Sustainable development strategy 2015 to 2018

To reduce the ecological impacts of Correctional Service of Canada operations.

Message from the Commissioner

For this SDS cycle, our ecological pledges are shared among many Offices of Primary Interest. Accordingly, I strongly believe that the ownership of our Sustainable Development investments should reside primarily at the institutional level, while the accumulated gains will continue to radiate throughout our organization.

In these times of change, let our new SDS embrace the true benefits of strong partnerships and shared accountabilities. It is imperative that we all contribute to the advancement and evolution of our corporate Sustainable Development initiatives. Working together, we will diminish CSC's environmental footprint and inspire future generations to pursue the same path.

Don Head
Commissioner

Executive summary

Environmental Protection Programs (NHQ-EPP) has been preparing and publishing a corporate Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS) every three years since its first edition in 1997. Each strategy had its successes and lessons learned which were used and adapted in subsequent editions. In the last SDS, for the 2012 to 2015 cycle, 18 targets were established of which 16 targets were met or surpassed and two targets were partially achieved.

For this SDS, CSC's sixth edition, we have aimed to maintain a large degree of consistency with goals from previous strategies in order to capitalize on achievements. The commitments/targets are in line with the institutional water and energy conservation plans and the optimized recycling programs established and implemented in the 2012 to 2015 SDS cycle. In addition, emphasis and priority has been placed on energy saving initiatives in an effort to lower greenhouse gas emissions and to reduce consumption costs.

The approach adopted for SDS 2015 to 2018 is different from those previous in that the commitments are based on specific and realistic targets at the institutional level, rather than being corporately developed and implemented. We believe that each site can contribute in its own way to CSC's environmental sustainability agenda.

The current SDS overarching main goal is “To reduce the ecological impacts of Correctional Service of Canada operations”. In addition, the strategy is subdivided into two goals:

1. Contribute to the protection of the atmosphere and to reduce gaseous emissions that are responsible for global warming/climate change
2. Contribute to the protection of natural habitats and reduce pollution to aquatic ecosystems.

Though CSC is not legally bound by the Federal Sustainable Development Act, the department has agreed to report on the implementation strategy 3.11.1 of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy 2013 to 2016 - “Federal custodian's complete remediation/risk management activities at federal contaminated sites for which they are responsible in order to reduce human health and ecological risks at higher priority sites”. Each year through the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FSCAP) CSC will provide a status report on the contaminated sites located on CSC properties undergoing remediation or those being risk managed.

Introduction

CSC has made a significant effort towards sustainable development and environmental performance since its first corporate SDS voluntarily developed and published in 1997. At that time, CSC focused primarily on increasing human resources in the regions to help bring forward the environmental agenda and developing environmental management tools to help meet the commitments that were pledged.

The lessons learned from the first SDS, resulted in a more modest approach for the SDS 2000 to 2003. The number of targets considerably decreased from a demanding 42 in the first SDS to just 12 in the second reiteration. Despite the strong efforts made to achieve SDS 2000 to 2003, CSC was unable to conclusively report on whether significant progress was made.

Commitments were further defined in the third edition of the SDS for 2003 to 2006. Priorities were established and nine targets were proposed. CSC was able to better define the scope of its capacity and bring about changes that would help in the achievement of the fourth SDS.

SDS 2007 to 2010 resulted in the highest success for CSC in achieving its commitments. There were 14 targets established and 13 were met or exceeded. The reason for this incredible success rate was due to better balancing of resources and needs.

Based on this great achievement, SDS 2012 to 2015 largely duplicated the notion of finding the equilibrium between resources and commitments. There were 18 targets under five main goals. The final analysis determined 16 targets were met or surpassed and two targets were partially achieved. One of the two targets that were partially achieved was reducing the use of polystyrene and single serving food packing. This target was both challenging to report on and to reach due to the introduction of the food services modernization initiative after the publishing of the SDS, which took precedence over finding innovative ways to reduce polystyrene. The second target that had been identified as partially achieved was the reduction of energy consumption by 3%, intensity based. As this document was being written, it was not yet fully known the results of CSC's energy consumption for 2014 to 2015. Therefore, we could not conclusively report until the end of that year, however, the evidence gathered thus far indicates that this target will be met.

For SDS 2015 to 2018, the essence of the goals has been for the most part persevered from previous SDS's. Contributions are in line with institutional water and energy conservation plans that were developed and implemented over the 2012 to 2015 cycle and the optimization of recycling programs over the same period. Priority has been placed on energy saving initiatives in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Of the 40 targets developed, 32 are focussed on conserving energy by implementing alternative energy projects and by converting to LED lighting. In addition, there are substantial inputs to conserving water by installing water saving devices.

Risk analysis

CSC Environment and SDS Programs are fundamentally composed of two main portfolios: Environmental Compliance and Environmental Performance. Both environmental portfolios fall under the strategic corporate priority “Efficient and effective management practices that reflect values-based leadership”.

Environment Compliance

Environmental Performance

The Environmental Performance portfolio relates to aspects that are not legislated and consequently, the risk level is typically less significant. In CSC, environmental performance generally refers to SDS commitments/targets that mostly involve objectives in the area of energy efficiency (greenhouse gases reduction), water conservation and solid waste reduction. Risk level is evaluated based on the likelihood of not meeting corporate commitments and the potential environmental impact associated with such results.

The following chart evaluates the risk ranking for each environmental compliance and performance aspect, in terms of likelihood and impact.

Description of Environmental Impacts

Based on the above risk assessment, the impacts relating to the environmental compliance aspects (regulated issues) are typically more significant than those linked to environmental performance aspects (SDS commitments). In particular, the operation of petroleum storage tanks and wastewater treatment systems on CSC sites represent the highest level of risks in terms of likelihood (highly possible to certainty) and impacts (medium to significant).

Depending on the volume and the type of product involved (diesel, heating oil, used oil, gasoline, ethanol 85), the environmental risks associated with leaks, spills or overflows from petroleum storage tanks can be significant in terms of potential negative impacts on surface or underground water bodies, soil, real property assets (land use) and infrastructures such as water/sewage distribution networks and wastewater treatment plants. Accordingly, contamination incurred from uncontained hydrocarbon spills will generate most likely an environmental liability (contaminated site) that will need to be remediated or risk managed at one point in time. In the worst case scenarios, petroleum products may directly contaminate a water source (lake, river, aquifer, etc.) that is used for drinking water purposes, or end up at a wastewater treatment plant and affect the biological processes involved which could result in the discharge of untreated sewage into water bodies (fish habitat). However, the risk interactions between petroleum storage tanks and wastewater treatment facilities or water sources are overall relatively low, and even less when considering the mitigation strategies that are described below.

As for the physical repercussions linked with non adherence to CEAA and SARA, they are generally negligible given that CSC (often via PWGSC) conducts as required, Environmental Effect Evaluations (EEE) of its major construction/renovation projects which include provisions regarding Species at Risk.

As for the ecological impacts relating to the environmental performance aspects (SDS commitments), typically these are significantly less impactful than those associated with compliance aspects. Accordingly, the likelihood and potential environmental impacts of SDS aspects (energy efficiency, water conservation, solid waste reduction) range from “unlikely to occur” to “somewhat possible”, and in all cases, represent a low impact.

The rationale behind this assessment is based on the risks attributed to environmental performance issues consist namely of the possibility of not meeting some corporate engagements (SDS targets) or not achieving these as per the committed timelines. The reasons for under achievements in this area are usually because of insufficient resources (namely human), lack of available funding (competing priorities) and/or contingencies that were not forecasted.

Consequently, in the worst case scenarios, the environmental impacts associated with performance issues, would translate into more solid waste being sent to landfills, or more water and/or energy being used, i.e. more greenhouse gases emitted. Nevertheless, besides the budgetary consequences associated with inefficient use of utilities (energy, water, and waste diversion), these types of environmental impacts are typically linked to normal operating practices in an organization such as CSC.

Furthermore, given that CSC is not bound by the Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDA) and the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS), all of its SDS commitments/targets should be considered as “self-imposed” under a “volunteered approach”. Consequently, the risk level for not meeting SDS commitments is evaluated as being not significant.

Controls to Mitigate Environmental Risks and Impacts

To manage and mitigate the environmental compliance risk aspects of its operations and facilities, CSC has published and enforced Guidelines and Internal Services Directives (ISDs) per regulated aspect under the CD 318 on Environmental Programs (2003). The Environmental Policy documents currently in place are:

• ISD 318-4 – Environmental Management of Halocarbons
• Guidelines 318-6 – Management of Wastewater Treatment Systems ^[1]
• ISD 318-8 – Environmental Management of Petroleum Storage Tank Systems
• ISD 318-11 – Federal Environmental Assessment of Projects

However, there are still some challenges to be addressed regarding administrative issues (such as record keeping and preventive maintenance practices) linked to the environmental compliance aspects.

As for the risks interactions between petroleum storage tanks and wastewater treatment plants or water sources that may result in direct environmental repercussions (namely negative impacts on fish habitats or contamination of a water source) as well as violations of federal environmental Acts and Regulations (CEPA and Fisheries Act), specific risk factors have been included in the petroleum storage tank risk analysis template so that all storage tank emergency plans have appropriate measures and controls in place to mitigate any potential impacts.

To manage and mitigate the risks and impacts of the environmental performance aspects of its operations and facilities, CSC has published Environmental Guidelines and ISDs for its main performance aspects under the CD 318 on Environmental Programs (2003). The Environmental Policy documents currently in place are:

• Guidelines 318-1 – Environmental Management System ^[2]
• Guidelines 318-2 – Energy Measurement and Conservation ^[3]
• Guidelines 318-3 – Environmental Emergency Plan
• ISD 318-7 – Environmental Management of Waste ^[4]
• Guidelines 318-9 – Water Measurement and Conservation ^[3]

Finally, in order to mitigate risks associated with the SDS, CSC conducts regular internal consultations to identify needs, plans for the required funding (based on a 3-year cycle) and schedules timelines for the implementation of approved environmental initiatives/projects. Over the last decade, this process has proven to be efficient to reduce the risk of not meeting SDS commitments while enhancing the possibilities of achieving or surpassing CSC's environmental performance objectives in line with its strategic corporate priority “Efficient and effective management practices that reflect values-based leadership”.

CSC's profile and mandate

Correctional Service Canada is the federal government agency responsible for administering sentences of a term of two years or more, as imposed by the courts. CSC is responsible for managing institutions of various security levels and supervising offenders under conditional release in the community.

CSC manages over 2000 buildings, with a total building area of 1,400,000 m² including:

• 43 Institutions (4 Aboriginal Healing Lodges)
• 16 Community Correctional Centres
• 92 Parole offices

In addition, CSC has partnerships with non-government organizations. These partner agencies operate approximately 200 community residential facilities across the country, providing accommodation, 24-hour supervision, counseling and programming to help offenders who have been released under supervision to successfully reintegrate into the community.

Mission

CSC, as part of the criminal justice system and respecting the rule of law, contributes to public safety by actively encouraging and assisting offenders to become law-abiding citizens, while exercising reasonable, safe, secure and humane control.

Values

Respect

Respectful behaviours honour the rationality and dignity of persons - their ability to choose their own path, within lawful order, to a meaningful life. A good test of respectful behaviour is treating others as we would like to be treated.

Fairness

A complex value in both theory and practice, fairness involves balancing conflicting interests, and exercising impartiality, objectivity, equality, and equity in interpersonal relationships. Similar to respect, a good test for fairness is to treat others as you would like to be treated.

Inclusiveness

Inclusiveness is a commitment to welcoming, proactively accommodating and learning from cultural, spiritual, and generational differences, individual challenges, and novel points of view.

Accountability

Accountability involves the notion of being willing and able to explain, answer to and justify the appropriateness of actions and decisions. Accountability is applicable to everyone within CSC. Accountability is also about accepting and ensuring responsibility - providing necessary support, feedback, and oversight.

Summary results of SDS 2012 to 2015

This chapter summarizes CSC's performance against the 18 targets established in the departmental SDS 2012 to 2015. As shown in the following table, of the 18 SDS targets set, CSC has achieved or surpassed 16 and two have been partially achieved. The results of the 3% energy reduction, intensity based target, will not be known until the end of 2015, when CSC's annual energy consumption report will be published. Currently, for the two years already accounted for, the corporate energy consumption has decreased by nearly 7%. The other partially achieved target was to reduce the use of polystyrene food containers and single serving food packaging from its institutional waste stream. This target was challenging since after the publishing of the SDS 2012 to 2015, a significant change occurred in the food services provided at institutions. This change is a significant reorganization of the system from production kitchens in every institution to centralized food services at strategic locations. However, it was reported that several institutions use reusable trays instead of polystyrene, except during emergency situations, such as at Bowden institution, Grand Cache institution and Saskatchewan Penitentiary.

The following pages describe and evaluate the goals, objectives, commitments and targets implemented in the SDS 2012 to 2015 in greater detail.

Result – Target Achieved
The target was met in September 2012 when the internal Green Building Design Checklist and accompanied memo were sent from the Director General, Technical Services and Facilities office to design coordinators and project leaders at all regional headquarters, as well as national headquarters. The main purpose of this checklist was to promote the development of an environmentally responsible design.

Objective 2 – Support responsible and efficient use of natural resources that preserve and protect the quality of the environment.

Commitment 2.1 – Dispose, reuse or recycle all surplus electronic and electrical equipment (EEE) in an environmentally sound and secure manner.

Target 2.1 – By March 31, 2013, an internal environmental directive will be developed to provide direction on the disposal/reuse of EEE waste.

Result – Target Achieved
The target has been met with the Internal Services Directive (ISD) 318-7: Environmental Management of Waste, which included electronic and electrical equipment (EEE) in January 2014. The main objectives of the ISD were to contribute to the conservation of natural resources and to reduce pollution through EEE waste recycling and reusing initiatives, as well as prevent environmental contamination and negative ecological impacts on landfills.

Target 2.3 – By March 31, 2014, CSC will develop and communicate to all operational units, a paper reduction awareness program.

Result – Target Achieved
NHQ-EPP, in collaboration with Communications, has published two articles in CSC's - Let's Talk Express to promote awareness on paper saving initiatives. The articles focussed on ways to reduce reliance on paper at work with simple and easy to apply initiatives.

Commitment 2.4 – Ensure that solid waste recycling programs are effective at all institutions.

Target 2.4 – By March 31, 2014, where recycling markets are available, all institutions will optimize their recycling program to divert paper, cardboard, metal, plastic, glass and wood materials from landfills.

Result – Target Achieved
NHQ-EPP published an Internal Services Directive: Management of Waste (ISD 318-7) to facilitate with the implementation of recycling programs. In addition, there were several sites that implemented initiatives for recycling of wooden pallets, electronic and electrical equipment waste and used batteries within the three SDS cycle.

Result – Target Partially Achieved
CSC continues to make an effort towards reducing its reliance on non-recyclable or non-reusable plastics in its operations. Although alternatives to the use of polystyrene food containers were implemented by some institutional food services, additional waste reduction initiatives are required in order to fully meet the spirit of this commitment. Of the institutions that reported on their use of polystyrene, it was noted that in many instances, reusable trays are employed unless emergency situations arise.

Commitment 2.6 – Adopt an internal guideline on Green Procurement

Target 2.6 – By September 30, 2012, CSC will implement an internal guideline on Green Procurement.

Result – Target Achieved
The Financial Directive (350-3) was updated and published in August 2012 which included an appendix on Green Procurement. In addition, a set of instructions were sent to procurement officers to help with the implementation of the guideline. Green procurement is the process of including environmental requirements in contracts and the purchase of goods and services that are considered “environmentally friendly”.

Result – Target Achieved
The project was completed by fiscal year 2012 to 13. The conversion allowed for a significant decrease in emissions of nitrogen oxides, by 60%, and dropped sulphur oxide emissions to zero, since natural gas burns cleaner than heavy oil no.6.

Commitment 3.2 – Maintain annual monitoring practices of NOx from Central Heating Plants, which contribute to smog and acid rain.

Target 3.2 – Optimize boiler operation, including NOx emission measurements, by maintaining in all regions, the annual tune-up of large boilers located in Central Heating Plants over 2012 to 2015.

Result – Target Achieved
The emission measurements were conducted and the annual tune-ups of large boilers were performed every year, over the three year period by Natural Resources Canada via a memorandum of understanding. 

The emission testing results and the data on the burner combustion tuning is used in a customized form to calculate the combustion efficiency and emissions for each institution with a central heating plant. CSC owns and operates 20 central heating plants across Canada.

Commitment 3.3 – Reduce the risk of halocarbon releases from large refrigeration and/or air-conditioning systems, which contribute to stratospheric ozone layer depletion.

Target 3.3 – By March 31, 2015, replace three large cooling systems that represent a high risk of halocarbon leaks.

Result – Target Achieved
Quebec region reported three large halocarbon system replacements and Ontario two systems in 2012 to 13.

Objective 4 – Reduce corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, in particular, carbon dioxide.

Commitment 4.1 – Reduce CSC's energy consumption (intensity-basis) to decrease related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Target 4.1 – By March 31, 2015, reduce the energy consumption per square meter, per year (intensity-basis), for all institutions and adjust for equal heating degree-days annually, by 3% relative to 2009 to 10.

Result – Target partially achieved
Based on the CSC report for energy use and GHG emissions for 2013 to 14, it appears that CSC will meet (and most likely surpass) the energy reduction target relative to the reference year 2009 to 10. However, the validation of this result will not be possible until the report for energy use and GHG emissions for 2014 to 15 is completed. Therefore, the final result for the target 4.1 will only be available by December 2015.

Commitment 4.2 – Reduce indirect carbon dioxide emissions attributable to CSC's consumption of electricity.

Target 4.2 – By March 31, 2015, CSC implemented three new renewable energy demonstration projects (e.g. geothermal, solar, wind) to reduce GHG emissions and promote environmental leadership.

Target 4.3 – By March 31, 2014, energy audits will be performed on the five institutions which use the most energy in terms of MJ/m2/year (based on CSC's energy use report for 2010 to 11.

Result – Target achieved
CSC has completed five institutional energy audits at Cowansville, Bath, Millhaven, Drumheller and Joyceville. Some of the proposed recommendations for reducing energy consumption, resulting from the audits, have been implemented at the above institutions and applied at other institutions across Canada.

Commitment 4.4 – Support energy conservation measures at institutions.

Target 4.4 – By March 31, 2014, all institutions will assess their energy consumption, set specific energy reduction targets and implement their customized energy conservation plan.

Result – Target achieved
NHQ – EPP prepared an energy consumption template to assist the institutions in the development of their customized energy conservation plans. The templates include guides on how to: i) form a planning team ii) characterize the current energy use iii) set a customized energy reduction target iv) identify energy conservation opportunities and v) develop a schedule for monitoring and evaluation processes. All institutions have completed their customized energy conservation plan.

Objective 5 – Reduce pollution to aquatic ecosystems.

Commitment 5.1 – Improve CSC's targeted (highest flow rate) wastewater treatment system.

Target 5.1 – By March 31, 2014, CSC will have an improvement strategy in place for the wastewater treatment system at Ste-Anne-des-Plaines (SADP) complex (Québec Region).

Result – Target achieved
The improvement options have been analysed and the preferred design has been selected. The final design plans/drawings are nearly completed and it is anticipated that construction will begin in 2015 to 16.

Result – Target achieved
NHQ –EPP prepared a water consumption template to assist the institutions in the development of their customized water conservation plans. The templates include guides on how to: i) develop primary goals ii) characterize the current and forecasted water use iii) set a customized water reduction target iv) identify water conservation opportunities and v) develop a schedule for monitoring and evaluation processes. All institutions have completed their customized water conservation plan.

Objective 7 – Reduce environmental liabilities and improve soil quality on CSC properties.

Commitment 7.1 – Continuation of Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) of potentially contaminated areas, based on ecotoxicological risks.

Target 7.1 – By March 31, 2015, CSC will conduct a minimum of 12 Environmental Site Assessments of potentially contaminated sites.

Result – Target achieved
Since April 2012, at least 12 assessments had been conducted on CSC properties, including but not limited to the following:

• Mountain Institution (British Columbia)
• Warkworth Institution (Ontario)
• Two sites at Pittsburgh Institution (Ontario)
• Three sites at Kingston Penitentiary (Ontario)
• Archambault Institution (Quebec)
• Montée St-François (Quebec)
• Leclerc Institution (Quebec)
• Montague Research Facility (closed in 2013 to 14) (P.E.I.)
• Springhill Institution (Nova Scotia)

Commitments/Targets for SDS 2015 to 2018

The approach adopted for this SDS is different from earlier editions. The commitments/targets are shared among many Offices of Primary Interest (OPIs) and are based on specific and realistic targets at the institutional and/or regional level; rather than corporately developed and implemented targets. We believe that each site can contribute in its own way to CSC's environmental sustainability agenda. This approach promotes and supports a strong sense of ownership for all CSC employees.

The overarching main goal is “to reduce the ecological impacts of Correctional Service of Canada operations”. In addition, the strategy is subdivided into two goals:

1. Contribute to the protection of the atmosphere and to reduce gaseous emissions that are responsible for global warming/climate change.
2. Contribute to the protection of natural habitats and reduce pollution to aquatic ecosystems.

The following are summary tables grouped by the two goals stated above. There are four main sections included in the tables and they are:

• Goal – sets a general direction and parameters for each action;
• Objective – the general purpose of each goal;
• Region – specifies what region the commitment/target represents; and
• Commitment/Target – the action/activity/project that the organization plans to implement within three years to contribute to Sustainable Development.

Sustainable Development suggests a long term planning process, all of the commitments/targets set out in the SDS 2015-18 have a proposed timeline of March 31, 2018.

Summary of Consultations

A template was developed and provided with a memo to help with setting specific and realistic targets at the institutional and/or regional levels.  In addition, it was suggested that the SDS contributions be aligned with the findings of the institutional energy audits, the institutional water and energy conservation plans, and the optimization of recycling programs, in order to capitalize on previous SDS achievements. Several teleconferences were made for follow-up discussions on the proposed targets. These proposals were reviewed in detail and a set of targets were developed, one per institution, to ensure a shared ownership of this national initiative.

The second round of consultations began in December 2014 with the NHQ – Directors of Technical Services and Facilities. The Directors met individually and as a group, to review the proposed targets, ensuring consistency with their agendas and the national investment/prioritization plans.

Finally, the SDS 2015 to 2018 commitments/targets were presented to EXCOM members for approval in spring 2015.

SDS 2015 to 2018 Summary Tables

Other environmental initiatives

Above and beyond the targets formally retained for the 2015 to 2018 SDS cycle, other environmental initiatives will also be considered and communicated. As described below, among the main environmental aspects toward which efforts will be invested, it may be noted, the reduction of CSC's liability on contaminated sites, the use of alternative fuels for vehicle fleet, the implementation of energy and water conservation measures and the improvement to wastewater treatment plants.

Contaminated Sites

Each year through the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FSCAP), CSC will provide a status report on the contaminated sites located on our properties undergoing a remediation project or those being risk managed as per the implementation strategy 3.11.1 of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy 2013 to 2016- “Federal custodians complete remediation/risk management activities at federal contaminated sites for which they are responsible in order to reduce human health and ecological risks at higher priority sites”. In addition, NHQ-EPP will continue to assess any potentially contaminated sites by conducting Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) as required.

Vehicle Fleet

During the SDS cycle 2015 to 2018, CSC will explore the opportunities relating to alternative fuels for its vehicle fleet. CSC intends to implement at least one electric vehicle pilot-project. This initiative will involve the acquisition of several electric and pluggable hybrid vehicles (to replace conventional cars) as well as the installation of electric charging stations at selected sites. Based on the results of this demonstration project, expansion to other institutions will be evaluated and considered. Nevertheless, CSC will continue to assess the possibilities relating to alternative fuels for its vehicles and capitalize on the best options based on operational needs and budget availabilities.

Natural Resources Conservation

In addition to the environmental commitments listed in the previous section, CSC will also continue to further the conservation of natural resources by implementing more sustainable practices in the area of energy and water conservation measures, solid waste reduction initiatives (enhancement to recycling programs), renewable energy applications (namely solar), and wastewater treatment improvements.

With the completion of SDS 2012 to 2015 achievements, CSC is now in a position to capitalize on its previous accomplishments. Based on the findings (that have been shared with all regions/sites) from the energy audits, each institution has developed a customized energy conservation plan as well as a water conservation plan. Specific energy and water efficiency measures, and additional energy audits at targeted sites, will continue to be supported as per budget availabilities and implementation capacities. Some of these capital investments may be in the area of renewable/clean energy projects, such as solar walls, solar hot water and/or photovoltaic (PV) panels.

Wastewater Treatment

To further improve the quality of its wastewater effluents over the forthcoming years and to efficiently address the additional flow requirements, CSC will also invest significant capital funding in the upgrading of its wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), namely at the following sites:

• New lagoons at Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines complex, Quebec
• Improvements to the WWTP at Springhill institution, Nova Scotia
• Improvements to the WWTP at Atlantic institution, New Brunswick
• New lagoon system at Stony Mountain institution, Manitoba
• New WWTP at Mountain/Kent complex, British Columbia.

In closing

The SDS 2015 to 2018 commitments will have positive environmental benefits for the nation and cost savings for the department. Furthermore, by voluntarily implementing a SDS, CSC will continue to demonstrate leadership to the government of Canada and to all Canadians.

List of acronyms

CD: Commissioner's Directive
CEAA: Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
CEPA: Canadian Environmental Protection Act
CHP: Central Heating Plant
CSC: Correctional Service of Canada
CORR: Compliance Operational Risk Report
DDC: Direct Digital Controls
DGTSF: Director General, Technical Services and Facilities
EEE: Environmental Effects Evaluation
EPP: Environmental Protection Programs
ESA: Environmental Site Assessment
EXCOM: Executive Committee
FSCAP: Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan
FSDA: Federal Sustainable Development Act
FSDS: Federal Sustainable Development Strategy
ISD: Internal Services Directive
NHQ-EPP: National Headquarters Environmental Protection Programs
OPI: Office of Primary Interest
PWGSC: Public Works and Government Services Canada
RA, Technical Services: Regional Administrator, Technical Services
RCEP: Regional Coordinators, Environmental Programs
SADP: Ste-Anne-des-Plaines
SARA: Species At Risk Act
SLE: Structured Living Environment
SDS: Sustainable Development Strategy

Technical abbreviations

CO2: carbon dioxide
EEE: Electrical and Electronic Equipment
GHG: Greenhouse Gas
LED: Light-Emitting Diode
m2: Square Meters
MJ: Megajoule
NOx: Nitrogen Oxides
PCBs: Polychlorinated Biphenyls
PV: Photovoltaic
SOx: Sulphur Oxides