2021-22 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

3.1 Greening Government: The Government of Canada will transition to low-carbon, climate resilient, and green operations

This goal captures commitments from the Greening Government Strategy, as well as reporting requirements under the Policy on Green Procurement.

3.1.1 Greening Government FSDS target: Reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from federal government facilities and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 (with an aspiration to achieve this target by 2025) and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050 (with an aspiration to be carbon neutral).

FSDS contributing action:

• All new buildings and major building retrofits will prioritize low-carbon investments based on integrated design principles, and life-cycle and total-cost-of ownership assessments which incorporate shadow carbon pricing.

Corresponding departmental actions:

• Develop net-zero climate-resilient real property portfolio plan to determine the most cost-effective pathway to climate-resilient real property operations by 2050, including leveraging opportunities for portfolio rationalization, sharing facilities, maximizing energy efficiency, and switching to lower carbon fuels.
• All new federal buildings (including build-to-lease and public-private partnerships), starting at the latest in 2022, should be constructed to be net-zero carbon unless a lifecycle cost benefit analysis indicates net-zero carbon ready construction.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• Actions that reduce the demand for energy or switch to lower carbon sources of energy will lead to reductions in GHGs from building operations.
• These actions contribute to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

FSDS contributing action:

• Departments will adopt and deploy clean technologies and implement procedures to manage building operations and take advantage of programs to improve the environmental performance of their buildings.

Corresponding departmental actions:

• Internal collaboration to identify and progress on opportunities for clean technologies, building operations, and building environmental performance during fiscal year 2020–21.
• Establishment of departmental green procurement targets to prioritize zero carbon real property by fiscal year 2020–21.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• Understanding the range of applications for clean technology in building operations, and identifying what clean technology is purchased by Departments for what purposes will raise awareness about clean technology opportunities in the built environment and ultimately reduce GHG emissions and support more efficient production and consumption.
• This action supports SDGs 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

FSDS contributing action:

• Fleet management will be optimized by including applying telematics to collect and analyze vehicle usage data on vehicles scheduled to be replaced.

Corresponding departmental actions:

• 75% of new light-duty unmodified administrative fleet vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids.
• All new executive vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• Rationalization of fleets via retirement of emitting vehicles can reduce GHG emissions.
• This action supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by reducing fuel consumption.

3.1.2 Greening Government FSDS target: Divert at least 75% (by weight) of non-hazardous operational waste from landfills by 2030.

FSDS contributing action:

• CIRNAC will take steps to reduce the environmental impact of waste, and lead by example through operations that are zero-carbon, resilient, and green.

Corresponding departmental actions:

• Track and disclose waste diversion rates by 2022.
• Engage employees on waste diversion initiatives.
• Report building energy and water usage and waste generated using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager in all new domestic office leases and lease renewals for space more than 500 square metres.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• Actions that reduce the generation of non-hazardous operational waste will help to reduce Scope 3 emissions for the production, transport and disposal of material. Diverting waste from landfill reduces landfill gas and transport hauling emissions. Material recovery via recycling reduces emissions for the extraction and production of virgin materials.
• This action supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting sustainable waste management.

3.1.3 Greening Government FSDS target: Divert at least 75% (by weight) of plastic waste from landfills by 2030.

FSDS contributing action:

• CIRNAC will take steps to reduce the environmental impact of waste, and lead by example through operations that are zero-carbon, resilient, and green.

Corresponding departmental actions:

• Eliminate the unnecessary use of single-use plastics in government operations, events and meetings.
• Develop departmental policy instruments to mandate and support the elimination of unnecessary single-use plastics.
• When procuring products that contain plastics, CIRNAC will promote the procurement of sustainable plastic products and the reduction of associated plastic packaging waste.
• Track and disclose departmental waste diversion rates by 2022.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• Actions that reduce the generation of plastic waste will help to reduce Scope 3 emissions for the production, transport and disposal of material. Diverting waste from landfill reduces landfill gas and transport waste hauling emissions. Material recovery via recycling reduces emissions for the extraction and production of virgin materials.
• This action supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by reducing the generation of plastic waste.

3.1.4 Greening Government FSDS target: Divert at least 90% (by weight) of all construction and demolition waste from landfills (striving to achieve 100% by 2030).

FSDS contributing action:

• CIRNAC will take steps to reduce the environmental impact of waste, and lead by example through operations that are zero-carbon, resilient, and green.

Corresponding departmental actions:

• Track and disclose departmental waste diversion rates by 2022.
• Establish departmental green procurement targets to require the diversion of waste from construction and demolition projects.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• Actions that reduce the generation of construction and demolition waste will help to reduce Scope 3 emissions for the production, transport and disposal of material. Diverting waste from landfill reduces landfill gas and transport waste hauling emissions. Material recovery via recycling reduces emissions for the extraction and production of virgin materials.
• This action supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by reducing landfill waste generated by construction and demolition projects.

3.1.5 Greening Government FSDS target: By 2030, 75% of domestic office lease transactions must be carbon neutral in situations where the federal government represents 75% or greater of the occupied space (square metres), market conditions permit and a competitive environment exists.

FSDS contributing action:

• In all new domestic office leases and lease renewals for space more than 500 square metres, landlords must report building energy and water usage and waste generated using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.

Corresponding departmental actions:

• All new domestic office leases and lease renewals awarded after April 1, 2025, where the federal government is the majority tenant, market conditions permit and a competitive environment exists, preference will be given to buildings with the highest available ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager score.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• Higher performing buildings with the highest scores will generally minimize energy use and therefore GHG emissions from heating and electricity (where applicable).
• This action supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by minimizing energy consumption and promoting demand for carbon neutral office space.

3.1.6 Greening Government FSDS target: The administrative fleet will be comprised of at least 80% zero-emission vehicles by 2030.

FSDS contributing action:

• Fleet management will be optimized including by applying telematics to collect and analyze vehicle usage data on vehicles scheduled to be replaced.

Corresponding departmental actions:

• 75% of new light-duty unmodified administrative fleet vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids.
• All new executive vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• As conventional vehicles are replaced over their lifetimes with zero-emission vehicles, and/or the size of the fleet is reduced, a greater proportion of the fleet will be zero-emission vehicles. CIRNAC faces challenges in complying with this target as most departmental vehicles are required to operate in remote and extremely cold northern locations where service support for zero-emission vehicles is not readily available. CIRNAC is updating its departmental policies and procedures for fleet purchases to require completion of "right-sizing" charts for new vehicles.
• This action supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by supporting the procurement and operation of zero-emission vehicles.

3.1.7 Greening Government FSDS target: By 2022, departments have developed measures to reduce climate change risks to assets, services and operations.

FSDS contributing action:

• Increase training and support on assessing climate change impacts, undertaking climate change risk assessments and developing adaptation actions to public service employees, and facilitate sharing of best practices and lessons learned.

Corresponding departmental action:

• By 2021, CIRNAC will take action to understand the wide range of climate change impacts that could potentially affect federal assets, services and operations across the country.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• Factoring climate variability and change into policy, programs, and operations is one of the most important ways the government can adapt to a changing climate and is consistent with the government's risk management approach of enhancing the protection of public assets and resources and strengthening planning and decision making.
• This action supports SDG  13 (Climate Action) by mandating consideration of climate risks and the development of commensurate plans and mitigation measures.

FSDS contributing action:

• By 2021, adopt climate-resilient building codes being developed by National Research Council Canada (NRCC).

Corresponding departmental actions:

• All major real property projects will integrate climate change adaptation into the design, construction and operation aspects.
• Climate change adaptation will be included in the design, construction and operation aspects of real property or engineered asset projects.
• Construct buildings conforming to the NRCC code.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• Early adoption of the code in the construction of buildings demonstrates federal leadership in climate resilient buildings.
• This action supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by ensuring that real property projects will remain resilient against identified climate change impacts and risks.

3.1.8 Greening Government FSDS target: Use 100% clean electricity by 2025

FSDS contributing action:

• CIRNAC will purchase renewable energy certificates to offset all GHG emissions generated by departmental electricity consumption starting in fiscal year 2021–22.

Corresponding departmental actions:

• In regions with carbon-emitting electricity generation, organizations will at a minimum produce or purchase megawatt hours of renewable electricity equivalent to that produced by the high-carbon portion of the electricity grid. This includes the use of renewable electricity generated on-site or purchased off-site.
• There is a preference, but not a requirement, to buy electricity in the province or territory in which it is consumed.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• The use of clean electricity eliminates GHG emissions in jurisdictions with emitting generation sources.
• This action supports SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by stimulating demand for clean electricity in areas with operational facilities managed by CIRNAC.

3.1.9 Greening Government FSDS target: Actions supporting the Goal: Greening Government

FSDS contributing action:

• Minimize embodied carbon and the use of harmful materials in construction and renovation.

Corresponding departmental actions:

• Specification of low embodied carbon materials in construction and construction contracts.
• Substitution of low embodied carbon materials in construction and renovation projects.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• The use of low embodied carbon materials expands the market and encourages industry to adopt low carbon extraction, production and disposal practices. This will reduce Scope 3 emissions and other harmful environmental impacts.
• This action supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by minimizing emissions resulting from construction and renovation projects.

FSDS contributing action:

• Departments will use environmental criteria to reduce the environmental impact and ensure best value in government procurement decisions.

Corresponding departmental actions:

• Include criteria that address carbon reduction, sustainable plastics and broader environmental benefits into procurements for goods and services that have a high environmental impact.
• Integrate environmental considerations into procurement management processes and controls.
• Incorporate environmental considerations into the development of any common-use procurement instruments.
• Ensure key officials include contribution to and support for the Policy on Green Procurement objectives in their performance evaluations.
• Set departmental targets to reduce the environmental impact of specific goods or services.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and is expected to motivate suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of the goods and services they deliver, and their supply chains.
• This action supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by mandating the consideration of environmental performance in procurement decisions.

FSDS contributing action:

• Departments will adopt clean technology and undertake clean technology demonstration projects.

Corresponding departmental actions:

• Undertake or commission research and development for innovative clean technologies.
• Address specific departmental needs or increase operational efficiency by testing state-of-the-art innovations not yet available in the marketplace.
• Lead by example as an early adopter of clean technology innovations.
• Develop operational innovation proposals for the Greening Government Fund.
• Create departmental set-asides or targets for procurement of clean technology goods and services.
• Incorporate life-cycle assessments and outcomes-based approaches into procurement practices to ensure innovative approaches are considered.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• Actions by individual departments that incent, support, or procure state-of-the-art innovative clean technologies that lower the environmental footprint of government operations while contributing to the success of clean-tech businesses in Canada.
• This action supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by fostering the adoption and demonstration of emerging clean technologies and leading by example.

FSDS contributing action:

• Support for green procurement will be strengthened, including guidance, tools and training for public service employees.

Corresponding departmental action:

• Ensure decisions makers, material management and specialists in procurement have the necessary training and awareness to support green procurement.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and is expected to motivate suppliers to green their goods, services and supply chain.
• This action supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by mandating the consideration of environmental performance in procurement decisions.

3.2 Effective Action on Climate Change: A low-carbon economy contributes to limiting global average temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius and supports efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius

3.2.1 Effective Action on Climate Change FSDS target : Actions supporting the Goal: Effective Action on Climate Change. This section is for actions that support the Effective Action on Climate Change Goal but do not directly support a FSDS target.

FSDS contributing action:

• Provide support and funding for climate resilience.

Corresponding departmental action:

• Provide funding to First Nations communities to assess climate change risks, develop adaptation plans and develop flood plain maps.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• The First Nation Adapt (FNA) program supports community driven projects that allow First Nations south of the 60th parallel to take action on climate change. $9,000,000 in funding is available annually to support projects such as: climate change risk assessments; integration of climate change risks into community planning documents; identification of adaptation measures to reduce climate change impacts; collection of Indigenous Knowledge regarding community-based local knowledge of past climate events and trends; floodplain mapping to assess current and future projected flood risks to community infrastructure.
• SDG 13: Climate Action

Corresponding departmental action:

• Provides funding to northern and Indigenous communities to assess climate change risks, develop adaptation plans and implement adaptation actions.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• The Climate Change Preparedness in the North (CCPN) program supports community-driven projects that allow northern and Indigenous communities in northern Canada to take action on climate change. $8,800,000 is available annually to support climate change projects such as: climate change risk assessments, development of hazard maps and adaptation plans, development of adaptation options and the implementation of structural and non-structural adaptation measures.
• SDG 13: Climate Action

Corresponding departmental action:

• Provides funding to help Indigenous peoples monitor climate and environmental changes in their communities/traditional lands.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• The Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring program (ICBCM) supports Indigenous peoples to monitor climate and climate change impacts for use in decision-making using both Indigenous Knowledge and science. Annually, $6,000,000 is allocated to support projects which may include: training and hiring of community members; developing monitoring plans; monitoring key climate indicators; assessing and managing data; communicating results; networking and community engagement.
• SDG 13: Climate Action

FSDS contributing action:

• Work with partners on climate change.

Corresponding departmental action:

• Support capacity building and engagement and support the distinctions-based bilateral Pan-Canadian Framework (PCF) tables with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• The Engaging Indigenous Peoples in Climate Policy program (EIPICP) builds capacity in National and Regional Indigenous Organizations by providing funding for Indigenous climate change positions, holding climate change events and engagement sessions such as the PCF tables. Building climate change capacity in Indigenous organizations allows Indigenous peoples to take a leadership role in actions on climate change within their communities and regions.
• SDG 13: Climate Action

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

3.3.1 Clean Energy FSDS target: By 2030, 90% and in the long term, 100% of Canada's electricity is generated from renewable and non-emitting sources.

FSDS contributing action:

• Promote collaboration and work with partners on clean energy infrastructure.

Corresponding departmental action:

• Support northern communities, governments, and organizations to plan and construct renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that reduce diesel use for electricity and heating.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• The Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity (REACHE) program aims to reduce northern communities' reliance on diesel fuel for electricity and heating. By funding clean energy and energy efficiency projects the program will reduce the use of diesel, contributing to reduced GHG emissions. Over 30 projects are funded annually with $3,750,000. These projects focus on proven technologies such as: solar, wind, energy storage, hydro, biomass heating, residual heat recovery and LED.
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy (7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix)

3.4 Sustainable Food: Innovation and ingenuity contribute to a world-leading agricultural sector and food economy for the benefit of all Canadians

3.4.1 Sustainable Food FSDS target: Actions supporting the Goal: Sustainable Food. This section is for actions that support Sustainable Food Goal but do not directly support a FSDS target.

FSDS contributing action:

• Sustainable Food

Corresponding departmental actions:

• Residents in eligible communities have access to nutritious, perishable foods at a subsidized rate.
• Provide a subsidy for staple goods (non-perishables and other non-food/essential items shipped by surface transportation.
• Isolated northern communities' nutritional choices and community health are strengthened.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• Nutrition North Canada (NNC) is one program in the Government of Canada that helps support sustainable foods and food security systems for Northerners.
• NNC's food subsidy helps improve the availability and access of nutritious food for northern residents, which contributes to healthy diets and food choices.
• Beyond access to nutrition and healthy foods, NNC is addressing issues of food security through policies that promote healthy and sustainable foods and food security systems in the North. These are composed of 3 critical elements that need to be addressed together: 1) affordable market food, 2) country/traditional food and, 3) locally produced food.
• To help improve food security for northern residents in isolated communities, NNC has developed the Harvesters Support Grant in collaboration with Indigenous partners, which supports access to country food through hunting, harvesting and food sharing.
• NNC continues to subsidize market foods while supplementing the food system with traditional foods to enhance sustainable food and food systems in the North.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Corresponding departmental action:

• Deliver the Harvesters Support Grant to eligible communities so that they can equip themselves for the harvesting of country foods in support of food sharing activities.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• Harvesting and sharing of country foods in isolated communities is strengthened.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

3.5 Safe and Healthy Communities: All Canadians live in clean, sustainable communities that contribute to their health and well-being

3.5.1 Safe and Healthy Communities FSDS target: Actions supporting the Goal of Safe and Healthy Communities

FSDS contributing action:

• Demonstrate leadership on assessing and remediating contaminated sites.

Corresponding departmental action:

• Initiate the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program to manage 8 abandoned mines in the Yukon and Northwest Territories.
• Manage the Department's portfolio of contaminated sites under the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• The management of contaminated sites will allow the department to reduce or eliminate risks to human health and the environment.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) Target 12.4

FSDS contributing action:

• Provide information to inform action and decision-making.

Corresponding departmental action:

• Continue research and monitoring related to contaminant levels and their effects in wildlife and people in the Canadian North as part of the Northern Contaminants Program (NCP) efforts to reduce and, wherever possible, eliminate contaminants in traditionally harvested foods, while providing information that assists individuals and communities to make informed decisions about their food use.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• The data generated by the NCP is used to assess ecosystem and human health, and the findings of these assessments inform policy, resulting in action to eliminate contaminants from long-range sources. Specifically, this information supports action and decision-making by Northern health authorities, and under processes of the Arctic Council, the Minamata Convention on Mercury and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) Target 12.4

FSDS contributing action:

• Better understand air pollutants and harmful substances.

Corresponding departmental action:

• Continue research and monitoring related to contaminant levels and their effects in wildlife and people in the Canadian North as part of the NCP efforts to reduce and, wherever possible, eliminate contaminants in traditionally harvested foods, while providing information that assists individuals and communities to make informed decisions about their food use.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• The NCP plays a particularly important role in generating scientific information on contaminants in the Arctic. NCP research results help in the development of associated long-term global monitoring and research programs. The NCP and its researchers work in an interdisciplinary approach and include natural and social sciences as well as community-based monitoring and Indigenous knowledge. NCP has been cultivating links with other Canadian Arctic science programs such as ArcticNet and Polar Knowledge Canada to promote coordination and cooperation. The NCP works with the northern regions through 5 Regional Contaminants Committees, and 4 Inuit Research Advisors to lead and participate in NCP-funded research and communications initiatives.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) Target 12.4

FSDS contributing action:

• Take a leading role in international agreements and collaboration on chemicals management and transboundary air pollution.

Corresponding departmental action:

• Continue, through the NCP, to contribute data, information, leadership and expertise in support of international initiatives under the Arctic Council (e.g. the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme), international agreements and their effectiveness evaluation (e.g. the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the Minamata Convention on Mercury), and other initiatives aimed at efforts to reduce and, wherever possible, eliminate transboundary contaminants that make their way into northern food chains that include traditionally harvested foods.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• The NCP contributes scientific data to contaminants-related international agreements and assessments, helping to position Canada as an international leader in Arctic science. The data generated by the NCP is used to assess ecosystem and human health, and the findings of these assessments inform policy, resulting in action to eliminate contaminants from long-range sources. Specifically, this information supports action and decision-making by northern health authorities, and under processes of the Arctic Council, the Minamata Convention on Mercury and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) Target 12.4

FSDS contributing action:

• Safe and Healthy Communities

Corresponding departmental action:

• Identify priority science needs to improve the detection, sampling and analysis of plastics and microplastics in Arctic and northern ecosystems, and establish baselines for long-term monitoring of trends, through the NCP. These research and monitoring activities will contribute to Canada's Plastics Science Agenda (CaPSA), furthering our understanding of how plastics and microplastics are distributed and move through Arctic ecosystems. As plastics science advances, it will better inform policy development and improve the ability to track the effectiveness of actions taken.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target:

• Found in even the most remote environments, plastic and microplastic pollution is a global concern, although there is currently very limited Arctic data. The NCP has identified priority science needs to improve the detection, sampling and analysis of plastics in Arctic and northern atmospheric, terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments and wildlife. These research and monitoring activities will contribute to Canada's Plastics Science Agenda (CaPSA), furthering our understanding of how plastics and microplastics are distributed and move through Arctic ecosystems. As plastics science advances, it will better inform policy development and improve the ability to track the effectiveness of actions taken.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) Target 12.4 and SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources Target 14.1