Intrastructure and Environment

Greening Defence and Moving Toward Net Zero

  • National Defence contributes 46% of the federal government’s total emissions from buildings and commercial vehicles, and we are committed to doing our part to reduce these emissions.
  • Since 2005, National Defence has reduced its emissions by 38%, and is on track to reach 40% reduction by 2025, which is in line with our Defence Energy and Environment Strategy.
  • National Defence has committed to achieving net zero emissions from its National Safety and Security fleets – including aircraft and marine vessels – by 2050.
  • As of 2020/21, these emissions are down 7% from the 2005 baseline.
  • Canada is also working with allies to green our military fleets to maintain interoperability, including options to use environmentally friendly technologies and low-carbon fuels.
  • For example, in June 2021, National Defence awarded a contract to upgrade 112 facilities at Canadian Forces Base Halifax and 12 Wing Shearwater, which will reduce energy costs by nearly $3 million annually, and lower emissions by over 15,000 tonnes per year.

If pressed on OAG’s Report on Greening Government Strategy:

  • We welcome the Auditor General’s recommendations and are committed to implementing them.
  • For example, we are developing a roadmap which identifies concrete targets to reduce real property greenhouse gas emissions.
  • This will build on existing efforts of constructing green buildings that will help us achieve net zero emissions in our real property portfolio.
  • We will continue to demonstrate leadership in environmental and energy sustainability.

Key Facts

  • June 21, 2021: Contract awarded to upgrade 112 facilities at Canadian Forces Base Halifax and 12 Wing Shearwater. These efforts will:
    • Reduce energy costs by nearly $3M annually (19%).
    • Lower emissions by over 15,000 tonnes per year (22%).
    • Create and sustain 200 jobs.
  • Greening the federal fleet: In 2020/21, National Defence transitioned 34% of the light-duty commercial vehicle fleet to hybrid and electric.
  • Dedicated “energy managers” are assigned to bases/wings.
    • These managers lead initiatives to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions at National Defence infrastructure across Canada.
  • The RCAF and RCN are developing fleet decarbonisation plans that will be regularly updated to support a net-zero emissions National Safety and Security fleet. These plans are expected in 2023/24, and will consider availability, affordability and operational feasibility.

OAG’s Report on Greening Government Strategy:

  • The report looked at whether National Defence reported results supported by the implementation of internal controls, and took measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their area of responsibility.
  • The report concludes that National Defence did report these results, but also found that National Defence did not have a risk management approach that defined significant risks and corresponding mitigation measures.
  • As such, the report recommends that National Defence should:
    • Continually identify new activities that will significantly contribute to emission reductions and prioritize them based on risk; and,
    • Develop a risk management approach that defines significant risks and corresponding mitigation measures.
  • National Defence has agreed to implement these recommendations and will:
    • By March 2023: Formalize a risk management approach that is integrated with its Corporate Risk Profile.
    • By March 2024: Complete a roadmap to reduce real property greenhouse gas emissions by 90% of the 2005 baseline and attain a net‑zero portfolio by 2050.

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