Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
Overview of the Federal Government's Approach to Sustainable Development
The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) 2013–16, tabled on November 4, 2013, guides the Government of Canada’s sustainable development activities, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDA). In keeping with the objectives of the FSDA, to make environmental decision–making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, the Department of Natural Resources supports its implementation through the strategies described below.
The 2013-16 FSDS includes 26 NRCan implementation strategies, as opposed to 40 in the previous Strategy. This change results from various factors, such as a major review of the department’s Program Alignment Architecture, changes to our programming, etc.
These 26 strategies compose the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS) which is published as a Supplementary Table for the first time this year. The strategies included in the renewed FSDS are used to report results, even though the corresponding RPP 2013-14 was based on the previous ones. As in the past, the strategies have been linked to the relevant sub-programs. For information on how they help advancing the four FSDS themes (namely 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) please see the 2013-16 FSDS.
Finally, the Clean Air Agenda programming (CAA) was integrated into the implementation strategies. As such, information collected for these ISs contain all relevant CAA reporting information. Financial information – planned spending for planning reports and actual spending for performance reports – are still presented by CAA programs.
Themes I–III: Department/Agency–led Targets |
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FSDS Goal |
FSDS Performance Indicator |
FSDS Target |
FSDS Performance Status |
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 |
Canada’s wood supply has remained relatively stable since 1990, at an average of 241 million cubic metres. The annual harvest volume reached a peak of 205 million cubic metres in 2004, then declined to a low of 115 million cubic metres in 2009, the smallest harvest since 1990. There has been some recovery in recent years. Link to CESI web page. |
Themes I–III: Implementation Strategies |
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Sub-program 1.1.2 - Forest Products Market Access and Development 2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies 1.1.57 Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s) 2013-14 Results Clean Air Agenda Program Name: Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2013-14 Total CAA Program Actual Spending for 2013-14 Sub-Program 1.3.5 - Major Projects Management Office Initiative 4.7.6 Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s) 2013-14 Results Sub-program 2.1.1 - Renewable Energy Deployment 2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies 1.1.32 Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s) 2013-14 Results 1.1.32 1.1.46 Clean Air Agenda Program Name: Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2013-14 Total CAA Program Actual Spending for 2013-14 Sub-program 2.1.2 - Support for Clean Energy Decision-Making 2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies 1.1.40 Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s) 2013-14 Results 1.1.40 Significant work has continued on coordinating the department’s expertise with regard to GHG emissions reporting. This includes preparing, analyzing and vetting content for Canadian reports, such as EC’s annual Emissions Trends report, and Canada’s National Communications to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Also, this includes analysis of Canada's emissions as reported in various publications (e.g. International Energy Agency (IEA) “World Energy Outlook”), how these figures compare to those in other publications, and how they compare to the figures reported for other key countries. NRCan provided analysis and advice on the development and potential of CCS technology in Canada and also supported senior management’s domestic engagements related to CCS. As well, NRCan engaged with provinces through the Federal-Provincial CCS Network to share information and discuss issues of common interest. 1.1.53 Through partnerships with other departments, NRCan facilitated financial contributions to key international organizations. Working with the International Development Research Centre, funding was provided to the IEA’s Climate Technology Initiative – Private Financing Advisory Network (CTI-PFAN) to undertake pilot projects that will examine how to use public funds to leverage private sector financing for adaptation projects. NRCan also assisted with Canada’s fast-start finance contribution to the UNFCCC’s Climate Technology Centre and Network. The Department also provided advice and analysis to support officials representing Canada in the U.S.-led Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM). In addition to participating in the annual Ministerial meeting that took place in April in India, NRCan showcased Canada as a leader in clean energy and energy efficiency, and worked collaboratively with other major economies to advance the development and deployment of clean energy technologies throughout the year. NRCan supported and led Canada’s engagement in international CCS fora by collaborating on initiatives, sharing knowledge, and profiling Canada’s achievements and expertise. These fora include the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum (CSLF), the Carbon Capture, Use and Storage Action Group under the CEM, the Global CCS Institute (GCCSI), and the IEA. A key example isCanada’s successful engagement at the Fall 2013 CSLF Ministerial at which the NRCan Minister, accompanied by key Canadian industry leaders, showcased Canada’s global contribution to advancing CCS and enhanced relationships with key counterparts. Clean Energy Dialogue: The CCS Working Group advanced collaborative research efforts on next generation CCS technologies initiated in 2012-13 between federal researchers in NRCan’s CanmetENERGY Ottawa laboratory and the U.S. National Energy Technology Laboratory, and also completed a project which studied CO2 injection into the Basal Cambrian Saline Formation. These research projects build on research efforts already underway though NRCan’s Program of Energy and Research Development and ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative. In addition, a knowledge-sharing event to exchange experiences on the management of CCS projects involving underground CO2 injection, was held in Champagne, Illinois, in April 2013, attended by government (federal, provincial), industry, and academia from both Canada and the U.S.. Outside of bilateral technical collaboration, NRCan commissioned a report to review public perception and engagement for CCS in North America. The Energy Efficiency Working Group collaborated with the U.S. on four projects in energy efficiency and alternative transportation fuels. The two nations worked together to strengthen ENERGY STAR® labelling for equipment and appliances, and NRCan launched the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR® benchmarking tool adapted for Canadian content at the Energy and Mines Ministers' Conference in August 2013. NRCan and the U.S. Department of Energy are also developing bi-national codes and standards for the use of natural gas as a vehicle fuel through the Regulatory Coordinating Council. Finally, five companies completed the pilots for certification under the new ISO 50001 Standard for Energy Management Systems in industry and a best practice report was produced; a robust accreditation protocol for agencies has been developed that will certify organizations to the ISO 50001 Standard, thus ensuring the Standard’s integrity across the country. Clean Air Agenda Program Name: Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2013-14 Total CAA Program Actual Spending for 2013-14 Program Name: Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2013-14 Total CAA Program Actual Spending for 2013-14 Program Name: Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2013-14 Total CAA Program Actual Spending for 2013-14 Sub-program 2.1.3 - Alternative Transportation Fuels 2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies 1.1.23 Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s) 2013-14 Results 1.1.23 1.1.27 1.1.30 Clean Air Agenda Program Name: Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2013-14 Total CAA Program Actual Spending for 2013-14 Sub-program 2.1.4 - Energy Efficiency 2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies 1.1.41 Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s) 2013-14 Results 1.1.41
1.1.45 Clean Air Agenda Program Name: Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2013-14 Total CAA Program Actual Spending for 2013-14 Sub-program 2.2.1 - Materials for Energy 2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies 1.1.25 Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s) 2013-14 Results 1.1.25 1.1.43 1.1.44 Sub-program 2.2.2 - Green Mining 2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies 1.1.7 Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s) 2013-14 Results 1.1.7 1.1.42 Clean Air Agenda Program Name: Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2013-14 Sub-program 2.2.3 - Clean Energy Science and Technology 2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies 1.1.42 Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s) 2013-14 Results 1.1.42 The Clean Energy Fund is providing funds to advance Canadian leadership in clean energy technologies. The fund is investing specifically in large-scale carbon capture and storage demonstration projects and smaller-scale demonstration projects of renewable and alternative energy technologies. NRCan’s ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative is funding a comprehensive suite of research and development (R&D) and demonstration projects. The program’s objective is to support energy technology innovation to produce and use energy in a more clean and efficient way. Examples of projects underway include:
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) hosted six roundtables to discuss ways to better align goals and foster stronger energy collaboration across Canada. Each roundtable focussed on a specific energy technology area, namely: distributed power generation; next generation transportation; energy efficiency; long term research and development opportunities; and unconventional oil and gas and carbon capture and storage. The roundtables focussed on identifying barriers and solutions to accelerating energy innovation in Canada, and how best to align efforts and enhance collaboration to support energy innovation competitiveness both domestically and abroad. Clean Air Agenda Program Name: Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2013-14 Total CAA Program Actual Spending for 2013-14 Sub-program 2.3.1 – Forest Ecosystem Science and Application 1.1.50 Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s) 2013-14 Results 1.1.50 5.3.1 Sub-program 2.3.2 - Groundwater Geoscience 2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies 3.12.6 Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s) 2013-14 Results Key deliverables achieved in 2013-14 were disseminated in a comprehensive and timely manner, including the publication of a milestone synthesis book on Canada’s groundwater resources and the release of field characterization studies, maps and assessments for seven key aquifers, including those located near Nanaimo, B.C., Milk River, AB and Spiritwood, MB. Many of the program knowledge products were cited by provincial governments, including those released by the geological surveys of Ontario and Alberta, the Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship, the Québec Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement, et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques and the Nanaimo Regional District. Data and information from all aquifers studied by the program are available through the Groundwater Information Network portal. NRCan continued to demonstrate leadership and to collaborate with provincial, territorial and international partners on the development of standards and tools for groundwater management, including the development of Water Availability Indicators. The program delivered scientific support and advice to the Alberta's provincial program on aquifer mapping, participated at World Water Week in Stockholm, led the 8th 3-D Geological Mapping workshop, supported the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and will be hosting a national workshop on emerging groundwater issues in Fall 2014. Sub-program 2.3.4 - Radioactive waste management 2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies 3.3.3 Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s) 2013-14 Results Sub-program 3.1.3 - Forest Disturbances Science and Application 2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies 1.2.4 Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s) 2013-14 Results 1.2.4 As part of the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM) “Adapting sustainable forest management to climate change” series, NRCan led the development of an overview assessment of the potential opportunities and risks associated with the use of assisted tree migration to enable forests to adapt to climate change. 4.6.3 Research conducted by NRCan on mountain pine beetle has shown that many western boreal forest stands contain adequate advance regeneration and can be left to develop naturally without major impact on the viability of various ecological and economic values, including timber supply, carbon sequestration, and wildlife habitat. Annual population trends of mountain pine beetle were sampled and infested trees were detected during ground surveys for a research project in Alberta. Decision support tools were also produced to predict the efficacy of mountain pine beetle management in southeastern BC. Rotstop C, a biological control tool developed by NRCan pathologists, is now registered for use to mitigate the impact of root rots in pine plantations. Clean Air Agenda Program Name: Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2013-14 Total CAA Program Actual Spending for 2013-14 Sub-program 3.1.4 - Climate Change Adaptation 2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies 1.2.3 Expected Result(s) and PMF Indicator(s) 2013-14 Results In addition, the Adaptation Platform now has more than 200 members and 11 Working Groups. In 2013-14, 43 new products were delivered and $3.85M was approved for 36 new cost-shared projects that support the various Platform Working Group activities. These activities support the assessment of risks of a changing climate to the northern infrastructure with respect to natural resource development; the analysis of the costs and benefits of adaptation in mining operations; and the examination of the risks and opportunities of a changing climate in the oil and gas sector. The Platform continues to strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders in the private sector, including the Ontario Power Authority, Manitoba Hydro, L'Institut de recherche d'Hydro-Québec and the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada. The Platform also hosted 4 webinars to facilitate the information exchange on topics such as a U.S. utility's response to Hurricane Sandy and new tools available to assess policy adaptability. Clean Air Agenda Program Name: Total CAA Program Planned Spending for 2013-14 Total CAA Program Actual Spending for 2013-14 Sub-program 3.1.5 - Geohazards and Public Safety 2013-16 FSDS Implementation Strategies 4.7.4 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) 2013-14 Results The guidelines were developed in partnership with the Canadian Geotechnical Society and endorsed for use by their membership. Another high impact product delivered in 2013-14 was new information on the recurrence intervals of submarine landslides in Flemish Pass that could affect oil and gas infrastructure and these results have been shared with regulatory agencies. An evaluation of available tools for earthquake risk assessment was also completed in 2013-14 and those appropriate for the Canadian context were selected and are in the early phases of implementation. Furthermore, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Québec Emergency Management organizations have applied NRCan-developed tools and methodologies to evaluate flood risk and mitigation options within their jurisdictions. |
Theme IV: Implementation Strategies |
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Green Building Targets |
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As of April 1, 2012, and pursuant to departmental strategic frameworks, new construction and build–to–lease projects, and major renovation projects, will achieve an industry–recognized level of high environmental performance.Footnote 1 (Target 8.1 from 2010–13 FSDS) |
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Performance Measure |
Performance Status |
Target status |
N/A no new projects in this category were identified in the GGO for the 2013-14 RPP |
Number of completed new construction, build–to–lease, and major renovation projects in the given fiscal year, according to the departmental strategic framework. |
N/A |
Number of completed new construction, build–to–lease, and major renovation projects that have achieved an industry–recognized level of high environmental performance in the given fiscal year, according to the departmental strategic framework. |
N/A |
Existence of a strategic framework. |
Yes – updated June 2012 |
Strategies and/or Comments: |
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As of April 1, 2012, and pursuant to departmental strategic frameworks, existing crown buildings over 1000 m2 will be assessed for environmental performance using an industry–recognized assessment tool.Footnote 2 (Target 8.2 from 2010–13 FSDS) |
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Performance Measure |
Performance Status |
Target status |
On Track |
Number of buildings over 1000 m2, according to the departmental strategic framework. |
25 |
Percentage of buildings over 1000 m2 in the given fiscal year that have been assessed using an industry–recognized assessment tool, according to the departmental strategic framework. |
8% in 2013-14 bringing total |
Existence of a strategic framework. |
Yes – updated June 2012 |
Strategies and/or Comments:
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As of April 1, 2012, and pursuant to departmental strategic frameworks, new lease or lease renewal projects over 1000 m2, where the Crown is the major lessee, will be assessed for environmental performance using an industry–recognized assessment tool.Footnote 3 |
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Performance Measure |
Performance Status |
Target status |
N/A no new projects in this category were identified in the GGO for the 2013-14 RPP |
Number of completed lease and lease renewal projects over 1000 m2 in the given fiscal year, according to the departmental strategic framework. |
N/A |
Number of completed lease and lease renewal projects over 1000 m2 that were assessed using an industry–recognized assessment tool in the given fiscal year, according to the departmental strategic framework. |
N/A |
Existence of a strategic framework. |
Yes – updated June 2012 |
Strategies and/or Comments: This does not apply to space obtained through Public Works and Government Services Canada occupancy instruments. |
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As of April 1, 2012, and pursuant to departmental strategic frameworks, fit–up and refit projects will achieve an industry–recognized level of high environmental performance.Footnote 4 |
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Performance Measure |
Performance Status |
Target status |
N/A no new projects in this category were identified in the GGO for the 2013-14 RPP |
Number of completed fit–up and refit projects in the given fiscal year, according to the departmental strategic framework. |
N/A |
Number of completed fit–up and refit projects that have achieved an industry–recognized level of high environmental performance in the given fiscal year, according to the departmental strategic framework. |
N/A |
Existence of a strategic framework. |
Yes – updated June 2012 |
Strategies and/or Comments: No new projects within this category have been identified. Rationale for traffic light indicator selected: Strategic framework that outlines considerations for this target has been completed. This does not apply to space obtained through Public Works and Government Services Canada occupancy instruments. |
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions Target |
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The federal government will take action now to reduce levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its operations to match the national target of 17% below 2005 by 2020. |
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Performance Measure |
Performance Status |
Target status |
On-Track to Achieve by 2020 |
Departmental GHG reduction target: Percentage of absolute reduction in GHG emissions by FY 2020–21, relative to FY 2005–06. |
17% |
Departmental GHG emissions in FY 2005–06, in kilotons of CO2 equivalent. |
34.20 |
Departmental GHG emissions in the given fiscal year, in kilotons of CO2 equivalent. |
32.94 |
Change in departmental GHG emissions from FY 2005–06 to the end of the given fiscal year, expressed as a percentage. |
-3.7% |
Existence of an implementation plan to reduce GHG emissions. |
Yes – updated June 2012 |
Strategies and/or Comments: Note on 2013-14 emissions: actual emissions for given fiscal year are higher than anticipated in the corresponding RPP due to colder winter experienced across the country as well as an increase in program activities at some NRCan buildings. Targeted GHG emissions sources include buildings and fleet. NRCan’s buildings account for approximately 96% of the departmental GHG emissions. The fleet accounts for the remaining 4%. Some observatories, seismographic stations, field stations and other remote areas are excluded emission sources. Buildings
Fleet NRCan has reduced its fleet operations in the National Capital Region with the closure of its Booth Street Fleet on November 30, 2012. |
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Surplus Electronic and Electrical Equipment Target |
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By March 31, 2014, each department will reuse or recycle all surplus electronic and electrical equipment (EEE) in an environmentally sound and secure manner. |
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Performance Measure |
Performance Status |
Target status |
Achieved |
Existence of an implementation plan for the disposal of all departmentally generated EEE. |
Completed in 2010-11 |
Total number of departmental locations with an EEE implementation plan fully implemented, expressed as a percentage of all locations, by the end of the given fiscal year. |
Achieved 100% |
Strategies and/or Comments:
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Printing Unit Reduction Target |
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By March 31, 2013, each department will achieve an 8:1 average ratio of office employees to printing units. Departments will apply the target where building occupancy levels, security considerations, and space configuration allow. (Target 8.7 from 2010–13 FSDS) |
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Performance Measure |
Performance Status |
Target status |
Achieved |
Ratio of departmental office employees to printing units in fiscal year 2010–11, where building occupancy levels, security considerations and space configuration allow. (Optional) |
8:1 |
Ratio of departmental office employees to printing units at the end of the given fiscal year, where building occupancy levels, security considerations and space configuration allow. |
8:1 |
Strategies and/or Comments:
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Paper Consumption Target |
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By March 31, 2014, each department will reduce internal paper consumption per office employee by 20%. Each department will establish a baseline between 2005–06 and 2011–12, and an applicable scope. (Target 8.8 from 2010–13 FSDS) |
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Performance Measure |
Performance Status |
Target status |
Achieved |
Number of sheets of internal office paper purchased or consumed per office employee in the selected baseline year, according to the departmental scope. |
4,100 baseline |
Cumulative reduction (or increase) in paper consumption per office employee in the given fiscal year, expressed as a percentage, relative to the selected baseline year. |
-24% |
Strategies and/or Comments:
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Green Meetings Target |
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By March 31, 2012, each department will adopt a guide for greening meetings. |
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Performance Measure |
Performance Status |
Target status |
Achieved |
Presence of a green meetings guide. |
March 31, 2011 – per 2012-13 DPR |
Strategies and/or Comments:
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Green Procurement Targets |
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As of April 1, 2011, each department will establish at least three SMART green procurement targets to reduce environmental impacts. (Target 8.10 from 2010–13 FSDS) |
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By March 31, 2014, 100% of vehicles purchased annually are right sized for operational needs and are the most fuel efficient vehicle in their class in the Government Motor Vehicle Ordering Guide and/or are an alternative fuel vehicle. |
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Performance Measure |
Performance Status |
Target status |
Achieved |
By March 31, 2014, 100% of vehicles purchased annually are right sized for operational needs and are the most fuel efficient vehicle in their class in the Government Motor Vehicle Ordering Guide and/or are an alternative fuel vehicle. |
100% |
Strategies and/or Comments: |
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By March 31, 2013, 100% of IT hardware procured will be "environmentally preferred" models (as required via a 5-year life cycle). |
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Performance Measure |
Performance Status |
By March 31, 2013, 100% of IT hardware procured will be "environmentally preferred" models (as required via a 5-year life cycle). |
100% - per 2012-13 DPR and ongoing |
Strategies and/or Comments: |
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As of March 31, 2012, 100% of network printer consumables and suppliers used will offer a collect and credit service, i.e. recycling, for toner cartridges. |
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Performance Measure |
Performance Status |
Target status |
Achieved |
As of March 31, 2012, 100% of network printer consumables and suppliers used will offer a collect and credit service, i.e. recycling, for toner cartridges. |
100% - per 2012-13 DPR and ongoing |
Strategies and/or Comments: |
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As of April 1, 2011, each department will establish SMART targets for training, employee performance evaluations, and management processes and controls, as they pertain to procurement decision making. (Target 8.11 from 2010–13 FSDS) |
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Training for select employees |
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Performance Measure |
Performance Status |
Target status |
Achieved |
By March 31, 2014, 70% of procurement staff members in regions will complete Green Procurement training. |
It is estimated that 90% or more of regional procurement staff have completed this training. |
Strategies and/or Comments: i. Continued monitoring and management. |
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Employee performance evaluations for managers and functional heads of procurement and materiel management. |
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Performance Measure |
Performance Status |
Target status |
Achieved |
By March 31, 2013, 60% of all procurement personnel’s (NCR and regions) performance feedback reports will include the contribution of and support for green procurement policy objectives. |
60% per 2012-13 DPR and ongoing |
By March 31, 2014 70% of performance evaluation reports for managers and functional heads of procurement and materiel management (NCR and regions) will include the contribution of and support for green procurement policy objectives. |
This target has been met. It is estimated that 90% of performance evaluation reports for procurement managers now include support for green procurement policy objectives. |
Strategies and/or Comments: i. Continued monitoring and management. |
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Management processes and controls. |
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Performance Measure |
Performance Status |
Target status |
Achieved |
By March 31, 2013, 100% of the Wireless Services procurement consolidation initiative will be implemented. |
Achieved 100% - per 2012-13 DPR |
Strategies and/or Comments: |
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Additional Departmental/Agency Sustainable Development Activities and Initiatives |
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N/A |
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Sustainable Development Management System |
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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.
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Strategic Environmental Assessment |
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During 2013-14, NRCan considered the environmental effects of initiatives subject to the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals (the Cabinet Directive) and its guidelines as part of the Departmental decision-making processes. The Department utilizes a tri-level process for completing Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs), which is outlined on NRCan’s SEA website. Detailed SEAs, the third level of the process, are completed when important positive or negative environmental effects are likely to result from the implementation of a given proposal. For each Detailed SEA conducted, NRCan issues a public statement of environmental effects.
In addition, the impacts of proposals on FSDS themes, goals and targets were taken into account in each level of SEA. For those proposals subject to NRCan’s SEA process, 43% had no impacts or were not applicable to the FSDS, while 57% of departmental initiatives were found to contribute directly or indirectly to one or more of the four FSDS Themes. Within SEAs, contributions to FSDS Themes, Targets or Goals which were cited most often were: Theme I, Goal 1 "Climate Change, Target 1.1 "Climate Change Mitigation", and Goal 2 "Air Pollution"; Theme II, Maintaining Water Quality and Availability"; and Theme III, "Protecting Nature". |
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