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Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

1. Overview of the Federal Government's Approach to Sustainable Development
The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) 2013–16 presents 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, the Department of Canadian Heritage supports the implementation of the FSDS through the activities in this supplementary information table.
The input provided in this supplementary table shows results for Theme IV – Shrinking the Environmental Footprint – Beginning with Government.
2. Themes I to III: Department- and Agency-Led Targets
FSDS GoalFSDS Performance IndicatorFSDS TargetFSDS Performance Status
N/A N/A N/A N/A
3. Themes I to III: Implementation Strategies
N/A
4. Theme IV: Targets and Implementation Strategies
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
The Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) generates 5 metric tons (MT) per year of waste. CCI will have a waste audit done in 2014–15 and reductions targets, if applicable, could be established once audit is completed.
Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture
Program: Internal Services
Financial Performance Expectations
No financial gain possibilities were identified in the operations of waste management at the facility.
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 indicatorPerformance level achieved
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. Achieved.
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: 1 building (1030 Innes Road, Ottawa, Ontario)
Amount m2: 5,927 m2
Assessment tool used: BOMA BEST Level 1 has been attained in 2013; valid until July 2016.
Implementation strategy element or best practicePerformance level achieved
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). CCI has attained BOMA BEST Level I and will seek to achieve Level II upon renewal in July 2016. Will apply for Level 2 upon renewal July 2016.
7.1.1.2. Conduct life-cycle assessments for major construction and renovation projects using an industry recognized tool. N/A at this time.
7.1.1.3. Develop plans to address environmental performance assessment recommendations for existing Crown-owned buildings. N/A as the facility is a leased property.
7.1.1.4. Manage the collection, diversion and disposal of workplace waste in Crown-owned buildings in an environmentally responsible manner. Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) through a Special Service Agreement (SSA) collects and disposes of all CCI waste.
7.1.1.5. Develop an approach to improve performance of Crown-owned buildings via automation and commissioning. Achieved.
7.1.1.6. Develop an approach to building operator training in Crown-owned buildings. Achieved.
7.1.1.7. 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.).

Achieved.

An Asset Management Plan containing a building condition report was produced in 2012. They are generally produced every 5 years.
7.1.1.8. Benchmark and report annually on the energy usage intensity of Crown-owned office buildings using an industry recognized tool. Achieved.
Energy benchmark was established in 2011. An energy audit was completed this year for years 2011–14.
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.		 Achieved.
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.
Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture
Program: Internal Services
Performance Measurement
Expected result
Environmentally responsible acquisition, use and disposal of goods and services.
Performance indicatorPerformance level achieved
Number and percentage of procurement and/or materiel management specialists who completed the Canada School of Public Service Green Procurement course (C215) or equivalent, in fiscal year 2014–15. Number: 11
Percentage: 100
Number and percentage of managers and functional heads of procurement and materiel whose performance evaluation includes support and contribution toward green procurement, in fiscal year 2014–15. Number: 3
Percentage: 100
Departmental green procurement target
By March 31, 2017, 90% of purchases of audio visual equipment will include criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use and/or disposal of the equipment.
Performance indicatorPerformance level achieved
Audio visual equipment PWGSC SO/SA 100% compliant - AV Equipment is acquired via mandatory PWGSC Standing Offer which has green procurement clauses embedded within.
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 indicatorPerformance level achieved
Imaging hardware and consumables PWGSC SO/SA 100% compliant – Imaging Hardware and consumables are acquired via mandatory PWGSC Standing Offer/Supply Arrangements which have green procurement clauses embedded within.
Departmental green procurement target
By March 31, 2017, 90% of IT hardware purchases will include criteria to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, acquisition, use and/or disposal of the equipment.
Performance indicatorPerformance level achieved
Information technology (IT) hardware PWGSC SO/SA 100% compliant – IT Hardware is acquired via mandatory PWGSC Standing Offer/Supply Arrangements which have green procurement clauses embedded within – now transferred to Shared Services.
Implementation strategy element or best practicePerformance level achieved
7.2.1.5. Leverage common use procurement instruments where available and feasible. Achieved.
CIOB uses the PWGSC instrument for all hardware purchases. Licences such as Operating Systems are also centrally purchased by SSC.
Best Practice
7.2.2. Train acquisition cardholders on green procurement.		 Achieved.
Best Practice
7.2.3. Increase awareness of the Policy on Green Procurement among managers.		 Achieved.
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: Internal Services
Performance Measurement
Expected result
Departmental workplace operations have a reduced environmental impact.
Performance indicatorPerformance level achieved
An approach to maintain or improve the sustainability of the departmental workplace is in place by March 31, 2015. A departmental approach is currently in development. Completion date to be determined.
Implementation strategy element or best practicePerformance level achieved
7.3.1.1. Engage employees in greening government operations practices. Achieved.
PCH management endorsed and promoted Information Management practices by enforcing the disposition of transitory information (paper, mail, network drive).
7.3.1.2. Integrate environmental considerations into corporate policies, processes and practices in accordance with departmental refresh cycles. Achieved.
Equipment is strategically replaced on an established schedule. The “1 device per user” policy facilitates substantially this replacement schedule (Long Term Capital Plan).
7.3.1.3. Maintain or improve existing approaches to sustainable workplace practices (i.e., printer ratios, paper usage, and green meetings). Achieved.
The current printer ratio at PCH is 8 users per printer (8:1*). As for paper usage, PCH has already seen a marked decrease since the implementation of secure printing (using a PIN). The mobile workforce initiative and green meetings (minimal or no paper) have also contributed substantially to support the sustainability of the workplace at PCH.
* The calculation of the 8:1 ratio does not include printers classified as "exceptions".
7.3.1.4. Minimize the ratio of information technology (IT) assets per employee. Achieved.
PCH has a new policy, one device per user, which reduces the ratio to 1:1. As part of the PCH Printer Strategy personalized printers were eliminated and a ratio of 5:1 was implemented.
7.3.1.5. Select and operate IT and office equipment in a manner that reduces energy consumption and material usage. In progress.
PCH implemented a video conferencing project with three main objectives, reduce travel, realise savings by sharing video conferencing room across the GC. PCH is also launching virtual meeting rooms and piloted desktop video conferencing as a means of increasing availability of video conferencing tools.
7.3.1.6. Dispose of e-waste in an environmentally sound and secure manner. Achieved.
E-waste is disposed via SSA with PWGSC.
7.3.1.7. Reuse or recycle workplace materiel and assets in an environmentally sound and secure manner. Achieved.
Equipment is removed from empty offices and re-distributed if it is still within its life-cycle.
7.3.1.8. Minimize all non-hazardous solid waste generated, and leverage service offerings to maximize the diversion of waste. Achieved.
7.3.1.9. Increase the population density in office buildings, and increase space utilization in special purpose buildings. Achieved.
Amalgamation of CCI/CHIN.
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.
Scope and Context
The Department of Canadian Heritage operates a laboratory facility for the CCI. Many of the laboratories require controlled humidity environments. The water usage is mostly used for domestic purposes (minimal); for cooling; and, for humidifying in cold temperatures. A follow-up on the 2012 water audit will be performed in 2014–15 and reduction targets, if applicable, will be set once results are compiled.
Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture
Program: Internal Services
Financial Performance Expectations
As part of their contract, OPSIS, a hired facilities management consulting firm, were tasked to generate an energy audit and recommendations to apply after the first year. The recommendations were put in place very quickly and the completed audit for 2014 revealed that significant financial gains were done. Further energy-saving changes require more money than they would save.
Performance Measurement
Expected result
Water is managed sustainably in Government of Canada real property operations.
Performance indicatorPerformance level achieved
Approach to improving water management included in Real Property Sustainability Framework by March 31, 2015. Regular water meter readings were noted and analyzed, then, actions were taken to cut down on waste and reduce usage where it was cost effective without compromising the health of the occupants and the building’s operations.
Amount and percentage of floor space in buildings over 1000 m2 that includes water metering, in fiscal year 2014–15 (where feasible). Water meter on main line as well as water meters on specific devices (humidifiers; boilers; chilled water; and, cooling towers).
Amount m2: 5,927m2
Percentage: 100% Leases
Implementation strategy element or best practicePerformance level achieved
8.1.1.1. Conserve potable water. Achieved. The CCI replaced the material at the end of its useful life by more recent and more efficient models (e.g.: installation low flow aerators, low flow toilets and leak detection nozzles, and replacement of valve units).
The humidity level of the building located at 1030 Innes Road must remain high in order to conserve the artefacts housed there. Maintaining this humidity level constitutes the component requiring the greatest water consumption in the building and remains necessary in order not to compromise operations.
8.1.1.2. Manage storm water run-off. Not managed by the Department
8.1.1.3. Improve the metering of water utility usage for existing Crown-owned buildings. Exceeded. Water meters were installed on all the main pipes and on specific units (humidifiers, boilers, water coolers and cooling towers). Readings are taken every day of the week with a view to identifying and investigating any abnormal usages.
8.1.1.4. Meter the water usage in new projects. N/A at this time
Best Practice
8.1.2 Conduct potable water audits in Crown-owned assets.		 Achieved. See 8.1.1.3
5. Additional Departmental Sustainable Development Activities and Initiatives
N/A
6. Sustainable Development Management System

Sustainable development as defined by Environment Canada:
Sustainable development is about meeting the needs of today without compromising the needs of future generations. It is about improving the standard of living by protecting human health, conserving the environment, using resources efficiently and advancing long-term economic competitiveness. It requires the integration of environmental, economic and social priorities into policies and programs and requires action at all levels - citizens, industry, and governments.

The Department of Canadian Heritage (PCH) is in the process of formalizing the implementation of its Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (2014-17) (DSDS), to ensure that the Department’s operational systems and decision-making process account for and consider the issues of sustainable development that are relevant to its mandate.

Guided by the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals (2010), a step by step process document with accompanying forms - centered on the delivery of Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) - has been developed in line with the tenets of the DSDS and the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) 2013-16. Implementation is planned for the coming fiscal year.

When implemented, the process will allow for the centralization of data and information related to the Department’s SEA activities, which in turn, will lead to enhanced accountability and transparency of SEA and FSDS monitoring and reporting practices.
7. Strategic Environmental Assessment
During the 2014–15 reporting cycle, the Department of Canadian Heritage considered the environmental effects of initiatives subject to the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals, as part of its decision-making processes. As the Department of Canadian Heritage did not develop any initiatives that required a strategic environmental assessment, no related public statements were produced.

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