Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy - DPR 2015-16
1. Overview of the Federal Government's Approach to Sustainable Development
The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) 2013–2016 guides the Government of Canada’s sustainable development activities, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDA). In keeping with the objectives of the FSDA, to make environmental decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, the Department of National Defence supports the implementation of the FSDS through the activities found in supplementary information table.
This Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS) presents the results for Theme III – Protecting Nature and Canadians and Theme IV - Shrinking the Environmental Footprint – Beginning with Government.
2. Sustainable Development Management System
Serving as the strategic direction for the Environmental Program, the Defence Environmental Strategy (DES) will continue to support the Defence Team in developing sustainable defence activities. The DES considers current Defence Team activities that have environmental aspects that need to be managed as well as emerging environmental issues that could potentially impact National Defence. The DES also includes activities that support the advancement of the Government of Canada’s Environmental Agenda such as Defence’s contribution to the FSDS.
3. Strategic Environmental Assessment
During the 2015–16 reporting cycle, the Department of National Defence (DND) 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 existing decision-making processes. As Defence did not develop any initiatives that required a detailed Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), no related public statements were produced. However, the department is working towards improving the inclusion of environmental considerations in the process to allow for more informed decision-making. The work to integrate the SEA preliminary scan in its online assessment tool and the revision of its policy instruments will achieve the desired result.
4. Themes I to III: Department-Led Target
Target 4.1: Species at Risk
Scope and Context
Defence commits through program implementation to continue to consult and collaborate with Species at Risk Act (SARA) competent departments in order to comply with SARA and contribute departmentally to the protection of species at risk.
Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture
4.3.5 Real Property – Environment and Remediation
Performance Measurement
| FSDS Goal | Performance Indicator | FSDS Target | Performance Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goal 4: Conserving and Restoring Ecosystems, Wildlife and Habitat, and Protecting Canadians | Species at risk protection | 4.1.1. Commit to collaborating and consulting with Species at Risk Act competent departments for the development of recovery strategies, action plans and management plans for species at risk on DND lands. | Increasing number of populations of species at risk listed under federal law exhibit trends that are consistent with recovery strategies and management plans. |
5. Themes I to III: Departmental Contribution to Federal Targets
Target 4.8: Chemicals Management - Contaminated Sites
The Department of National Defence, as a custodian of federal contaminated sites receiving Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) funding for site assessment or remediation, manages its contaminated sites in a manner that is consistent with Treasury Board Policy, prioritizes the sites based on human health and environmental risks using approved criteria, develops and implements management strategies for proposed projects, executes projects and reports on results.
Scope and Context
Defence-wide
Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture
4.3.5 Real Property – Environment and Remediation
Performance Measurement
| Expected result | Performance Indicator | FSDS Target | Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defence reduces its environmental and unexploded ordnance (UXO) liability related to real property and optimizes its funding allocation. | % reduction in contaminated sites opening liability (sites which reported liability in the previous fiscal year | 7% | 8.2% |
| # Identified Unexploded Ordinances (UXO) sites legacy assessed per year | 40 | 42 |
6. Themes IV: Greening Government Operations
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
10% below 2005 by 2020
Scope and Context
Fuel and energy consumed in infrastructure and commercial vehicle fleets are included within the scope of this target. National Safety and Security (NSS) Fleets and Residential Housing Units (RHUs) are excluded from the GHG emissions reduction exercise.
Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture
4.3 Real Property Lifecycle
Performance Measurement
Expected Result
Reduced the carbon footprint and energy consumption of federal operations.
| Performance indicator | Performance level achieved |
|---|---|
| Updated GHG reduction implementation plan in place by March 31, 2015. | 31 March 2014 The Defence Infrastructure Plan contained within the Defence Environmental Strategy is a proxy for the Defence Real Property Sustainability Framework. |
| GHG emissions (kt CO2 equivalent) in fiscal year 2005–06. | 782.4 kt |
| GHG emissions (kt CO2 equivalent) in fiscal year 2015−16, not accounting for renewable power emission credits, if applicable. | 734.7 kt |
| Renewable power emission credits applied in fiscal year 2015-16 (kt CO2 equivalent). | N/A |
| Percentage change in GHG emissions from fiscal year 2005–06 to the current fiscal year 2015-16, inclusive of renewable power emission credits, if applicable. | 6.1% decrease |
| Adjustments made to base year GHG emissions. | 3.6 kt decrease |
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
New construction, build to lease and major renovation projects where the construction contract is valued at over $1 million must achieve a high level of environmental performance.
Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture
4.3 Real Property Lifecycle
Performance Measurement
Expected Result
An industry-recognized level of high-environmental performance was achieved in Government of Canada real property projects and operations.
| Performance indicator | Performance 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. | 31 March 2014 The Defence Infrastructure Plan contained within the Defence Environmental Strategy is a proxy for the Defence Real Property Sustainability Framework. |
| 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). | 115 Crown-owned buildings (200,000 m2) of a total of 1,411 Crown-owned buildings (6,163,680 m2). |
| 1 new lease or lease renewal project (1,115 m2) Not assessed |
|
| Assessment tool used: ASTM E2018-15 Standard Guide for Property Condition Assessments. | |
| Facilities Condition Assessments are being conducted across the real property portfolio. Elements being assessed include: foundations, walls, roofs, windows, doors, mechanical systems and controls, electrical systems, plumbing components, elevators, fire detection and suppression, generators, APUs and fuel tanks. Assessment reports will identify energy-efficiency, environmental and corrective maintenance opportunities and priorities and will permit National Defence to take a more strategic approach to infrastructure management. | |
| 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). | 12 Crown-owned buildings (new construction and major renovation projects). Performance level achieved: LEED 2009 Silver or 3 Green Globes. |
| 1 new lease or lease renewal project (1,115 m2) Not assessed |
|
| Number of fit-up and refit projects achieving an industry-recognized level of high-environmental performance. | See new construction and major renovations above. |
| Implementation strategy element or best practice | Performance 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). | “Achieved” status |
| 7.1.1.2. Conduct cost assessments for major construction and renovation projects using an industry-recognized tool. | “Achieved” status |
| 7.1.1.3. Develop plans to address environmental performance assessment recommendations for existing Crown-owned buildings. | “Achieved” status |
| 7.1.1.5. Manage construction, renovation and demolition waste in Crown-owned buildings in an environmentally responsible manner. | Maintain “Achieved” status |
| 7.1.1.7. Develop an approach to training for building operators in Crown-owned buildings. | “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
Defence will build on FSDS 2010-13 performance from fiscal year 2013-14.
Links to Department's Program Alignment Architecture
4.2.2 Materiel – Acquisition and 4.2.7 Materiel – Strategic Coordination, Development and Control
Performance Measurement
Expected Result
Environmentally responsible acquisition, use and disposal of goods and services.
| Performance indicator | Performance level achieved |
|---|---|
| Departmental approach to further the implementation of the Policy on Green Procurement in place as of April 1, 2014. | 31 March 2014 The Defence Equipment and Internal Services Plans contained within the Defence Environmental Strategy are a proxy for the Defence Green Procurement Sustainability Framework. |
| 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. | 1,620 75% |
| 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. | 177 Maintain in 100% of performance agreements of executives. |
| Implementation strategy element or best practice | Performance level achieved |
|---|---|
| 7.2.1.5. Leverage common use procurement instruments where available and feasible. | “Achieved” status |
Departmental green procurement targets
Target 1: Real Property Services Procurement
Scope and Context
Integrate green procurement clauses in 25% of Real Property Services procurement instruments by March 31, 2017.
Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture
4.3.2 Real Property - Acquisition
Performance Measurement
| Performance indicator | Performance level achieved |
|---|---|
| Number of procurement instruments with greening clauses to total number of procurement instruments. | 25% Opportunity for improvement |
Target 2: Vehicle Purchases
Scope and Context
By March 31, 2017, 75% of vehicles purchased annually will meet operational needs and are the most fuel efficient vehicles in its class in the Government Motor Vehicle Ordering Guide and/or are an alternative fuel vehicle, hybrid or electric vehicle.
Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture
4.2.2 Materiel - Acquisition
Performance Measurement
| Performance indicator | Performance level achieved |
|---|---|
| Number of vehicle purchases that meet the target relative to total number of all vehicle purchases in the given year. | 92% On track to exceed |
Target 3: Food and Beverage Equipment
Scope and Context
By March 31, 2017, 50% of food and beverage equipment purchases will include criteria to reduce food waste.
Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture
4.2.2 Materiel - Acquisition
Performance Measurement
| Performance indicator | Performance indicator achieved |
|---|---|
| Number of food and beverage equipment product contracts meeting the target relative to the total number of food and beverage equipment product contracts in the given year. | Maintain 50% Reached “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.
Scope and Context
Defence-wide
Links to Department's Program Alignment Architecture:
4.2 Materiel Lifecycle
4.3 Real Property Lifecycle
4.4 Information Systems Lifecycle
Performance Measurement
Expected Result
Departmental workplace operations have a reduced environmental impact.
| Performance indicator | Performance level achieved |
|---|---|
| An approach to maintain or improve the sustainability of the departmental workplace in place by March 31, 2015. | 31 March 2014 The Defence Equipment and Internal Services Plans contained within the Defence Environmental Strategy are a proxy for the Defence Green Procurement Sustainability Framework. |
| Implementation strategy element or best practice | Performance level achieved |
|---|---|
| 7.3.1.1. Engage employees in greening government operations practices. | “Achieved” status |
| 7.3.1.2. Integrate environmental considerations into corporate policies, processes and practices in accordance with departmental refresh cycles. | Opportunity for improvement |
| 7.3.1.3. Maintain or improve existing approaches to sustainable workplace practices (i.e., printer ratios, paper usage and green meetings). | Maintain “Achieved” status |
| 7.3.1.4. Minimize the ratio of information technology (IT) assets per employee. | Opportunity for improvement |
| 7.3.1.6. Dispose of e-waste in an environmentally sound and secure manner. | Maintain “Achieved” status |
| 7.3.1.9. Increase the population density in office buildings and space utilization in special purpose buildings. | “Achieved” status |
| 7.3.1.10. Maintain or improve sustainable fleet management. | “Achieved” status |
Target 7.4: Greening Services to Clients
Canadian Forces Housing Agency
The Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA) continues to proactively explore additional opportunities to manage the environmental impact associated with housing management, provide green services to clients, and support the department’s environmental objectives.
Scope and Context
Defence-wide
Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture
4.3 Real Property Lifecycle
Performance Measurement
Expected Result
CFHA’s maintenance, renovation, and new construction programs are to integrate environmental considerations in order to reduce the negative environmental impacts of housing management and provide comfortable and energy efficient housing for military families.
| Performance indicator | Performance level achieved |
|---|---|
| CFHA integrates environmental considerations in maintenance, renovation, and new construction with the aim of reducing the negative environmental impacts of housing management and in order to demonstrate the Agency’s commitment to comfortable and energy efficient housing for military families. | CFHA’s Environmental Management System (EMS) considers the environmental impact of all the activities CFHA undertakes to fulfill the housing management mandate. The EMS then drives supporting environmental programs, direction and tools that enable top-to-bottom understanding and consideration for environmental stewardship throughout the Agency. |
| Environmental Assessments of relevant projects are conducted to assess and mitigate environmental impacts of projects, and disposal projects optimize demolition waste through reduce, reuse and recycle (3Rs). | |
| Housing-related Green Globes and LEED principles are integrated into CFHA’s technical standards, which operationalize the use of green materials and methodologies for improved energy efficiency into maintenance, lifecycle replacement and recapitalization projects, corporate programs and related direction to staff. | |
| CFHA conducts energy efficiency evaluations of Residential Housing Units (RHU) by means of Natural Resources Canada’s ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program in order to obtain an EnerGuide for Houses rating for each major renovation or new construction project. |
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
Eligible heated buildings over 1000 m2 by area.
Link to Department's Program Alignment Architecture
4.3 Real Property Lifecycle
Performance Measurement
Expected Result
Water is managed sustainably in Government of Canada real property operations.
| Performance indicator | Performance level achieved |
|---|---|
| Approach to improving water management included in Real Property Sustainability Framework by March 31, 2015. | 31 March 2014 The Defence Infrastructure Plan contained within the Defence Environmental Strategy is a proxy for the Defence Real Property Sustainability Framework. |
| Amount and percentage of floor space in buildings over 1000 m2 that includes water metering, in the given fiscal year (where feasible). | 12 Crown-owned buildings (new construction and major renovation projects). |
| 1 new lease or lease renewal project (1,115 m2) Not assessed |
| Implementation strategy element or best practice | Performance level achieved |
|---|---|
| 8.1.1.1. Conserve potable water. | “Achieved” status |
| 8.1.1.2. Manage storm water run-off. | “Achieved” status |
| 8.1.1.4. Meter the water usage in new projects. | “Achieved” status |