Archived - 2015–2016 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy — Themes I–IV
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Overview of the Federal Government's Approach to Sustainable Development
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, AANDC supports the implementation of the FSDS through the activities in this supplementary information table.
This Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy presents the planned contributions and expected results for 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.
Themes I–III
Department-led Target
FSDS Goal: Goal 3: Water Quality and Water Quantity — Protect and enhance water so that it is clean, safe and secure for all Canadians and supports healthy ecosystems.
FSDS Target 2013–2016: 3.1 Target — Increase the percent of on-reserve First Nations water systems with low risk ratings from 27% to 50% by 2015. Increase the percent of on-reserve First Nations wastewater systems with low risk ratings from 35% to 70% by 2015.
Performance Indicator: Risk rating for First Nations water and wastewater systems management.
Departmental Implementation Strategies:
3.1.1 Increase on-reserve First Nations capacity to operate and maintain water and wastewater systems by improving access to and support for operator certification and training, in order to augment the number of certified operators. (AANDC)
3.1.2 Prioritize investment support to on-reserve First Nations to target highest-risk water and wastewater systems. (AANDC)
3.1.3 Provide on-reserve First Nations with funding and advice regarding, design, construction, operation and maintenance of their water and wastewater treatment facilities. (AANDC)
3.1.6 Develop, and update as required technical guidance protocols, such as the Protocol for Centralised Drinking Water in First Nations Communities and the Protocol for Centralised Wastewater Treatment and Disposal in First Nations Communities, and the Protocol for Decentralised Water and Wastewater Systems in First Nations Communities. (AANDC)
3.1.7 Develop appropriate regulatory framework and legislation for safe drinking water and wastewater treatment in First Nations communities on reserves. (AANDC)
| Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets |
|---|---|---|
| First Nation communities have a base of safe water and wastewater that meets established standards | Percentage of First Nation drinking water systems that have LOW risk ratings | 54% by March 31, 2019 |
| Percentage of First Nation wastewater systems that have LOW risk ratings | 65% by March 31, 2019 | |
| First Nation communities have a base of infrastructure that protects their health and safety and enables engagement in the economy | Percentage of First Nation drinking water systems with treated water that meets prescribed standards in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality | 87% by March 31, 2019 |
| Percentage of First Nation wastewater systems producing treated water that meet effluent quality regulations and guidelines | 70% by March 31, 2019 | |
| The departmental target levels have been updated to 2019 using annual growth rate of actual performance results from 2011 to 2014. In some cases, this results in 2019 departmental targets being lower or the same as the 2015 targets. | ||
For planning highlights see sub-program 3.4.1 in Section II of the RPP 2015–2016.
Departmental Implementation Strategies
FSDS Goal: Goal 1: Climate Change — In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emission levels and adapt to unavoidable impacts.
FSDS Target: 1.1 Target: Climate Change Mitigation — Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada's total GHG emissions 17% by 2020. (led by Environment Canada)
Departmental Implementation Strategy: 1.1.47 Work with Aboriginal and northern communities, organizations and governments on the development of sustainable energy.
| Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets |
|---|---|---|
| Greenhouse gas emissions in Aboriginal and northern communities are reduced | Projected Reductions in GHG Emissions resulting from all projects funded by the ecoENERGY for Aboriginal and Northern Communities Program (2011–2016) | Projected 1.5 Mt (by March 31, 2016) |
| Clean Air Agenda Planned Spending for 2015–2016: $3,811,103 | ||
For planning highlights see sub-program 3.4.5 in Section II of the RPP 2015-2016.
FSDS Goal: Goal 1: Climate Change — In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emission levels and adapt to unavoidable impacts.
FSDS Target: 1.2 Target: Climate Change Adaptation — Facilitate reduced vulnerability of individuals, communities, regions and economic sectors to the impacts of climate change through the development and provision of information and tools.
Departmental Implementation Strategy: 1.2.1 Work with Aboriginal and northern communities, organizations and governments on climate change issues by supporting them in managing vulnerabilities and opportunities created by a changing climate. (AANDC)
| Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets |
|---|---|---|
| Aboriginal and northern communities implement adaptation measures and decisions to protect community health and safety | Number of communities implementing adaptation plans and measures | 10 Communities over 4 years (by March 31, 2016) |
| Clean Air Agenda Planned Spending for 2015–2016: $4,619,318 | ||
For planning highlights see sub-program 4.1.3 in Section II of the RPP 2015–2016.
FSDS Goal: Goal 1: Climate Change — In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emission levels and adapt to unavoidable impacts.
FSDS Target: 1.2 Target: Climate Change Adaptation — Facilitate reduced vulnerability of individuals, communities, regions and economic sectors to the impacts of climate change through the development and provision of information and tools.
Departmental Implementation Strategy: 1.2.5 Work with Aboriginal and northern communities to develop and deploy standards that support more resilient infrastructure and reduce impacts from climate change at the community level. (AANDC, SCC)
| Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets |
|---|---|---|
| Community health and safety in the North are strengthened | Number of new and revised codes and standards and guidelines for infrastructure in the North being adopted | 4 out of 4 codes completed by March 31, 2016 |
| Clean Air Agenda Planned Spending for 2015–2016: $171,425 | ||
For planning highlights see sub-program 4.1.3 in Section II of the RPP 2015–2016.
FSDS Goal: Goal 4: Conserving and Restoring Ecosystems, Wildlife and Habitat, and Protecting Canadians — Resilient ecosystems with healthy wildlife populations so Canadians can enjoy benefits from natural spaces, resources and ecological services for generations to come.
FSDS Target: 4.7 Target: Environmental Disasters, Incidents and Emergencies — Environmental disasters, incidents and emergencies are prevented or their impacts mitigated. (led by Public Safety and Environment Canada).
Departmental Implementation Strategy: 4.7.4 In accordance with mandated responsibilities, provide environmental and/or other 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, PS, PWGSC, TC)
| Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets |
|---|---|---|
| First Nations are supported in their efforts to mitigate and prepare for emergencies | Percentage of preparedness funding allocated towards development and maintenance of Emergency Management plans | 15% of the $19.1 million by March 31, 2016 |
| First Nations are supported in their response to and recovery from emergencies | Transfer of funds equivalent to eligible costs identified | 100% by March 31, 2016 |
For planning highlights see sub-program 3.4.6 in Section II of the RPP 2015–2016.
FSDS Goal: Goal 4: Conserving and Restoring Ecosystems, Wildlife and Habitat, and Protecting Canadians — Resilient ecosystems with healthy wildlife populations so Canadians can enjoy benefits from natural spaces, resources and ecological services for generations to come.
FSDS Target: 4.8 Target: Chemicals Management — Reduce risks to Canadians and impacts on the environment and human health posed by releases of harmful substances. (led by Environment Canada and Health Canada).
Departmental Implementation Strategy: 4.8.1 Implement the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan and complete remediation and risk management activities at known high priority federal contaminated sites. (AAFC, AANDC, CSC, DFO, DND, EC, NRC, PC, PWGSC, RCMP, TC)
| Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets |
|---|---|---|
| Decreased risk to public health and safety | Number of Class 1 sites (sites with existing concerns for public health and safety) where risk reduction is occurring | 15 by March 31, 2016 |
| First Nation land is available for development | Number of contaminated sites completely remediated | 5 by March 31, 2016 |
| Federal liabilities related to the existence of contaminated sites are reduced | Dollar reduction in total of the known federal financial liabilities in confirmed contaminated sites at the beginning of the fiscal year | $8 million by March 31, 2016 |
| Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets |
|---|---|---|
| Contaminated sites are managed to ensure the protection of human health and the safety of the environment while bringing economic benefit to the North | Number of sites in Step 8 (implementation) through Step 10 (monitoring) of the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan 10-step process | 30 by March 31, 2016 |
| Percentage of Northerners and Aboriginal peoples employed within Contaminated Sites projects | 60% by March 31, 2016 |
For planning highlights see sub-programs 3.2.4 and 4.3.2 in Section II of the RPP 2015–2016.
FSDS Goal: Goal 4: Conserving and Restoring Ecosystems, Wildlife and Habitat, and Protecting Canadians — Resilient ecosystems with healthy wildlife populations so Canadians can enjoy benefits from natural spaces, resources and ecological services for generations to come.
FSDS Target: 4.8 Target: Chemicals Management — Reduce risks to Canadians and impacts on the environment and human health posed by releases of harmful substances. (led by Environment Canada and Health Canada).
Departmental Implementation Strategy: 4.8.7 The Northern Contaminants Program will continue monitoring contaminant levels in wildlife and people in the Canadian North. (AANDC)
| Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets |
|---|---|---|
| Contaminant related risk to ecosystem and human health is reduced | Percentage decrease in concentrations of previously identified contaminants in human and wildlife populations in the North | 5 to 10% decrease in 3 indicator persistent organic pollutants concentrations over 1990 levels by March 31, 2016 1 to 3% decrease in Mercury concentrations over 1990 levels by March 31, 2016 |
| Contaminants-related research results are widely available for domestic and international policy use | Percentage of current Northern Contaminants Program research, results and information that is accessible nationally and internationally | 100% by March 31, 2016 |
For planning highlights see sub-program 4.2.1 in Section II of the RPP 2015–2016.
Theme IV
Targets and Implementation Strategies
FSDS Goal 6: Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions and Energy
Target 6.1: GHG Emissions Reduction
The Government of Canada will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its buildings and fleets by 17% below 2005 levels by 2020.
Departmental Target
17% below 2005 by 2020
Scope and Context
Targeted emission sources include approximately 75 department-owned vehicles and all other mobile equipment operated by the Department such as boats, generators, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles. This target does not apply to buildings owned by AANDC since most real property owned by the Department is held for potential future transfer to First Nations.
Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture
Program (5.1): Internal Services
Financial Performance Expectations
Reduced expenditures on fuel for on-road vehicles and other mobile equipment.
Performance Measurement
Expected Result
Reduce the carbon footprint and energy consumption of federal operations.
| Performance Indicator | Targeted performance level |
|---|---|
| Updated GHG reduction implementation plan in place by March 31, 2015. | Yes [planned for March 31, 2015] |
| GHG emissions (kt CO2 equivalent) in fiscal year 2005–06. | 0.646 kt |
| GHG emissions (kt CO2 equivalent) in fiscal year 2015–16. | 0.409 kt |
| Renewable power emission credits applied in current fiscal year (kt CO2 equivalent). | 0 kt |
| Percentage change in GHG emissions from fiscal year 2005–06 to fiscal year 2015−16, inclusive of renewable power emission credits, if applicable. | 36.8% decrease |
| Adjustments made to base year GHG emissions. | Not applicable |
FSDS Goal 7: Waste and Asset Management
Target 7.1: Real Property Environmental Performance
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.
Scope and Context
Targeted real property assets include operational buildings owned by or leased directly to AANDC. This target does not apply to real property owned by AANDC for potential future transfer to First Nations.
Target scope for existing Crown-owned buildings and new lease or lease renewal projects: Minimum building size of 500 m2, and owned by or leased directly to AANDC for operational purposes.
Target scope for new construction, build-to-lease, and major renovation projects: All construction projects for operational buildings, and all major renovations in operational buildings. Further criteria for renovation projects are elaborated in the AANDC Strategic Framework for Green Buildings.
Target scope for fit-up and refit projects: Minimum project area of 500 m2.
Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture
Program (5.1): Internal Services
Financial Performance Expectations
Reduced utility costs for departmental operational facilities.
Performance Measurement
Expected result
An industry-recognized level of high-environmental performance will be achieved in Government of Canada real property projects and operations.
| Performance Indicator | Targeted performance level |
|---|---|
| A Real Property Sustainability Framework in place to improve the management of energy, waste and water in departmental real property assets by March 31, 2015. | Yes [planned for March 31, 2015] |
| 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). | 0 Crown-owned building 0 m2 |
| 0 new lease or lease renewal projects 0 m2 |
|
| Planned assessment tool to be used: BOMA BESt | |
| Total number of existing Crown-owned buildings, new construction, build-to-lease and major renovation projects achieving an industry-recognized level of high environmental performance, and associated floor space (m2). | 0 Crown-owned buildings 0 m2 |
| 0 new construction projects 0 m2 |
|
| 0 build-to-lease projects 0 m2 |
|
| 0 major renovation projects 0 m2 |
|
| Planned environmental performance level to be achieved: LEED Canada-NC Silver, 3 Green Gloves for Design, or equivalent. | |
| Number of fit-up and refit projects achieving an industry-recognized level of high-environmental performance. | 1 fit-up and refit project 1200 m2 (approximately) |
| Planned environmental performance level to be achieved: LEED Commercial Interiors (CI) Silver, 3 Green Globes for Fit-up, or equivalent. |
| Implementation strategy element or best practice | Targeted performance level |
|---|---|
| 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). | Seeking to reach "Achieved" status. |
Target 7.2: Green Procurement
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.
Scope and Context
AANDC procures over $188 million in goods and services per year. Approximately 89% of AANDC procurement is for professional services, and the main goods acquired by the department include furniture and software licences.
Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture
Program (5.1): Internal Services
Performance Measurement
Expected result
Environmentally responsible acquisition, use and disposal of goods and services.
| Performance Indicator | Targeted performance level |
|---|---|
| Departmental approach to further the implementation of the Policy on Green Procurement in place as of April 1, 2014. | Yes [completed December, 2014] |
| Number and percentage of procurement and/or materiel management specialists who have completed the Canada School of Public Service Green Procurement course (C215) or equivalent, in the given fiscal year. | 48 90% |
| Number and percentage of managers and functional heads of procurement and materiel whose performance evaluation includes support and contribution toward green procurement, in the given fiscal year. | 3 100% |
Departmental green procurement target
By March 31, 2021, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from business related air travel will be reduced by 25% relative to 2008–2009 levels.
| Performance Indicator | Targeted performance level |
|---|---|
| Emissions associated with business travel in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 equivalent) in fiscal year 2008–2009. | 8676 t |
| Emissions associated with business travel in tonnes of CO2 equivalent in the given year. | 6698 t |
| Percentage reduction in business travel emissions relative to the baseline level of CO2 equivalent. | 22.8% decrease |
Departmental green procurement target
By March 31, 2017, 90% of on-road vehicles purchased are right sized for operational needs and are the most fuel efficient vehicle in their class available at the time of purchase and/or are an alternative fuel vehicle.
| Performance Indicator | Targeted performance level |
|---|---|
| Number of on-road vehicle purchases that meet the target relative to total number of all on-road vehicle purchases in the given year. | 90% |
| Cost of all on-road vehicles purchased in the given year. | Data not available |
Departmental green procurement target
By March 31, 2017, 90% of purchases of imaging hardware will include criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use and/or disposal of the equipment.
| Performance Indicator | Targeted performance level |
|---|---|
| Dollar value or volume of imaging hardware purchased that meet the target objective relative to the total dollar value or volume of all imaging hardware purchased in the given year. | >75% |
| Implementation strategy element or best practice | Targeted performance level |
|---|---|
| 7.2.1.5. Leverage common use procurement instruments where available and feasible. | Seeking to reach "Achieved" status |
| Best Practice 7.2.3. Train acquisition cardholders on green procurement. |
Seeking to reach "Achieved" status |
Target 7.3: Sustainable Workplace Operations
As of April 1, 2015, the Government of Canada will update and adopt policies and practices to improve the sustainability of its workplace operations.
Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture
Program (5.1): Internal Services
Performance Measurement
Expected result
Departmental workplace operations have a reduced environmental impact.
| Performance Indicator | Targeted performance level |
|---|---|
| An approach to maintain or improve the sustainability of the departmental workplace in place by March 31, 2015. | Yes [planned for March 31, 2015] |
| Implementation strategy element or best practice | Targeted performance level |
|---|---|
| 7.3.1.3. Maintain or improve existing approaches to sustainable workplace practices (i.e., printer ratios, paper usage and green meetings). | Seeking to reach "Achieved" status |
| 7.3.1.6. Dispose of e-waste in an environmentally sound and secure manner. | Seeking to reach "Achieved" status |
Target 7.4: Greening Services to Clients
By March 31, 2015, departments will establish SMART targets to reduce the environmental impact of their services to clients.
Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture
Program (5.1): Internal Services
Performance Measurement
Expected result
Departmental services to clients have a reduced environmental impact.
| Best practice | Targeted performance level |
|---|---|
| 7.4.1. Conduct an analysis of client services and implement practices to reduce their environmental impact. | Yes [planned for March 31, 2015] |
Goal 8: Water Management
Target 8.1: Water Management
As of April 1, 2014, the Government of Canada will take further action to improve water management within its real property portfolio.
Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture
Program (5.1): Internal Services
Performance Measurement
Expected result
Water is managed sustainably in Government of Canada real property operations.
| Performance indicator | Targeted performance level |
|---|---|
| Approach to improving water management included in Real Property Sustainability Framework by March 31, 2015. | Yes [planned for March 31, 2015] |
| Amount and percentage of floor space in buildings over 1000 m2 that includes water metering, in the given fiscal year (where feasible). | Data not available |
Sustainable Development Management System
AANDC's vision is a future in which First Nations, Inuit, Métis and northern communities are healthy, safe, self-sufficient and prosperous — a Canada where people make their own decisions, manage their own affairs and make strong contributions to the country as a whole.
Sustainable Development is an integral part of the Department's mandate and AANDC continues to take sustainable development and environmental risks into consideration in the development of policies, programs, plans and reports. The commitments made in this strategy are aligned with the Department's Program Alignment Architecture and the Performance Measurement Framework.
Strategic Environmental Assessment
AANDC will continue to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of the FSDS goals and targets through the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process. An SEA for policy, plan or program proposals includes an analysis of the impacts of the given proposal on the environment, including on the FSDS goals and targets. The results of AANDC's detailed assessment are made public when an initiative is announced. The purpose of the public statement is to demonstrate that the environmental effects, including the impacts on achieving the FSDS goals and targets, of the approved policy, plan or program have been appropriately considered during proposal development and decision making.