FPInnovations, other forest sector research partners and eligible forest product companies for RD&D of new products, processes and technologies focused on clean energy such as biofuels | 9.4 By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities |
Number of new products and processes resulting from NRCan information. Target: 2 per year Number of new economic development projects facilitated, brokered, and/or developed in/by Indigenous communities with NRCan knowledge and funding. Target: 8 per year Annual research plan endorsed by the FPInnovations National Research Advisory Committee. Target: 1 endorsed research plan per year |
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NRCan supports the FSDS Goal but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target | Invest in technologies to reduce water pollution | Develop new technology or processes to reduce the environmental footprint of mining operations, such as minimal liquid discharge mill using advanced separation and water treatment technologies | 9.4 By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities |
Number of pilot-scale demonstration for water management in mining and mineral processing completed. Target: at least one by 2020 |
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FSDS Target(s) FSDS Goal: Sustainably Managed Lands and Forests |
FSDS Contributing Action(s) | Corresponding Departmental Action(s) | Alignment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target for 2030 Agenda | Starting Point(s), Target(s) and Performance Indicator(s) for Departmental Actions | Results Achieved |
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Between now and 2020, maintain Canada’s annual timber harvest at or below sustainable wood supply levels | Better understand lands and forests |
Increase the scientific knowledge of forest ecosystems, including by: Footnote 8
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15.2 By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally |
Starting point: 100 advisory boards and committees Participation of the Canadian Forest Service on advisory boards or committees involving the sharing of knowledge on forest ecosystems to governments, industry and nongovernmental organizations Target: Participation on advisory boards and committees stays within 10% of starting point Target: Provide input for 2 per year Number of active collaborations with public and private sector that manage risk or opportunities to human population, natural resources and infrastructure health Target: 3 collaboration agreements per year Number times end users have access to indicators and tools (by website, presentation and meetings) to support the development of regional integrated assessments).Footnote 9 Target: Under development in parallel with indicators for other departmental reporting requirements. |
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Use legislation and regulations to manage the spread of invasive alien species | Develop science-based solutions and tools to better detect, slow the spread and reduce impact of invasive alien species, including working in partnership with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to create wood packaging standards and control measures to manage known and unknown alien species | 15.8 By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems and control or eradicate the priority species. |
Starting point: 100 advisory boards and committees Participation of the Canadian Forest Service on advisory boards or committees involving the sharing of knowledge on forest disturbances to governments, industry, and non-governmental organizations Target: Participation on advisory boards and committees stays within 10% of starting point |
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Build capacity and provide support |
Through engagement with provinces and territories, industry and international partners, develop and deliver science-based solutions to help reduce wildland fires for forest-based communities. Sharing international wildland fire management resources will advance fire response by fire management agencies and first responders. Opportunities for knowledge sharing include:
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15.2 By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally |
Starting point: 100 advisory boards and committees Participation of the Canadian Forest Service on advisory boards or committees involving the sharing of knowledge on forest disturbances to governments, industry, and non-governmental organizations Target: Participation on advisory boards and committees stays within 10% of starting point |
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Develop a forest bioeconomy framework with the provinces and territories that identifies the type of concerted actions required for creating favourable research and investment conditions to enhance the growth and competitiveness of emerging bioeconomy activities in Canada | 15.2 By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally |
Developing a forest bioeconomy framework Target: 1 framework endorsed with annual reporting, as agreed by the members of the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers |
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Work with domestic and international partners | Work collaboratively with provinces and territories, federal agencies (e.g., ECCC, Public Safety Canada, Parks Canada) and Indigenous communities to implement and advance wildland fire and forest pest strategies | 15.2 By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally. |
Starting point:100 advisory boards and committees Participation of the Canadian Forest Service on advisory boards or committees involving the sharing of knowledge on forest disturbances to governments, industry, and non-governmental organizations Target: Participation on advisory boards and committees stays within 10% of starting point |
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NRCan supports the FSDS Goal but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target | Build capacity and provide support | Provide Indigenous communities and organizations with financial and technical support to increase their participation in Canada’s forest sector | 15.2 By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally. |
Number of new economic development projects facilitated, brokered, and/or developed in/by Indigenous communities with NRCan knowledge and funding Target: 8 new projects annually, facilitated, brokered, and/or developed with NRCan knowledge and funding Annual research plan endorsed by the FPInnovations National Research Advisory Committee that includes linkages with forecasted needs and priorities for Indigenous communities Target: 1 endorsed research plan per year. |
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NRCan supports the FSDS Goal but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target | Better understand lands and forests | Evaluate reclamation strategies and decommissioning scenarios to determine the environmental performance of rehabilitated mine waste management sites in Canada | 15.1 By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements |
Scientific evidence (e.g. publications, reports) used for environmental policy/guidance development. Target: 3 by 2023.Footnote 10 |
• Advanced scientific understanding of how the application of organic covers can accelerate the revegetation of mine tailings in order to reclaim the environment after mining activity. One example of a reclamation strategy being evaluated is the planting of hybrid willows in such covered tailings which can potentially generate energy production opportunities from biomass to be used on site at the mine to power other activities. |
FSDS Target(s) FSDS Goal: Effective Action on Climate Change |
FSDS Contributing Action(s) | Corresponding Departmental Action(s) | Alignment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target for 2030 Agenda | Starting Point(s), Target(s) and Performance Indicator(s) for Departmental Actions | Results Achieved |
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By 2030, reduce Canada’s total GHG emissions by 30%, relative to 2005 emission levels | Use regulations to limit GHG emissions | Set more than 35 minimum energy performance standards for appliances and equipment by 2020 under the Energy Efficiency Regulations | 7.3 By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency |
Energy savings (petajoules) from regulated products and market transformation.Footnote 11 Starting point: 2.35 petajoules saved in 2015-16 Target: 15.5 petajoules saved annually (equivalent to the annual energy used by approximately 139,500 typical Canadian households, excluding transportation) by 2021Footnote 12 |
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Work with partners on climate change | Collaborate with the United States of America and Mexico on a common benchmarking platform for the freight sector (the SmartWay Freight Partnership) | 17.16 Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources, to support the achievement of the sustainable development goals in all countries, in particular developing countries |
Starting point: 0% Percentage of SmartWay freight transport companies that implement lower carbon transportation options. Target 60% annually (maintained each year until 2021)Footnote 13 |
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Undertake RD&D that informs policies, standards and codes | 9.5 Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending |
Starting point: emission levels of 2016-17 Through NRCan supported RD&D, reduce GHG emissions (from past and ongoing clean energy technology projects). Target: A decrease in emissions of 1 million tonnes per year (equivalent to 250,000 passenger cars removed from our roads) starting in 2017-18 |
Programs such as EIP continue to invest in RD&D, which will reduce GHG emissions. |
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Support voluntary action to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to climate change |
Improve the energy efficiency of:
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7.3 By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency |
Energy saved in petajoules from the energy efficiency programs in the building sectorFootnote 14 Target: 265 petajoules saved (equivalent to the annual energy used by approximately 2,385,500 typical Canadian households, excluding transportation) in 2021 from energy efficiency programs funded in the building sectorFootnote 15 Energy saved by industry in petajoules from energy efficiency programs Target: 23.2 petajoules saved annually (equivalent to the annual energy used by more than 208,800 typical Canadian households, excluding transportation) in 2021-22Footnote 16 |
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Undertake RD&D to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector | 9.5 Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending |
Through NRCan supported RD&D contribute to reducing methane emissions in the oil and gas sector. Target: Contribute to the national target of reducing methane emissions by 40% to 45% by 2025. |
Methane project reporting on emissions starts in 2018-19. |
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Maintain and increase carbon stored in forested lands, by providing tools to monitor and measure carbon fluxes supported by the Carbon Budget ModelFootnote 17 | 15.2 By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally |
Starting point: report annually Annual report on carbon emissions and removals in Canada’s managed forests within “The State of Canada’s Forests”. Target: 1 report per year.Footnote 18 |
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NRCan supports the FSDS Goal but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target | Take a leading role in international agreements and initiatives on climate change | Promote international collaboration, including through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Clean Energy Ministerial , Mission Innovation and other fora that advance the global transition to low carbon economyFootnote 19 | 7.a By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology |
Percentage of Canada’s objectives for meetings of international climate and clean energy fora that are advanced through negotiations and consensus. Target: 70% |
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NRCan supports the FSDS Goal but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target | Work with partners on climate change |
Maintain leadership of Canada’s Climate Change Adaptation Platform Develop and share knowledge and tools, provide science information, and build capacity to enhance the resilience of Canadian communities and businesses in natural resource sectors to the impacts of climate change.Footnote 20 |
13.3 Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning |
Number of new knowledge products released by the Climate Change Adaptation Platform and the Climate Change Geoscience Program. Target: 40 new knowledge products by March 31, 2019Footnote 21 (It was: 20 knowledge products per year) |
Canada’s Climate Change Adaptation Platform: Organized and delivered two meetings of the Adaptation Platform Plenary:
Develop and share knowledge and tools:
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NRCan supports the FSDS Goal but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target | Conduct climate policy research and analysis | Create and disseminate information products and tools in support of decisions on climate change and clean energy issues | 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Percentage of tools and information made available to decision makers in a timely manner. Target: 100% |
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NRCan supports the FSDS Goal but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target | Provide in-kind support and funding for climate resilience |
Provide expert advice, and participate in workshops.Footnote 22 Deliver a contribution program that funds cost-shared, collaborative projects aimed at developing, transferring and integrating adaptation information and tools |
13.3 Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning |
Percentage of communities and businesses in natural-resource sectors reporting they have access to tools and information for adaptation decision making.. Target: 50%Footnote 23 |
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NRCan supports the FSDS Goal but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target | Develop a solid base of scientific research and analysis on climate change | Conduct research and analyses to develop scientific knowledge of forest disturbances (e.g., wildland fire, pests and climate change), which are used in collaboration with the public and private sectors to forecast impacts and develop mitigation and adaptation strategies | 15.2 By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally |
Starting point: 100 advisory boards and committees Participation of the Canadian Forest Service on advisory boards or committees involving the sharing of knowledge on forest disturbances to governments, industry, and non-governmental organizations Target: Participation on advisory boards and committees stays within 10% of starting point Number of active collaborations with public and private sectors that manage risk or opportunities to human population, natural resources and infrastructure health Target: Collecting data on 3 collaboration agreements per year |
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Provide new ‘big data’ tools and infrastructure for analyzing earth observation and other geospatial data to detect changes in land, water, natural resources and infrastructure, and facilitate discoverability and access to geospatial information for prevention and implementation of mitigation programs for natural disasters such as flooding | 13.3 Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning |
Number of times geospatial information tools and services are accessed Target: Baselines to be determined in 2018-2019 Average time elapsed from image receipt to the staging of emergency flood response products Target: 4 hours or less |
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FSDS Target(s) FSDS Goal: Modern and Resilient Infrastructure |
FSDS Contributing Action(s) | Corresponding Departmental Action(s) | Alignment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target for 2030 Agenda | Starting Point(s), Target(s) and Performance Indicator(s) for Departmental Actions | Results Achieved |
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By the end of 2025-2026, invest $20 billion in funding for green infrastructure initiatives that reduce GHG emissions and improve climate resilience and environmental quality | Work with partners on green infrastructure | Enhance the Energy Code for Buildings by 2020 and move towards net zero-energy-ready buildings | 7.3 By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency |
Starting point for commercial/institutional buildings: 2011 model National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB). Starting point for housing: 2015 model National Building Code (NBC), Part 9.36. Net-Zero Energy Ready (NZER) Code is available Targets: 1st tier of NZER codes for new construction will be published in 2020 and the 2nd and 3rd tier by 2022Footnote 24 |
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Demonstrate key emerging Smart Grid technologies essential to integrate a higher proportion of renewables onto the grid Support RD&D to drive down the cost and create market confidence in net zero building construction Demonstrate innovative clean energy solutions for northern communities and reduce their reliance on diesel power Facilitate the development and deployment of next generation electric vehicle charging infrastructure |
9.4 By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities |
Ratio of NRCan program investments in clean energy S&T to leveraged funding from partners Target: 1:1 ratio Reductions in GHG emissions from NRCan funded projects of green innovation Target: 11.44 megatons annually (equivalent to 2.86 million passenger cars removed from our roads) by 2030 Advancing Clean Energy Technologies Target: 50% of RD&D projects advance the technology readiness level of emerging technologies, by one level, by 2023. |
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Support the shift from higher to lower-emitting types of transportation, including through investing in infrastructure | 9.4 By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities |
Number of charging and refuelling stations (by fuel type) planned, under development and completed through the program. Target: GI1: 70 electric vehicle recharging stations, 6 natural gas and 2 hydrogen refuelling stations (by 2018) GI2: 900 electric vehicle charging stations, 15 natural has and 12 hydrogen refueling stations (by 2019)Footnote 25 |
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FSDS Target(s) FSDS Goal: Healthy Coasts and Oceans |
FSDS Contributing Action(s) | Corresponding Departmental Action(s) | Alignment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target for 2030 Agenda | Starting Point(s), Target(s) and Performance Indicator(s) for Departmental Actions | Results Achieved |
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By 2020, 10% of coastal and marine areas are conserved through networks of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures | Protect and manage marine and coastal areas | Complete resource and economic assessments to support the establishment of marine protected areas under the Marine Conservation Target initiative | 14.2 By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans |
Starting point: No assessments have been completed. New assessments are required to inform decisions on marine protected areas Complete resource and economic assessments for areas proposed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Parks Canada to help Canada achieve its goal of protecting 5% of marine and coastal areas by 2017 and 10% by 2020. Target: 10 qualitative or quantitative resource and economic assessments over 3 years |
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Generate maps of the seafloor to provide increased knowledge of natural hazards that could affect port facilities, tanker safety and oil spill prevention on the B.C. coast | 14.2 By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans |
Starting point is 4 publications per year Number of publications (including maps) released relating to natural hazards in existing or proposed areas of marine infrastructure. Target: 5 publications per year |
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Encourage industrial RD&D to improve recovery technologies, as well as inform integrated response plans | None |
Number of scientific publications and products related to measurable advances in spill recovery in the marine environment Target: Beginning in 2019, at least one scientific publication or product per year |
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FSDS Target(s) FSDS Goal: Pristine Lakes and Rivers |
FSDS Contributing Action(s) | Corresponding Departmental Action(s) | Alignment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target for 2030 Agenda | Starting Point(s), Target(s) and Performance Indicator(s) for Departmental Actions | Results Achieved |
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NRCan supports the FSDS Goal but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target | Work with partners on water quality and ecosystem health |
Using landscape–level considerations, assess influences of forest management and other disturbances on forest and aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem services with academic, provincial and industry partners. This will be supported by:
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15.1 By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements |
Starting point: 100 advisory boards and committees Participation of the Canadian Forest Service on advisory boards or committees involving the sharing of knowledge on forest ecosystems to governments, industry and nongovernmental organizations Target: Participation on advisory boards and committees stays within 10% of starting point |
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Conduct research to better understand the risk potential (i.e. remobilization) of metals in lake and river ecosystems in a changing climate | 15.1 By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements |
Scientific evidence (e.g. publications, reports) used for environmental policy/guidance development. Target: 3 by 2023 |
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Develop space-based technologies (e.g. remote sensing) and modelling forecasting methods that will allow a quantitative evaluation of groundwater resources Complete the National Hydro Network by creating and maintaining seamless transboundary watersheds and sub-watershed data that can be jointly used by agencies on both sides of the Canada/US border |
15.1 By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements |
Starting point: 2018-2019 Development of space-based technologies that allow quantitative evaluation. Completion of the National Hydro Network Timeline: 2018-2019Footnote 26 |
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NRCan supports the FSDS Goal but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target | Better understand lake and river ecosystems | Map the regional aquifer system of Southern-Ontario to assess the contribution of groundwater resources to the Great Lakes system and thus support water resources management | 15.1 By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements |
Number of acknowlegments from public and/or private sector organizations incorporating NRCan's groundwater geoscience information and tools into their products (e.g. aquifer maps and data, methods and approaches, plans and reports)Footnote 27 Target: 5 per year |
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Develop international groundwater resource data management standards to improve datasets interoperability | 17.6 Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation and enhance knowledge-sharing on mutually agreed terms, including through improved coordination among existing mechanisms, in particular at the United Nations level, and through a global technology facilitation mechanism |
Number of citations from public and/or private sector organizations incorporating NRCan's groundwater geoscience information and tools into their products (e.g., aquifer maps and data, methods and approaches, plans and reports) Target: 5 per year |
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Conduct research projects to evaluate the role of modifying factors on fate and effect of metals associated with regulated mining discharge into lake and river ecosystems in Canada | 15.1 By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements |
Scientific evidence (e.g. publications, reports) used for policy/guidance development Target: 3 by 2023 |
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NRCan supports the FSDS Goal but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target | Use legislation and regulations to protect lake and river ecosystems | Provide scientific evidence to improve the environmental relevance of Metal and Mining Effluent Regulations (MMERs) | 12.4 By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment |
Scientific evidence (e.g. publications, reports) used for policy/regulation development. CanmetMINING will also provide scientific advice to regulators (Environment and Climate Change Canada) in the development of MMERs Target: 3 by 2023 |
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Develop method to assess the aquatic hazard classification of metals and metal compounds | 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment |
Scientific evidence (e.g. publications, reports) used for both domestic and international regulation development Target: 3 by 2023 |
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FSDS Target(s) FSDS Goal: Safe and Healthy Communities |
FSDS Contributing Action(s) | Corresponding Departmental Action(s) | Alignment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target for 2030 Agenda | Starting Point(s), Target(s) and Performance Indicator(s) for Departmental Actions | Results Achieved |
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NRCan supports the FSDS Goal but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target | Prevent environmental emergencies or mitigate their impacts | Release of scientific publications, reports and maps to inform the safe location, design and operation of the built environment; support the environmentally and socially responsible development of natural resources; and support the plans and operation of emergency management organizations | 11.b By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters, and develop and implement, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, holistic disaster risk management at all levels. |
Number of new knowledge products released to open and accessible databases. Target: 25 annually |
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Conduct and provide real-time seismic and geomagnetic monitoring information to the governments, emergency management agencies, critical infrastructure operators, media outlets and the public | 11.b By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters, and develop and implement, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, holistic disaster risk management at all levels. |
Starting point: to be set from 2016-2017 results. Percentage of earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 or higher within Canada for which a notification was issued in four minutes or less from the time of sufficient data availability. Target: 75% (within the accuracy of four minutes or less), and 99% within 10 minutes |
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Develop new science and technology to ensure readiness for 2018 launch of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission. Data from the Mission would support efforts in maritime surveillance, disaster management and ecosystem monitoring | 11.b By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters, and develop and implement, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, holistic disaster risk management at all levels. | Target: Successful readiness for 2018 RADARSAT Constellation MissionFootnote 28 |
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NRCan supports the FSDS Goal but does not contribute to meeting a defined FSDS Target | Provide information to inform action and decision making | Implement Interim Measures to guide federal decisions on proposed major energy transmission projects (such as oil and gas pipelines), including the use of science, evidence, and traditional Indigenous knowledge; enhanced public engagement and Indigenous consultation; and direct and upstream GHG assessments | 11.b By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters, and develop and implement, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, holistic disaster risk management at all levels. |
Percentage of proposed major energy transmission project reviews that fulfill the Interim Measures during the interim period. Target: 100% |
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Co-develop and support the operations of Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committees for the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project (TMEP) and Line 3 Pipeline Replacement Program as a meaningful, transparent and accountable forum through which Indigenous communities can engage with and provide input to federal regulators and the proponent as well as participate in monitoring the project over its full lifecycle | 9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and trans-border infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all |
Starting point: No current active involvement of Indigenous groups in monitoring of major pipeline projects. Proposed indicator: Percentage of participating Indigenous groups who are satisfied with the Committees’ role in monitoring of the projects. Target: To be confirmed in collaboration with Indigenous partners. |
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Provide innovative scientific information to distinguish between the effects of human activity and resource development and those effects produced by natural processes on the environment | 11.a Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning |
Number of acknowledgements from public and/or private sector organizations incorporating NRCan's environmental geoscience information into their products.Footnote 29 Target: 5 per year |
More than 5 citations such as:
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Cooperate with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, review boards of the North and other federal stakeholders by providing science-based evidence and information to support environmental assessments | None |
Percentage of projects where NRCan has provided advice that is ultimately incorporated into an environmental assessment process. Target: 100% |
NRCan’s advice was requested and provided to decision makers for 47 project environmental assessments leading to achieve the target | ||
Provide oversight of federal funding for the Province of Saskatchewan’s Gunnar Mine Remediation Project | 12.4 By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. |
Payment of $1.13 million was made to Saskatchewan in 2007 for the federal share of Phase 1 of the Project. Percentage of payments made to Saskatchewan in the year they are required for eligible Phase 2 and Phase 3 expenses, as defined in the 2006 Memorandum of Agreement. |
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Continue efforts to enhance the safety and security of federally regulated infrastructure (i.e. energy transportation), including through legislative and regulatory measures and the modernization of the National Energy Board | 9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and trans-border infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all. |
Number of assessments and/or updates made to energy regulations or legislations Target: 2 per year |
NRCan amended 2 regulations in 2017-18:
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FSDS Target(s) FSDS Goal: Low-Carbon Government |
FSDS Contributing Action(s) | Corresponding Departmental Action(s) | Alignment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target for 2030 Agenda | Starting Point(s), Target(s) and Performance Indicator(s) for Departmental Actions | Results Achieved |
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Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from federal government buildings and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, with an aspiration to achieve it by 2025 | Improve the energy efficiency of our buildings/ operations | Support the Treasury Board Secretariat and Environment and Climate Change Canada in the development and the implementation of an action plan (under the departmental Low Carbon umbrella) for buildings and fleets in order to achieve the departmental GHG reduction goal of 40% by 2030 Footnote 30 | 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Starting point: GHG emissions from NRCan facilities in fiscal year 2005–06 (base year): = 32.04 ktCO2eq Current result:
Target: 40% by 2030 |
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Support the Treasury Board Secretariat and Environment and Climate Change Canada in the development and the implementation of an action plan (under the departmental Low Carbon umbrella) for buildings and fleets in order to achieve the departmental GHG reduction goal of 40% by 2030 | 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Percentage (%) change in GHG emissions from facilities from fiscal year 2005-06 to 2030 Target: 40% reduction (or 12.8 kilotons) in NRCan facility emissions by 2030 from 2005 levels |
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Continue to modernize the departmental workplace to achieve more efficient and productive use of space through Workplace 2.0 standards | 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
5% of office space is currently meeting Workplace 2.0 standards on NRCan’s primary office location in the National Capital Region, the Booth Street Complex (555, 601, 615, 580 and 588 Booth St. and 560 Rochester St.). Target: 25 % of office workspace at the Booth Street Complex that is to Workplace 2.0 standards by 2025 |
13% of workstations at the Booth Street Complex meets the Office Accommodation standard. | ||
Support the Treasury Board Secretariat Center for Greening Government by providing “a one-stop shop” for advice and technical support to other federal departments. This support will help federal organizations design and implement energy saving and GHG reduction projects in their facilities and deploy low-emission vehicles and charging stations. This work will also support the Center for Greening Government develop a centralized GHG inventory tool for reporting, monitoring and public disclosure of federal GHG emissions | 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Energy saved in terajoules per year for all federal organization projects that received support from NRCan. Targets:
Number of federal organizations (departments, agencies and Crown corporations) provided with information, tools and services to improve energy performance of federal buildings. Target: Total increase from 64 to 70 by 2022 |
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Modernize the Building Management Plan (BMP) process and update the Building Condition Reports (BCR) with a focus on energy efficiency and through an environmental lens | 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
NRCan began a new multi-year round of BCRs in the 2016-17 fiscal year. Target: 50% of major sites will have BCR completed by 2020-21 that would provide current “health” status of the building portfolio, a prerequisite to the planning of any improvement |
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Modernize our fleet | Support the Treasury Board Secretariat and Environment and Climate Change Canada in the development and the implementation of an action plan (under the departmental Low Carbon umbrella) for buildings and fleets in order to achieve the departmental GHG reduction goal of 40% by 2030 | 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Starting point: GHG emissions from NRCan fleet in fiscal year 2005–06 (base year): = 1.78 ktCO2eFootnote 31
Target: 40% by 2030 |
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Deploy lower emitting transportation options into the Department’s fleet by working with Public Services and Procurement Canada and Treasury Board Secretariat Centre for Greening Government, identify infrastructure needs and coordinate installation of several charging stations for electric vehicles in the National Capital Region | 9.4 By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities |
NRCan had two electric vehicle charging stations in the National Capital region at the end of 2016. Target: 2 new electric charging stations to be installed by the end of the 2017-18 |
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Support the transition to a low-carbon economy through green procurement | Ensure that all performance agreements of Procurement Managers include contribution to, and are in support of, the Policy on Green Procurement | 12.7 Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities |
Number and percentage of managers and functional heads of materiel and of procurement whose performance evaluation includes support and contribution toward green procurement is 8 (88%). Target: 90% by March 31, 2019 and ongoing |
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Raise departmental awareness of green procurement options related to Public Services and Procurement Canada standing offers | 12.7 Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities |
Number and percentage of procurement and/or materiel management specialists who completed the Canada School of Public Service Green Procurement course (C215) or equivalent, in current fiscal year is 31. Target: 97% (or 34 specialists) by March 31, 2018Footnote 32 |
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Promote sustainable travel practices | Maintain GHG emission levels from business-related travel below the 2008-09 baseline level | 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Emission associated with business-related travel in tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in the year as provided by Public Services and Procurement Canada (5729 tons in 2008-09). Target: Greenhouse gas emissions associated with business travel will be reduced by 30% (to 4,010 tons) by March 31, 2021 |
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4. Report on integrating sustainable development
Natural Resources Canada considers potential environmental effects of its proposals in Departmental decision-making. NRCan uses a three-tier process for its Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA), as outlined on the Department’s SEA webpageFootnote xi. The process builds on the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program ProposalsFootnote xii (the Cabinet Directive) and its guidelines.
In the 2017-18 reporting cycle, NRCan applied the Cabinet Directive and its guidelines to all proposals subject to NRCan’s SEA process (e.g., budget, Memoranda to Cabinet, Treasury Board Submissions). Linkages to 2016-19 FSDS / 2017-2020 DSDSFootnote xiii goals and targets were taken into account in each analysis. For approved proposals, 72% of departmental initiatives were found to contribute directly or indirectly to one or more of the four FSDS goals, most commonly “Effective Action on Climate Change” and “Clean Energy”. There was no linkage to the FSDS for the remaining 28%.
During the 2017-18 fiscal year, NRCan participated in a Commissioner for the Environment and Sustainable Development audit on SEA; the report will be publishedFootnote xiv in fall 2018. NRCan also continued to collaborate with an interdepartmental network of SEA practitioners, including sharing its tools, guidance and practices with interested federal partners.
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