Information Archived on the Web
Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It has not been altered or updated after the date of archiving. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats. Please "contact us" to request a format other than those available.
Progress Report for Sustainable Development Strategy - Now and for the Future
Objective 5.1 Managing NRCan’s resources responsibly
5.1.1 Strengthen Departmental capacity to advance sustainable development
| Number |
Description |
Status |
| 5.1.1.1 |
By 2003, develop a sustainable development policy course for NRCan staff. |
Completed. |
| 5.1.1.2 |
By 2003, renew NRCan’s Excellence Initiative by focusing on improving quality management practices and client satisfaction. |
Completed. |
| 5.1.1.3 |
By 2003, develop a strategy to promote alternative forms of transportation for departmental staff. |
The development of a formal strategy is not yet complete. However, the activities undertaken related to alternative transportation over 2001-2004 are being formalized by way of integration into the Department’s Environmental Management System (EMS). |
Objective 5.2 Continuously improving NRCan products, services, and operations
5.2.1 Measure NRCan’s internal environmental, health and safety performance
| Number |
Description |
Status |
| 5.2.1.1 |
By 2002, upgrade central departmental environmental databases. |
With respect to the database on environmental information, validated environmental aspects for data collection as per Environmental Management System Gap Analysis Study. Refined the metrics for each aspect. As this component of the target could not be completed during the cycle of this SDS, a new commitment has been made in NRCan’s SDS 2004. The environmental assessment web application component of the target was not completed by the revised timeline of March 31, 2004. Work in this reporting period included completion of a test version of the Web application. Further progress and completion will be reported under a new target in NRCan’s SDS 2004. |
| 5.2.1.2 |
By 2002, develop and implement an environmental measurement system consistent with Sustainable Development in Government Operations (SDGO) and Performance Measurement for Sustainable Government Operations (PMSGO) frameworks. |
Completed. |
| 5.2.1.3 |
By 2002, report on the implementation progress of the Departmental OSH Policy (2000). |
Completed. |
| 5.2.1.4 |
By 2002, report on the implementation progress of Departmental Environmental Policy (2000). |
Completed. |
| 5.2.1.5 |
By 2003, conduct waste water compliance evaluations at key NRCan research facilities. |
Completed. |
| 5.2.1.6 |
By 2003, conduct environmental, health and safety audits at selected NRCan facilities. |
Completed. |
| 5.2.1.7 |
By 2003, conduct environmental assessment evaluations within selected NRCan organizational units. |
Completed. |
| 5.2.1.8 |
By 2003, assess all potentially contaminated sites at NRCan, risk-manage the ones that are identified as contaminated and report related financial liabilities to Treasury Board Secretariat. |
89 per cent completed. Further work will be undertaken under a new commitment in NRCan’s SDS 2004. |
| 5.2.1.9 |
By 2003, assess the integrity of all NRCan storage tanks and remediate where necessary. |
Not completed. This work will be undertaken under a new commitment in NRCan’s SDS 2004. |
Objective 5.3 Sustainable development in NRCan operations
5.3.1 Improve environmental, health and safety compliance and awareness at NRCan
| 5.3.1.2 |
By 2002, develop a departmental directive on the use of chemical pesticides on NRCan land. |
Not completed; however, a draft handbook for staff and directive was developed. The Pest Management Regulatory Agency issued a guidance document on Integrated Pest Management in Federal Operations in 2004. NRCan will now be in a position to finalize its handbook by March 31, 2005. |
| 5.3.1.3 |
By 2002, update the NRCan Environmental Assessment Manual. |
This target was not completed by the revised timeline of fall of 2003. The updated Environmental Assessment Manual will be available to employees on the intranet by August 2004. |
| 5.3.1.4 |
By 2002, update the NRCan Environmental Protection Guide. |
Not completed; however, an Environmental Management System (EMS) Gap Analysis was completed to confirm aspects, identify strengths and opportunities in environmental management. Components of the Environmental Protection Guide will be redefined as individual procedures for the environmental aspects, managed within the ongoing implementation of the departmental EMS. |
| 5.3.1.5 |
By 2003, conduct 10 sessions for staff on environmental, health and safety responsibilities (e.g. C.E.A.A., C.E.P.A., Canada Labour Code, Part II.). |
Completed. |
5.3.2 Manage hazardous and non-hazardous waste produced by NRCan operations
| Number |
Description |
Status |
| 5.3.2.1 |
By 2002, produce and distribute guidance materials on hazardous waste management issues to raise awareness among NRCan employees. |
Not completed, since the publication of the draft Federal Hazardous Waste Regulations have been indefinitely delayed. Rather than wait for these new regulations, NRCan will update existing directives in relation to current provincial and federal regulations, as a component of the departmental Environmental Management System. |
| 5.3.2.2 |
By 2003, maintain, expand and promote NRCan’s waste-free program. |
Completed. |
5.3.3 Develop and implement strategies to increase the efficiency of energy and resource use in NRCan operations
| Number |
Description |
Status |
| 5.3.3.1 |
By 2001, provide input to the interdepartmental Climate Change / House in Order process for greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction target-sharing. |
Completed. |
| 5.3.3.2 |
By 2001, develop and implement a three-year action plan to progress towards 2010 target GHG levels. |
Completed. |
| 5.3.3.3 |
By 2001, develop and implement a revised Fleet Management Policy. |
This target is nearly complete. Accountability framework integrated into revised fleet policy. Revised fleet policy is complete and it is to be submitted to management for comments. Expected date for approved policy: December 31, 2004. Implementation will follow immediately upon approval. NRCan is currently operating an inventory of 389 vehicles, including 120 low emission vehicles (alternative fuel, hybrid-electric and bio-diesel), representing 30 per cent of the overall inventory. |
| 5.3.3.4 |
By 2002, develop and implement a water conservation strategy for NRCan. |
This target is not complete. However, the issue has been carried into NRCan’s SDS 2004, as part of a larger commitment to address the environmental aspect of water. |
| 5.3.3.5 |
By 2003, prepare and implement a space standards policy for using space more efficiently at NRCan. |
Completed. |
5.3.4 Develop a strategy to promote the use of eco-efficient goods and services within NRCan
| Number |
Description |
Status |
| 5.3.4.1 |
By 2003, prepare a strategy to outline how NRCan will promote the use of eco-efficient goods and services within its own operations. |
This target is not yet complete. However, NRCan intends to continue to make progress in response to both the external drivers and internal commitment to further green our procurement practices, within the context of the Department’s Environmental Management System. |
