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Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

1. Context for the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

The 2016–2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Footnote i (FSDS):

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 Goal: Clean Energy
All Canadians have access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy
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
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

  • Three innovative materials technologies have been developed over three years, including a materials technology for the cost-effective construction of bio refineries
  • 1:2:6: An estimated $2.60 dollars was leveraged for every $1 of NRCan investment in clean energy technology R&D (excludes fossil fuels), keeping the target on track
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

  • 37 discrete projects initiated this year to support federal government priorities.
  • Projects include work to develop small modular reactors.
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

  • The studies have been completed with work underway to publish in 2018.
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

  • 4 initiatives undertaken, funded by the Federal Nuclear Science and Technology Program:
    • Analysis to inform the selection of different Generation IV energy systems under which Canada will advance research and development projects.
    • Participation of Canadian researchers in Generation IV Advanced Manufacturing Task Force
    • Research on hydrogen production methods, which could be paired with advanced reactor technologies.
    • Hosted an information exchange with other GIF member countries.
Support voluntary action to reduce GHG and air pollutant emissions through clean energy generation and consumption

Continue actions to support renewable energy deployment to:

  • Support the generation of electricity from renewable sources by providing support through the ecoENERGY for Renewable Power program
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)

  • In the 2017 calendar year, 10.59 TWh produced through the ecoENERGY for Renewable Power Program.
  • Develop recommendations for federal government consideration through the Marine Renewable Energy Enabling Measures program on a legislative approach for administering renewable energy projects in federal offshore areas
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

  • Bill C-69 (An Act to enact the Impact Assessment Act and the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, to amend the Navigation Protection Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts) is currently in the third reading in the House of Commons. This is on track to establishing a legislative framework for 2019.
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

  • Since 2015, fuel efficiency ranks in the top 5 purchasing decision factors for light duty vehicles (based on 2017 J.D. Power report).
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

  • NRCan continues to support Finance Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada to identify inefficient fossil fuel subsidies to phase them out by 2025
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

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

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

  • Budget 2017 provided $4.2 million per year to improve industrial energy efficiency in Canada by accelerating the adoption of energy management systems, such as ISO 50001.
  • Since 2012 there have been 161 Canadian industrial and commercial facilities certified to ISO 50001
  • Estimated energy savings for Industry: 3.5PJ
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
  • Canada’s collaboration with North American partners continued to advance the integration of clean energy, including renewables into the electricity grid, and accelerate clean energy innovation.
  • Through its Canmet labs, NRCan is engaging in several collaborative Research, Development and Demonstration initiatives with partners such as the U.S., Mexico, and China (e.g. demonstration of Canadian technologies to quantify and mitigate emissions from the oil and gas sector in Mexico and China).
  • Canada advanced women's leadership and participation in the global transition to a low-carbon economy through its leadership (with Sweden) of the Clean Energy, Education and Empowerment (C3E) Programme.
  • In India, the Department expanded the Terms of Reference for the Canada-India Ministerial Energy Dialogue to promote broader cooperation on electricity, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.
  • In China, Canada reached a commitment to establish the Ministerial Dialogue on Clean Energy with China’s National Energy Administration. The Ministerial Dialogue will facilitate clean energy solutions and foster the transition from fossil energy to cleaner fuel.
  • Canada reached agreement with the International Energy Agency to provide financial support to the IEA’s Clean Energy Transitions Programme that will help to accelerate the global energy transition, particularly in emerging economies.
  • Canada announced its plans to host the 10th Clean Energy Ministerial and 4th Mission Innovation Ministerial in 2019
FSDS Goal: Clean Growth
A growing clean technology industry in Canada contributes to clean growth and the transition to a low-carbon economy
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
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.

  • 1:2.6 An estimated $2.6 dollars was leveraged for every $1 of NRCan investment in RD&D
  • NRCan continues to invest in clean energy S&T and RD&D, keeping the target on track.
  • NRCan continues to make investments in clean energy RD&D towards doubling federal investments over 5 years, with a federal investment of $437.92M in the second year of the commitment.
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

  • In collaboration with partners, an online energy-benchmarking program for mines has been developed that is now in the testing phase.
  • Ongoing research to improve energy efficiency during mineral processing, including crushing and grinding rock which is an energy intensive process. The focus on reducing energy consumption and the progress of new technology in green mining has lead to the development of a sensor prototype to measure the rock-size distribution in 3D.

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:

  • Energy Innovation Program
  • Clean Growth Program
  • Oil and Gas Clean Technology Program,
  • Impact Canada Fund, Clean Technology Stream
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

  • The ratio of NRCan program investments in clean technology to leveraged funding from partners is 1:2.6. This means that an estimated $2.60 was leveraged for every $1 NRCan invested in technologies to reduce GHG emissions, keeping the target on track.
  • NRCan continues to invest in clean technology RD&D.
  • GHG emission reductions were 1.2 Mt/per yearFootnote * (based entirely on Shell Quest).

Programs such as EIP, Clean Growth and Impact Canada Cleantech continue to invest in RD&D, which will reduce GHG emissions.

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

  • Four codes or standards for pipeline safety have been developed or updated over 5 years. The Standard CSA Z245.1-14 was revised in March 2018 to address steel oil pipeline toughness.
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

  • Under the Investments in Forestry Industry Transformation (IFIT) program and the Forest Innovation (FIP) Program, five new processes and products were developed by forest industry companies and eight by FPInnovations, Canada’s national forest research institute.
  • Six new Indigenous economic development projects focused on new products, processes and technologies in the clean energy sector were facilitated through Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) funding.
  • The annual research plan for 2017-2018 was endorsed by the FPInnovations Board of Directors as the National Research Advisory Committee was not active in 2017-18.
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

  • With industry partners, successfully piloted an effective mine water treatment process that received Sustainable Development Technology Canada funding for a field demonstration project to purify the water.
  • This will help to decrease the environmental footprint of mining operations by reducing the effects of metal contamination and other pollutants in the watershed, and provide clean water that can be recycled back into the milling process thereby reducing the amount of water required from other sources.
FSDS Goal: Sustainably Managed Lands and Forests
Lands and forests support biodiversity and provide a variety of ecosystem services for generations to come
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
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

  • Refining the Carbon Budget Model and using it to produce annual estimates of forest-related GHG emissions and removals in Canada
  • Providing forest managers with indicators and adaptation tools and resources
  • Supporting early intervention strategies for forest pest management
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.

  • CFS participation on 95 committees and boards in the area of Ecosystems, was within 10% of the baseline of 100.
  • NRCan is working with a collaborator, NWT, to provide basic forest inventory data using satellite remote sensing that has not existed in the past. Such tools are important given the remoteness and size of NWT.
  • In collaboration with multiple partners including provincial and territorial governments and Parks Canada, a new spatially explicit Generic Carbon Budget Model (GCBM) is under development. The new model was implemented in parts of British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario, Northwest Territories and for national parks, and a forested peatland carbon module was developed for validation. Collaborators provided data and input on the model function and are developing their own organizational capacity to use the model.
  • Regional Integrated Assessments are being established with provincial partners to better enable evidence-based adaptation policies and actions on a landscape level.
  • Canada’s approach to tracking forest change by way indicators of climate change was published. Maps and data for 16 indicators under several climate change scenarios continue to be made available in NRCan’s data catalogue.
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

  • In the area of disturbances, NRCan’s participation on 135 committees and boards was within the 10% of the baseline of 130.
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:

  • Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre
  • Canadian Council of Forest Minister’s (in the context of the Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy)
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

  • In the area of disturbances, NRCan’s participation on 135 committees and boards was within the 10% of the baseline of 130.
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

  • At the September 2017 meeting of the CCFM, Canadian Forest Ministers unanimously ratified a Forest Bioeconomy Framework for Canada
  • The ratified document commits to finalizing indicators and establishing baseline data by 2019. The CCFM is continuing to work towards this goal.
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

  • In the area of disturbances, NRCan’s participation on 135 committees and boards was within the 10% of the baseline of 130.
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.

  • Nine new economic development projects in Indigenous communities were facilitated, brokered and/or developed through the Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI)* with NRCan knowledge and funding.
  • An additional 21 Indigenous economic development projects were supported through multi-year commitments and leveraged funding from SLAP and the Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs-led Strategic Partnership Initiative program.
  • As a result, 35 Indigenous nations and regional organizations (such as tribal councils or Indigenous forestry institutions representing or serving multiple Indigenous nations) were supported in their pursuit of forest-based economic development.
  • Projects focused on:
    1. clean tech and participation in the forest bio-economy;
    2. forest access, management, and wood products manufacturing; and
    3. environmental sustainability.
  • The annual research plan for 2017-2018 was endorsed by the FPInnovations Board of Directors, as the National Research Advisory Committee was not active in 2017-18.
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 Goal: Effective Action on Climate Change
A low-carbon economy contributes to limiting global average temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius and supports efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius
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
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

  • Amendment 13Footnote vi to the Energy Efficiency Regulations came into force on June 28, 2017 and updates existing energy efficiency standards for 20 product categories to align with requirements in force or soon to be in force in the U.S.
  • Amendment 14Footnote vii was pre-published on March 31, 2018 in the Canada Gazette, Part 1, and updates existing energy efficiency standards for 17 product categories.
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

  • 72% of SmartWay freight transport companies implement lower carbon transportation options annually as a result of the program.
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

  • GHG emission reductions exceed the target with a decrease of 1.2 Mt/per yearFootnote ** (based entirely on Shell Quest).

Programs such as EIP continue to invest in RD&D, which will reduce GHG emissions.

Support voluntary action to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to climate change

Improve the energy efficiency of:

  • Canadian homes (through the EnerGuide, ENERGY STAR® and R-2000 home labelling initiatives) and commercial and institutional buildings;
  • The industrial sector using energy management systems such as ISO 50001, the Superior Energy Performance program, and the ENERGY STAR® or other industry programs to help businesses track, analyze, and improve their energy efficiency
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

  • Energy savings for housing: 3.141 PJ in 2017-18
  • Energy savings for commercial and institutional buildings (estimated): 11.6 PJ in 2017-2018
  • Estimated energy savings for Industry: 3.5 PJ
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.

  • NRCan continues to invest in projects aimed at improving GHG detection, verification and reduction. NRCan invested $5.8 million in eight industry-led projects to develop and demonstrate technologies that cost-effectively reduce or eliminate emissions associated with oil and gas production.
  • NRCan also supported federal scientific activities to reduce GHG and pollutant emissions from oil and gas wells, while improving the understanding of emissions from existing sources. The department also provides scientific expertise to support the development of national, provincial/territorial and international methane regulations and policy development.
  • Additionally, through delivering on international agreements with China and with Mexico to provide technical expertise and demonstration projects on methane emission reductions, NRCan is also helping to reduce GHG emissions on a global scale, while creating market opportunities for Canadian innovations.
  • Methane % N/A.

Methane project reporting on emissions starts in 2018-19.

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

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%

  • 100% of Canada’s objectives for international meetings are advanced through negotiation and consensus.
  • Canada continued to engage in negotiations related to technology development and transfer in 2017-18, resulting in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) text that is in line with Canada’s interests and objectives, including the promotion and protection of gender and Indigenous considerations, which are key to the Government’s overall negotiating position.
  • Canada played a constructive role in Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) activities, which was augmented when Canada was appointed to the Advisory Board in Fall 2017. This active engagement provides Canada with important insight to inform our negotiating positions and helped build relationships with other active players and demonstrated Canada’s commitment to providing technology transfer support.
  • In 2017-18, Canada played a leading role with its international partners, as demonstrated through Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) initiatives and campaigns that accelerates the clean energy transition. Canada began its leadership of the Energy Management Working Group (EMWG) and Energy Management Campaign, which aim to strengthen alignment with North American and other governments to advance industrial energy efficiency. Canada also led the Electric Vehicle Initiative and EV30@30 Campaign, which calls for policy and program action to accelerate introduction and adoption of electric vehicles worldwide. In addition, Canada played a significant leadership role on the Clean Energy, Education and Empowerment (C3E) Initiative, which aims to accelerate the participation of women in the clean energy sector.
  • In January 2018, Canada successfully hosted the CEM and Mission Innovation Sherpas meetings, which paved the way to CEM9/MI3 in May 2018 and laid a strong foundation for Canada’s hosting in 2019.
  • Canada is playing a leadership role in Mission Innovation, and will be hosting the 4th Ministerial meeting in 2019, in Vancouver. Canada is co-leading 2 of the 8 Innovation Challenges, including the Sustainable Biofuels and Clean Energy Materials Challenges, and is one of five countries working with Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Coalition (BEC).
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:

  • The spring 2017 meeting featured a half-day session on Indigenous engagement, organized and delivered by representatives from the Assembly of First Nations and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.
  • The fall 2017 meeting was a joint meeting with the National Roundtable on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) that focussed on making Canada more resilient to climate change and disaster.

Develop and share knowledge and tools:

  • 37 new climate change adaptation knowledge products were developed and released related to the following topics: coastal management, economics, emergency management, energy, floodplain mapping, mining; and the next national assessment of impacts and adaptation including:
    • 19 stakeholder engagement meetings
    • 1 media interview/press article
    • 2 webinars
    • 2 publications
    • 12 educational materials
    • 1 new public-engagement web presence
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%

  • 100% of tools and information was made available to decisions makers in a timely manner.
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

  • A 2018 survey found that 73% of businesses in natural-resource sectors and 67% of communities (Canadian municipalities south of the 60th parallel) reported that they have access to tools and information for adaptation decision making.
  • In support of this we:
    • Provided expert climate change adaptation advice through 9 oral presentations
    • Approved 34 co-funded climate-change adaptation projects, totaling close to $8M.
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

  • In the area of disturbances, NRCan’s participation on 135 committees and boards was within the 10% of the baseline of 130.
  • In terms of collaborations:
    • In 2017-18, NRCan entered into a new collaborative research and development agreement with Acadia University, Forest protection Limited, Dalhousie University, University of New Brunswick, Agrifor Biotechnical Services Limited, and Sylvar Technologies for the development and commercialization of naturally-derived semiochemicals, i.e. chemicals that affect the behaviour of other insects, for insect pest management.
    • NRCan research scientists provided scientific support for early detection and response to new incidences of Emerald Ash Borer to municipal staff in Quebec City and Winnipeg where the borer has recently been detected, in addition to ongoing collaboration with stakeholders in previously infested areas of Ontario and Quebec. Other collaborators included CFIAFootnote ix and OMNRFootnote x.
    • NRCan research on the Mountain Pine Beetle in newly-invaded ecosystems is informing a collaborative effort with provincial governments and academia to update the risk assessment of the beetle’s spread in the boreal and eastern pine forests. This research also informed a strategic approach to slow the spread of mountain pine beetle across Canada, prepared for the Forest Pest Working Group under the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers.
    • NRCan research on the Mountain Pine Beetle in newly-invaded ecosystems is informing a collaborative effort with provincial governments and academia to update the risk assessment of the beetle’s spread in the boreal and eastern pine forests. This research also informed a strategic approach to slow the spread of mountain pine beetle across Canada, prepared for the Forest Pest Working Group under the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers. CCFM-NFPS and the Province of Alberta are also involved.
    • Working with the four Atlantic Provinces, universities, and forest industry in the region, NRCan has tested and evaluated a novel Early Intervention Strategy for spruce budworm. After four years, this science-based approach has exhibited positive results and has led to a federal budget 2019 announcement of $74M over the next four years to implement Phase II of this initiative. This is being led by NRCan.
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

  • Target Met: NRCan experts provided Emergency Geomatics Services in response to Public Safety Canada’s Government Operations Centre (GOC), responsible for an integrated federal emergency response to events of national interest. EGS support was requested for spring flood and ice jam monitoring in New Brunswick, Québec and British Columbia.
  • Through satellite imagery interpretation and geospatial mapping, NRCan provided near real-time support for situational awareness to several federal and provincial departments including Public Safety Canada, Ministère du sécurité publique de Québec, Transport Canada, and the BC government. Value added products were typically derived from satellite data between 1 and 4 hours after acquisition.
  • NRCan staff were able to provide almost 50 geospatial products through online platforms (including Federal Geospatial Platform) and developed a stand-alone web-based viewer to enable 8 different federal departments and the BC Government to access data layers, undertake their own analysis and create their own cartographic products during the BC wildland fire event.
FSDS Goal: Modern and Resilient Infrastructure
Modern, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure supports clean economic growth and social inclusion
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
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

  • The development of NZER code is underway and on track for publication of the 1st tier by December 2020
  • The development of the Model Energy Code for existing buildings is underway and on track for publication by December 2022.

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.

  • 1:1.9 An estimated $1.90 was leveraged for every $1 of NRCan investment in electric vehicle infrastructure demonstrations (EVID Phase 1)
  • NRCan has selected 10 projects to be leveraged under EVID to address barriers to deployment of innovative charging stations.
  • NRCan continues to invest in clean energy technologies and support advancement of projects along the innovation spectrum. It is earlier stages to report on the other targets.
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

  • By March 31, 2018 the Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative invested over 99% of its Budget 2016 program funding resulting in 43 new EV fast chargers, and 1 new natural gas station opening to the public.
  • Construction on stations supported by this program is continuing: by the end of the summer all 102 new EV fast chargers will be available for public use, and by the end of 2018, a total of 7 new natural gas and 3 new hydrogen refuelling stations will be available for use by Canadians.
  • The first request for proposals for Phase 2 deployment projects was completed in March 2018 with project selection being finalized in summer 2018.
FSDS Goal: Healthy Coasts and Oceans
Coasts and oceans support healthy, resilient and productive ecosystems
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
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

  • NRCan completed 2 economic assessments for:
    • the Lancaster Sound National Marine Conservation Area
    • the Offshore Pacific Area of Interest
  • Three resource assessments have been completed and delivered to Parks Canada (2) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (1) providing an assessment of the resource potential of the areas under consideration.
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

  • Five publications with seafloor maps that contribute to informing safe development along BC’s north coast were produced by the Public Safety Geoscience Program in 2017-18.
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

  • NRCan is collaborating with DFO and toxicologists to determine end-points beyond which weathered petroleum no longer affects biological organisms in water.
FSDS Goal: Pristine Lakes and Rivers
Clean and healthy lakes and rivers support economic prosperity and the well-being of Canadians
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
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:

  • Developing and testing effective and cost-efficient biophysical sustainability indicators
  • Refining remote sensing and enhanced forest inventory tools to assess critical terrestrial and aquatic habitats
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

  • CFS participation on 95 committees and boards in the area of Ecosystems was within 10% of the baseline of 100.
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

  • Developed a protocol for determining how quickly metals are removed from the water column so that a standard test for identifying hazardous substances (metals that persist in lake and river ecosystems) can be adopted by regulators. This methodology is undergoing a technical review by the European Chemicals Agency for the “chronic hazard” classification of metals.

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

  • Work continued in 2017-2018 to complete the National Hydro Network data for joint use by agencies on both sides of the Canada/US border. Expansion to include Mexico is being considered.
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

  • Regional coupled groundwater – surface water modelling collaboration of GSC with the Ontario Geological Survey is on schedule.
  • Data capture and classification of municipal aquifer information and provincial groundwater monitoring network is on schedule.
  • Methodology developed to downscale European satellite soil moisture data to crop field scale (from 40x40 to 1x1 km) to improve infiltration - recharge estimation.
  • Eleven articles for a special issue of CJES are online and issue will be published in summer 2018.
  • Workshop completed with 230 collaborates and stakeholders from Southern-Ontario participants. March 2018.
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

  • Pan Canadian Science Action Plan for Climate Change is on track for surface-water and Groundwater data sharing between federal departments (NRCan and ECCC) and USGS.
  • GIN as a data portal is on track for sharing of groundwater data between territories, provinces and federal government and dissemination to public. New datasets have been added.
  • In NRCan’s research in groundwater geoscience, further development of the department’s data standard led to GroundWater Markup Language 2 (GWML2), an international standard for the online exchange of groundwater data that addresses the problem of data heterogeneity and interoperability. It is officially accepted as an International Standard by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), an international not-for-profit organization, and is being considered by the World Meteorological Organization
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

  • Developed a new test method and generated data for use by regulators to establish the hazard classification of metals in aquatic media. The resulting work formed part of a technical review by the European Chemicals Agency for the chronic hazard classification of metals.
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

  • CanmetMINING continues to research the fate and toxicity of Selenium in aquatic ecosystems. The work is ongoing with a goal to provide sound scientific data to aid in the development of guidelines/regulations for the metal and coal mining industry.
  • Scientific research results/updates presented include:
    1. Canadian Ecotoxicity Workshop, Guelph, ON – Oct 2017.
    2. North American Metals Council – Se Working Group – Nov 2017.
    3. North American Metals Council – Se Working Group – June 2018.
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

  • Developed a lab method to determine the rate of removal of metals from the water column for environmental classification of metals, contributing to a submission to the European Chemicals Agency for the chronic hazard classification of metals.
FSDS Goal: Safe and Healthy Communities
All Canadians live in clean, sustainable communities that contribute to their health and well-being
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
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

  • Over 30 knowledge products were published to open and accessible databases on geological hazards and their risk to inform risk reduction actions.
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

  • Notifications to the public (Twitter and web) were issued for 93% of the events with magnitude 4 or above, (excluding offshore earthquakes and some earthquakes in the Yukon where key seismograph stations were offline for a planned, extended period during network refurbishment).
  • 100% of the alerts to the public were issued within 10 minutes, and 70% within 4 minutes from receiving the sensor data. The detection and alerting system is being improved to result in faster notifications in high risk areas.
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
  • In 2017-2018, NRCan’s satellite stations and image processing capabilities continued to receive major upgrades to ensure a high-level of readiness for the RCM mission’s fall 2018 launch. NRCan delivered a new tool that allowed future RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) users to simulate the entire spectrum of data the three-satellite configuration will offer. It has permitted government, industry and academia to better prepare for new data that will provide greater coverage of Canada’s landscape to facilitate maritime surveillance, disaster management and ecosystem monitoring
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%

  • Interim Measures were implemented for 100% of major projects under review by the National Energy Board in 2017-18.
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.

  • NRCan worked in partnership with Indigenous communities to co-develop and implement the IAMCs, which bring together Indigenous and government representatives to review and monitor the environmental, safety and socio-economic issues related to the TMEP and Line 3 projects.
  • In addition, these Committees make collaborative funding decisions to support Indigenous participation and the implementation of Committee objectives and priorities.
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:

  • Quebec draft regulation on hydraulic fracturing reviewed by Environmental Geoscience Program (EGP) scientist
  • BC Oil and Gas acknowledges the key research under EGP which current and future regulations depends on
  • NWT regulator (OROGO) requested EGP scientist to give a short course on Traffic Light Protocol for Induced Seismicity and Its Effectiveness in Canada
  • MERN regulation for groundwater has been updated based on EGP research on the vulnerability of aquifers
  • National Academies of Science (US) prepared a research agenda based on invited EGP researcher’s talk on geological carbon storage
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.

  • Phase 2 and Phase 3 milestones were not achieved and, therefore, no additional payments were required.
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:

  • The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Marine Installations and Structures Occupational Health and Safety Transitional Regulations;
  • The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Marine Installations and Structures Occupational Health and Safety Transitional Regulations;
FSDS Goal: Low-Carbon Government
The Government of Canada leads by example by making its operations low-carbon
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
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:

  • GHG emissions from NRCan facilities in fiscal year 2016-17 = 20.34 ktCO2eq
  • Percentage (%) change in GHG emissions from facilities from fiscal year 2005-06 to fiscal year 2016–17 = 37 %2

Target: 40% by 2030

  • GHG emissions from NRCan facilities in fiscal year 2017-18 = 18.56 ktCO2eq

    Percentage (%) change in GHG emissions from facilities from fiscal year 2005-06 to fiscal year 2017-18 = 43%

  • NRCan is directly supporting 11 departments/agencies to help meet GHG reduction targets in federal facilities
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

  • GHG emissions from NRCan facilities in fiscal year 2017-18 = 18.56 ktCO2eq
  • Percentage (%) change in GHG emissions from facilities from fiscal year 2005-06 to fiscal year 2017-18 = 43%
  • NRCan is directly supporting 11 departments/agencies to help meet GHG reduction targets in federal facilities
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:

  • 80 kilotons of GHG emissions (CO2eq) saved annually (equivalent to the emissions generated annually by approximately 20,000 passenger vehicles) from projects supported by NRCan by 2030;
  • 750 terajoules saved annually (equivalent to the annual energy used by approximately 6,750 typical Canadian households, excluding transportation) by 2030 for other federal organization projects that received NRCan support

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

  • 40 federal organizations provided with information, tools, and services to improve energy performance of federal buildings in 2017-2018
  • Projects ongoing; energy savings and GHG emission reductions data not yet available
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

  • NRCan has completed 14 BCRs, which accounts for roughly 41% of the priority buildings in need of a BCR.
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

Current results:

  • GHG emissions from NRCan fleet in fiscal year 2016-17 = 0.76 ktCO2e
  • Percentage (%) change in GHG emissions from fleet from fiscal year 2005-06 to fiscal year 2016–17 = 57%3

Target: 40% by 2030

  • GHG emissions from NRCan fleet in fiscal year 2017-18 = 0.75 ktCO2e;

    Percentage (%) change in GHG emissions from fleet from fiscal year 2005-06 to fiscal year 2017-18 = 58%

  • NRCan is directly supporting 11 departments/agencies to help meet GHG reduction targets in federal facilities
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

  • NRCan has 6 charging stations in the NCR: 2 at the Bells Corners Complex and 4 at the Booth Street Complex.
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

  • 100% of the performance evaluations of functional heads of procurement have included green procurement considerations.
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

  • 33 of 34 (Approx. 97%) of procurement and/or materiel management specialists have completed the Canada School of Public Service Green Procurement course (C215) or equivalent
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

  • 4,127 tonnes (28% reduction from 2008-09 baseline)

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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