Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) 2013–16 guides the Government of Canada's sustainable development activities, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. In keeping with the objectives of the Act to make environmental decision making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, NRCan supports the implementation of the FSDS through the activities in this supplementary information table.

NRCan’s approach to sustainable development is aligned to both the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (organized by Themes > Goals > Targets > Implementation Strategies) and to the department’s PAA/PMF (organized by Strategic Outcomes > Programs > and Sub-Programs). NRCan supports FSDS Theme I Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality, Theme II – Maintaining Water Quality and Availability, Theme III – Protecting Nature and Canadians, and Theme IV - Shrinking the Environmental Footprint – Beginning with Government.

Goal 5: Biological Resources – Efficient economic and ecological use of resources – Production and consumption of biological resources are sustainable

Sustainability of Timber Harvest

Stay within the upper limit of the supply line

Sub-program 1.1.2 - Forest Products Market Access and Development
2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies
Goal 1: Climate Change
Target 1.1: Climate Change Mitigation
Implementation Strategies for International Work on Climate Change:
1.1.57 
Analyze key forest carbon options for climate change mitigation, ensure that Canada’s international climate change objectives related to forests are advanced in international meetings, and continue to develop Canada’s National Forest Carbon Monitoring, Accounting and Reporting System to provide annual forest-related greenhouse gas inventory estimates
Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)
Clean Air Agenda
Program Name:
International Climate Change Participation and Negotiations
Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2015-16
$1,684,128*
* funding identified excludes funding in Internal Services that support Clean Air Agenda programs

Sub-program 2.1.1 - Renewable Energy Deployment
2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies
Goal 1: Climate Change
Target 1.1: Climate Change Mitigation
Implementation Strategies for International Work on Climate Change:
1.1.32 
Develop policy options for a regulatory framework in support of marine renewable energy development in the federal offshore, and share them with stakeholders in a timely manner
Implementation Strategies for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:
1.1.46
Promote the production of clean renewable electricity
Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)
Clean Air Agenda
Program Name:
Marine Renewable Energy Enabling Measures
Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2015-16
$721,400*
* funding identified excludes funding in Internal Services that support Clean Air Agenda programs

Sub-program 2.1.2 - Support for Clean Energy Decision-Making
2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies
Goal 1: Climate Change
Target 1.1: Climate Change Mitigation
Implementation Strategies for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:
1.1.40
Work with the public and federal government decision-makers to ensure that they have access to information that supports decisions on climate change and clean energy issues
Implementation Strategies for International Work on Climate Change:

1.1.53
Ensure that Canada’s international climate change objectives related to energy and clean technology are advanced in international meetings (e.g. Canada-U.S. Clean Energy Dialogue, UNFCCC [United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change], Clean Energy Ministerial) (EC, NRCan)
Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)
Clean Air Agenda
Program Name:
Clean Energy Policy
Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2015-16
$ 2,024,615*
* funding identified excludes funding in Internal Services that support Clean Air Agenda programs

Program Name:
International Climate Change Participations/Negotiations
Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2015-16
$967,000*
* funding identified excludes funding in Internal Services that support Clean Air Agenda programs

Program Name:
Clean Energy Dialogue (CED)
Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2015-16
$1,034,000*
* funding identified excludes funding in Internal Services that support Clean Air Agenda programs

Sub-program 2.1.3 - Alternative Transportation Fuels
2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies
Goal 1: Climate Change
Target 1.1: Climate Change Mitigation
Implementation Strategies for Clean Transportation:
1.1.23
Support fuel producers’ capacity to produce renewable alternatives to gasoline and diesel.
1.1.27
Work with the standards community to develop and update codes and standards as they relate to alternative transportation fuels
1.1.30
Work with key stakeholders (e.g. policy makers, end-users, alternative and conventional fuel producers, vehicle and equipment manufacturers) to increase their knowledge of alternative fuel pathways
Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)
Clean Air Agenda
Program Name:
ecoENERGY for Alternative Fuels
Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2015-16
$432,000*
* funding identified excludes funding in Internal Services that support Clean Air Agenda programs

Sub-program 2.1.4 - Energy Efficiency
2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies
Goal 1: Climate Change
Target 1.1: Climate Change Mitigation
Implementation Strategies for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:
1.1.41
Promote the adoption of energy efficient products and practices that contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions
1.1.45
Improve energy efficiency in Canada through programming that targets the housing, buildings, equipment, industrial and transportation sectors
Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)
Clean Air Agenda
Program Name:
ecoENERGY Efficiency
Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2015-16
$32,799,817*
* funding identified excludes funding in Internal Services that support Clean Air Agenda programs

Sub-program 2.2.1 - Materials for Energy
2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies
Goal 1: Climate Change
Target 1.1: Climate Change Mitigation
Implementation Strategies for Clean Transportation:
1.1.25
Develop advanced materials technologies for use in new energy-efficient vehicle design, with a view of reducing the environmental impacts in transportation
Implementation Strategies for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:
1.1.43
Develop new materials technologies in clean power generation, safe and reliable energy distribution and energy efficient end-use for use in industry
1.1.44
Develop new materials technologies to transport fossil fuels more efficiently, with a view of reducing the environmental impacts from energy transportation
Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)

Sub-program 2.2.2 - Green Mining
2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies
Goal 1: Climate Change
Target 1.1: Climate Change Mitigation
Implementation Strategies for Clean Technology and Industry:
1.1.7
Work with industry stakeholders and technology developers to reduce the environmental footprint and impacts of the mining industry.
Implementation Strategies for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:
1.1.42
Support Science & Technology of innovative solutions for environmental challenges in the energy sector, with a view of reducing the environmental impacts and producing and using energy in a more clean and efficient way.
Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)
Clean Air Agenda
Program Name:
Enhancing Competitiveness in a Changing Climate
Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2015-16
$198,950*
* funding identified excludes funding in Internal Services that support Clean Air Agenda programs

Sub-program 2.2.3 - Clean Energy Science and Technology
2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies
Goal 1: Climate Change
Target 1.1: Climate Change Mitigation
Implementation Strategies for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:
1.1.42 
Support Science & Technology of innovative solutions for environmental challenges in the energy sector, with a view of reducing the environmental impacts and producing and using energy in a more clean and efficient way
Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)
Clean Air Agenda
Program Name:
ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative
Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2015-16
$46,488,000*
* funding identified excludes funding in Internal Services that support Clean Air Agenda programs

Sub-program 2.3.1 – Forest Ecosystem Science and Application
Goal 1: Climate Change
Target 1.1: Climate Change Mitigation
Implementation Strategies for International Work on Climate Change:

1.1.50
Work to implement Canada's commitments concluded in international climate change negotiations such as mitigation targets and actions; short-and long-term financing; mechanisms for technology and reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation; adaptation actions; and provisions for transparency and accountability of climate change actions. (EC, NRCan)
Goal 5: Biological Resources
Target 5.3: Sustainable Forest Management
Implementation Strategies for Sustainable Forest Management:
5.3.1
Provide advice and scientific knowledge of Canada’s forest ecosystems to industry and non-governmental organizations, with a  view to  enabling the establishment of  practices to mitigate the environmental impact of natural resource development
Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)

Sub-program 2.3.2 - Groundwater Geoscience
2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies
Goal 3: Water Quality and Water Quantity
Target 3.12: Water Resource Management
Implementation Strategies for Water Resource Management:
3.12.6
Provide governments and industry with access to necessary groundwater geoscience information
Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)

Sub-program 2.3.4 - Radioactive waste management
2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies
Goal 3: Water Quality and Water Quantity
Target 3.3: Great Lakes – Canadian Areas of Concern and 3.4: Great Lakes
Implementation Strategies for Great Lakes – Canadian Areas of Concern and Great Lakes:
3.3.3
Implement long-term management solutions to clean up radioactive waste in the Port Hope area
Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)

Sub-program 3.1.3 - Forest Disturbances Science and Application
2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies
Goal 1: Climate Change
Target 1.2: Climate Change Adaptation
Implementation Strategies for Climate Change Adaptation:
1.2.4
Support adaptation by enabling the integrated assessment of the implications of climate change for Canada’s forest sector
Goal 4: Conserving and Restoring Ecosystems, Wildlife and Habitat, and Protecting Canadians
Target 4.6: Invasive Alien Species
Implementation Strategies for Invasive Alien Species:
4.6.3
Help governments, agencies and industry manage risks to natural resource sectors, infrastructure and human health by providing scientific knowledge on forest disturbances, including pests
Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)
Clean Air Agenda
Program Name:
Enhancing Competitiveness in a Changing Climate
Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2015-16
$873,256*
* funding identified excludes funding in Internal Services that support Clean Air Agenda programs

Sub-program 3.1.4 - Climate Change Adaptation
2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies
Goal 1: Climate Change
Target 1.2: Climate Change Adaptation
Implementation Strategies for Climate Change Adaptation:
1.2.3
Implement the Adaptation Platform to enable collaboration on adaptation including the development and exchange of information, tools and expertise
1.2.11
Work with governments and communities in the North (north of 60° latitude) to ensure that they have information on adaptation measures
1.2.13
Support adaptation by improving knowledge on the climate change impacts on mine waste management and effluent treatment in the North
Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)
Clean Air Agenda
Program Name:
Enhancing Competitiveness in a Changing Climate
Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2015-16
$5,005,079*
* funding identified excludes funding in Internal Services that support Clean Air Agenda programs

Sub-program 3.1.5 - Geohazards and Public Safety
2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies
Goal 4: Conserving and Restoring Ecosystems, Wildlife and Habitat, and Protecting Canadians
Target 4.7: Environmental Disasters, Incidents and Emergencies
Implementation Strategies for Environmental Disasters, Incidents and Emergencies:
4.7.4
In accordance with mandated responsibilities, provide environmental information to reduce the risk of, and advice in response to, the occurrence of events such as polluting incidents, wildlife disease events or severe weather and other significant hydro-meteorological events as applicable (AAFC, AANDC, [DFO], [EC], HC, IC, NRCan, PC, [PHAC], PS, PWGSC, TC]

Ensure other levels of government, private sector and professional organizations involved in emergency management in Canada have access to accurate hazard information and hazard mitigation knowledge products for decision making (e.g. in the event of landslides, tsunamis, and radiological and nuclear incidents) (NRCan)
Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s)

The Government of Canada will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its buildings and fleets by 17% below 2005 levels by 2020.

17% below 2005 by 2020

NRCan established a departmental initiative in 2010 called Low Carbon (LoC) NRCan. The focus of LoC is reducing GHG emissions in the building portfolio through a variety of activities and energy efficiency projects in support of NRCan’s overall reduction target of 17%.  NRCan’s building portfolio accounts for approximately 96% of the department’s GHG emissions. Fleet accounts for the remaining 4%.

NRCan has already made major strides in reducing GHG emissions from its vehicle fleet. NRCan has significantly reduced its vehicle inventory as it focuses on innovative strategies to reduce employee reliance on ground transportation.  NRCan’s vehicle fleet has been reduced from 406 vehicles in 2005-06 to 250 as of end of FY 2012-13.

Reduce the carbon footprint and energy consumption of federal operations.

Updated GHG reduction implementation plan in place by March 31, 2015

Planned completion date by March 2015.

GHG emissions (kt CO2 equivalent) in fiscal year 2005-2006

34.17kt

GHG emissions (kt CO2 equivalent) in current fiscal year (2015-16)

31.16kt

Renewable power emission credits applied in current fiscal year (kt CO2 equivalent)

0kt

Percentage change in GHG emissions from fiscal year 2005-2006 to the current fiscal year, inclusive of renewable power emission credits, if applicable

8.8%; decrease [negative]

Adjustments made to base year GHG emissions (indicate if not applicable)

Yes. NRCan’s base year GHG emission levels (FY 2005-06) have been recalculated using emission factors from the latest electricity intensity tables published by Environment Canada. These factors, which are used to calculate the Department's emissions from purchased electricity, have been updated due to changes in Environment Canada's methodology for quantifying emissions from electricity generation in Canada. Furthermore, an adjustment was made to 2005-06 baseline due to missing utility data for a few NRCan buildings.

As of April 1, 2014, and pursuant to departmental Real Property Sustainability Frameworks, an industry-recognized level of high environmental performance will be achieved in Government of Canada real property projects and operations.

An industry-recognized level of high-environmental performance will be achieved in Government of Canada real property projects and operations.

Real Property Sustainability Framework in place to improve the management of energy, waste and water in departmental real property assets by March 31, 2015.

Planned completion date March 31, 2015. Current strategy targets reaching industry-recognized levels of environmental performance on new additions to the real property portfolio and required modifications to management of facilities.

Total number of existing Crown-owned buildings (over 1000 m2) and new lease or lease renewal projects (over 1000 m2) where the Crown is the major lessee,  assessed for environmental performance using an industry-recognized assessment tool, and associated floor space (m2)

Number of Crown-owned buildings assessed for performance: (22)
Amount 138,828 m2

Number of New Lease Projects: 1
(Canmet MATERIALS is leasing 14,611m² of space at a LEED Platinum facility in Hamilton, On)

Planned assessment tool to be used: BOMA BESt for all existing crown-owned buildings, with the exception of 2 buildings at the BSC (Booth Street Complex) as well as the Experimental Mine facility in Val d’Or, Quebec.

Athena LCA impact estimator for new leases or lease renewals (where lease renewal or lease renewal options are being considered).

Total number of existing Crown-owned buildings, new construction, build-to-lease projects, major renovations projects,  achieving an industry-recognized level of high environmental performance, and associated floor space (m2)

Number Crown-owned buildings achieving level of performance (22)Amount 138,828 m2

Number New construction projects: none within scope
Amount m2

Number Build-to-lease projects: none within scope
Amount m2

Number Major renovation projects: none within scope
Amount m2 (boiler project) - TBC

Planned environmental performance level to be achieved: BOMA BESt for existing Crown-owned buildings with the exception of 3 buildings (2 at BSC and 1 at Val d’Or), Green Globes Fit-up, 3 globes. LCA impact estimator for leases. Athena LCA & Green Globes 3 globes for new construction.

Number of fit-up and refit projects achieving an industry-recognized level of high environmental performance

Number Fit-up and refit projects: none
Amount m2

Planned environmental performance level to be achieved: Green Globes Fit-up, 3 globes

7.1.1.1. Achieve a level of performance that meets or exceeds the custodian’s current commitment(s) to sustainable buildings using industry-recognized assessment and verification tool(s).[Mandatory]

Seeking to reach “Achieved”.

7.1.1.2. Conduct life-cycle assessments for major construction and renovation projects using an industry recognized tool.

Seeking to reach “Achieved”.

7.1.1.3. Develop plans to address environmental performance assessment recommendations for existing Crown-owned buildings.

Seeking to reach “Achieved”.

7.1.1.4. Manage the collection, diversion and disposal of workplace waste in Crown-owned buildings in an environmentally responsible manner.

Defer to 2016-17: Rationale: the required processes to monitor and report will be developed as part of the mandatory RPSF, which will be in place by March 2015.

7.1.1.5. Manage construction, renovation and demolition waste in Crown-owned buildings in an environmentally responsible manner.

Seeking to reach “Achieved”.

7.1.1.6. Develop an approach to improve performance of Crown-owned buildings via automation and commissioning.

Seeking to reach “Achieved”.

7.1.1.7. Develop an approach to building operator training in Crown-owned buildings.

Defer to 2016-17: Rationale: the required processes to monitor and report will be developed as part of the mandatory RPSF, which will be in place by March 2015.

7.1.1.8. Integrate the use of sustainable real property performance management indicators into the investment decision-making process for Crown-owned assets in the building portfolio (e.g. density, energy intensity, facility condition etc.).

Defer to 2016-17: Rationale: the required processes to monitor and report will be developed as part of the mandatory RPSF, which will be in place by March 2015.

7.1.1.9. Benchmark and report annually on the energy usage intensity of Crown-owned office buildings using an industry recognized tool.

Defer to 2016-17: Rationale: the required processes to monitor and report will be developed as part of the mandatory RPSF, which will be in place by March 2015.

Best Practice
7.1.2. Real property managers and functional heads responsible for new construction, leases or existing building operations will have clauses related to environmental considerations incorporated into their performance evaluations.

Defer to 2016-17: Rationale: the required processes to monitor and report will be developed as part of the mandatory RPSF, which will be in place by March 2015.

As of April 1, 2014, the Government of Canada will continue to take action to embed environmental considerations into public procurement, in accordance with the federal Policy on Green Procurement.

Sub-Program 4.1.3: Asset Management Services

Environmentally responsible acquisition, use and disposal of goods and services.

Departmental approach to further the implementation of the Policy on Green Procurement in place (as of April 1, 2015).

Green Procurement Approach approved by ADM CMSS on October 20, 2014

Number and percentage of specialists in procurement and/or materiel management who have completed the Canada School of Public Service Green Procurement course or equivalent, in the given fiscal year.

95% by March 31, 2016 and ongoing

Number and percentage of managers and functional heads of procurement and materiel whose performance evaluation includes support and contribution towards green procurement, in the given fiscal year.

100% by March 31, 2016 and ongoing

By March 31, 2017, 90% of copy paper will contain a minimum of 30% recycled content and be certified to a recognized environmental standard to reduce the environmental impact of its production.

By March 31, 2017, 90% of copy paper will contain a minimum of 30% recycled content and/or be certified to a recognized environmental standard to reduce the environmental impact of its production.

90%  by March 31, 2017

By March 31, 2021, GHG emissions from business-related travel will be reduced by 25% relative to 2008-09.

Emission associated with business in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in the year as provided by PWGSC.

GHG emissions will be reduced by 25% by March 31, 2021.

By March 31, 2017, 70% of office furniture purchases will include criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use and/or disposal of these.

Percentage of office furniture purchases that meet the target objective relative to the total dollar value of all office furniture purchases for the year in question.

70% by March 31, 2017

7.2.1.5. Leverage common use procurement instruments where available and feasible.

Seeking to reach Achieved status by March 2015 and ongoing 

Best Practice
7.2.3. Train acquisition cardholders on green procurement.

Seeking to reach Achieved status by March 31, 2016 and ongoing

Best Practice
7.2.4. Increase awareness of the Policy on Green Procurement among managers.

Seeking to reach Achieved status by March 31, 2017 and ongoing

As of April 1, 2015, the Government of Canada will update and adopt policies and practices to improve the sustainability of its workplace operations.

Departmental workplace operations have a reduced environmental impact.

An approach to maintain or improve the sustainability of the departmental workplace is in place by March 31, 2015.

Departmental approach to maintain or improve the sustainability of the departmental workplace in place by March 31, 2015.

Implementation strategy element or best practice

Targeted performance level

7.3.1.1. Engage employees in greening government operations practices.

Defer to 2016-17- The required processes to monitor and report will be developed as part of the departmental approach to maintain or improve the sustainability of the departmental workplace by March 31, 2015.

7.3.1.2. Integrate environmental considerations into corporate policies, processes and practices in accordance with departmental refresh cycles.

Seeking to reach “Achieved” status by March 2016.

7.3.1.3. Maintain or improve existing approaches to sustainable workplace practices (i.e. printer ratios, paper usage, and green meetings).

Reached Achieved status by March 31, 2015 and ongoing maintenance

7.3.1.4. Minimize the ratio of information technology (IT) assets per employee.

The required processes to monitor and report will be developed as part of the departmental approach to maintain or improve the sustainability of the departmental workplace by March 31, 2015.

7.3.1.5. Select and operate IT and office equipment in a manner that reduces energy consumption and material usage.

The required processes to monitor and report will be developed as part of the departmental approach to maintain or improve the sustainability of the departmental workplace by March 31, 2015.

7.3.1.6. Dispose of e-waste in an environmentally sound and secure manner.

The required processes to monitor and report will be developed as part of the departmental approach to maintain or improve the sustainability of the departmental workplace by March 31, 2015.

7.3.1.7. Reuse or recycle workplace materiel and assets in an environmentally sound and secure manner.

Delete: This is completed to the best of our knowledge and is primarily addressed through Crown Assets.

7.3.1.8. Minimize all non-hazardous solid waste generated and leverage service offerings to maximize the diversion of waste.

The required processes to monitor and report will be developed as part of the departmental approach to maintain or improve the sustainability of the departmental workplace by March 31, 2015. 

7.3.1.9. Increase the population density in office buildings and space utilization in special purpose buildings.

The required processes to monitor and report will be developed as part of the departmental approach to maintain or improve the sustainability of the departmental workplace by March 31, 2015. 

7.3.1.10. Maintain or improve sustainable fleet management.

The required processes to monitor and report will be developed as part of the departmental approach to maintain or improve the sustainability of the departmental workplace by March 31, 2015.

By March 31, 2015, each department will update, as appropriate, the Real Property Sustainability Framework to define the custodian’s approach to sustainable water management in Crown-owned assets.

Departmental services to clients have a reduced environmental impact.

7.4.1. Conduct an analysis of client services and implement practices to reduce their environmental impact.

N/A

As of April 1, 2014, the Government of Canada will take further action to improve water management within its real property portfolio.

This would be overall water reduction for owned assets.

Water is managed sustainably in Government of Canada real property operations.

Approach to improving water management included in Real Property Sustainability Framework by March 31, 2015.

Defer to 2016-17.  Rationale: Performance indicator and target performance level will be developed as part of the mandatory RPSF, which will be in place by March 2015.

Amount and percentage of floor space in buildings over optiona1000 m2 that includes water metering, in the given fiscal year (where feasible).

Crown, existing -  Defer to 2016-17: Rationale: Performance indicator and target performance level will be developed as part of the mandatory RPSF, which will be in place by March 2015.

New Crown, built-to-lease -  Defer to 2016-17: Rationale: Performance indicator  and target performance level will be developed as part of the mandatory RPSF, which will be in place by March 2015. 

Major renovations -  Defer to 2016-17: Rationale: Performance indicator and target performance level will be developed as part of the mandatory RPSF, which will be in place by March 2015.

Leases – Defer to 2016-17: Rationale: Performance indicator and target performance level will be developed as part of the mandatory RPSF which will be in place by March 2015.

Cubic meters of water used in a given facility when compared against a base line – Defer to 2016-17: Rationale: Performance indicator and target performance level will be developed as part of the mandatory RPSF which will be in place by March 2015

8.1.1.1. Conserve potable water. (mandatory if only it is feasible)

Defer to 2016-17 Rationale: Performance indicator and target performance level will be developed as part of the mandatory RPSF which will be in place by March 2015.

8.1.1.2. Manage storm water run-off.

Defer to 2016-17: Rationale: the required processes to monitor and report will be developed as part of the mandatory RPSF, which will be in place by March 2015.

8.1.1.3. Improve the metering of water utility usage for existing Crown- owned buildings.

Defer to 2016-17: Rationale: the required processes to monitor and report will be developed as part of the mandatory RPSF, which will be in place by March 2015.

8.1.1.4. Meter the water usage in new projects.

Defer to 2016-17: Rationale: the required processes to monitor and report will be developed as part of the mandatory RPSF, which will be in place by March 2015.

Best Practice
8.1.2 Conduct potable water audits in Crown-owned assets.

Defer to 2016-17: Rationale: the required processes to monitor and report will be developed as part of the mandatory RPSF, which will be in place by March 2015.

Best Practice
8.1.3 Analyze the water consumption data collected to determine steps to improve water management in Crown-owned assets.

Defer to 2016-17: Rationale: the required processes to monitor and report will be developed as part of the mandatory RPSF, which will be in place by March 2015.

Best Practice
8.1.4 Reclaimed non-potable water is used for landscape irrigation.

Defer to 2016-17: Rationale: the required processes to monitor and report will be developed as part of the mandatory RPSF, which will be in place by March 2015.

N/A

Sustainable Development and NRCan’s Mandate

Sustainable development is central to the mandate of NRCan and essential to the future of the natural resources sector. NRCan is charged with the federal responsibility for ensuring the sustainable development of Canada’s energy resources, minerals and metals, and forests, and for providing the geographical and geological information base that supports decisions about Canada’s land-based and offshore resources. The Department of Natural Resources Act states that “in exercising the powers and performing the duties and functions assigned to the Minister ... the Minister shall have regard to the sustainable development of Canada’s natural resources and the integrated management thereof.”

The Department is also responsible for negotiating Science and Technology agreements with partners, and addressing market-access questions. It works with a variety of partners - governments, industry, academia, non-government organizations and individual Canadians - to ensure that sustainable development principles are integrated not only here in Canada, but also around the world. The work that NRCan conducts in these areas is captured under strategic outcome 2 (natural resource sectors and consumers are environmentally responsible).

Finally, recognizing linkages with its responsibilities related to regulations and economic development, NRCan supports Responsible Resource Development, the Government of Canada’s plan to create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for all Canadians. Through this plan, NRCan helps streamline the review process for major resource projects, while strengthening environmental protection and enhancing consultations with Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples in the project review and development process.

NRCan contributes to sustainable development by carrying out Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in accordance with the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals (Cabinet Directive) and its guidelines.

NRCan also ensures that its decision-making process includes a consideration of the FSDS goals and targets through the SEA.  An SEA for policy, plan or program proposals includes an analysis of the impacts of the proposal on the environment, including on the FSDS goals and targets. NRCan’s Detailed SEAs are always made public when respective initiatives are announced, demonstrating that environmental factors were integrated into the decision-making process.

This year, NRCan commits to the continued integration of SEA into its strategic decision-making processes, and to measure performance through the rate of compliance with the Cabinet Directive and its guidelines. NRCan also commits to encouraging the results of other levels of SEA analysis be made public as well.  The Department will also support and participate in horizontal efforts to develop SEA tools and guidance for federal government, in conjunction with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and other participating departments and agencies.

For more information on SEA at NRCan, please visit the NRCan website:
http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/environmental-assessment-strategic/55