Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

Introduction

This supplementary information table supports the commitment in the Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDA) to make environmental decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament. It also contributes to an integrated, whole of government view of activities supporting environmental sustainability.

1. Context for the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

The 2016–2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS):

In keeping with the objectives of the Act to make environmental decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, Privy Council Office (PCO) supports reporting on the implementation of the FSDS and its Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy, or equivalent document, through the activities described in this supplementary information table.

2. Sustainable development in PCO

Although PCO is not bound by the Federal Sustainable Development Act and is not required to develop a full departmental sustainable development strategy, PCO adheres to the principles of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS).

PCO’s Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy for 2017 to 2020 describes the department’s actions in support of achieving the FSDS goals: low-carbon government. This supplementary information table presents available results for the departmental action[s] pertinent to this goal. Last year’s supplementary information table is posted on the department’s website.

3. Departmental performance by FSDS goal

FSDS goal: low-carbon government
FSDS target(s) FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Support for United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) target Starting point(s), target(s) and performance indicator(s) for departmental actions Results achieved
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from federal government buildings and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, with an aspiration to achieve it by 2025 Improve the energy efficiency of our buildings/operations1 PCO occupies office space in both Crown owned and leased assets. PCO endeavours to ensure the space employs technologies and procedures to maximize energy efficiency 12.2 By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, see SDG 12 GHG emissions are reported by Public Services and Procurement Canada. PCO works with PSPC to implement any recommendations to maximize energy efficiency.
Modernize our fleet2 Reduce carbon intensity by replacing executive vehicles at the end of their life-cycle with electric vehicles, hybrids, or more fuel efficient vehicles

Promote behavior change – e.g. anti-idling campaigns, driver training

Promoting fleet infrastructure - e.g. charging stations
12.2 By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, see SDG 12 As part of life cycle management, PCO executive vehicles will be replaced with efficient options when they reach the end of their life-cycle.

PCO has two (2) charging stations for electric vehicles.
As part of the greening government strategy all new executive vehicles purchased are zero-emission vehicles or hybrids.

Drivers are reminded to exercise behaviors that reduce environmental impacts to the greatest extent possible.
Support the transition to a low-carbon economy through green procurement Integrate environmental considerations into procurement management processes and controls

Ensure that decision‑makers have the necessary training and awareness to support green procurement

Ensure that key officials include contributions to, and support for, the Government of Canada Policy on Green Procurement objectives in their performance evaluations
12.7 Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities, see SDG 12 Environmentally responsible practices are used in contracting for services, from procurement to pay processes. Examples are: electronic solicitation and bidding, scanning technology to issue contracts, and payment by direct deposit. Of all supplier payments, 90% are made via direct deposit.

PCO’s Director of Administration and the Manager of Procurement and Assets will have performance objectives supporting green procurement activities. Target: 100%

Departmental functional specialists in procurement and material management will complete the Green Procurement course. Target: 100%

The Department will use common-use procurement instruments for IT hardware purchases (desktops, computers, laptops and tablets). Target: 90%

The Department will purchase copy paper, commercial printing, and/or envelopes containing a minimum of 30% recycled content and be certified to a recognized environmental standard to reduce the environmental impact of its production. Target: 90%
Environmentally responsible practices are exercised on an ongoing basis: electronic documents is the default process for solicitation and bidding. Whenever possible and appropriate, contract deliverables are received via electronic format. To the greatest extent possible, supplier payments are delivered via direct deposit.

PCO’s Director of Administration and Manager of Procurement and Assets have performance objectives related to green procurement activities, 100% target achieved.

All department functional specialists in procurement and material management have completed the green procurement course, 100% target achieved.

Common-use procurement instruments were utilized to the greatest extent possible and the following results were achieved: 99.9% of IT hardware purchases were from green procurement instruments and 91% of all audio visual equipment was from green procurement instruments; 100% of copy paper, commercial printing and envelopes containing a minimum of 30% recycled content and be certified to a recognized environmental standard to reduce the environmental impact of its production;
Demonstrate innovative technologies3 Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable
Promote sustainable travel practices4 Promoting the use of the Department’s video conferencing, teleconference facilities. Not applicable Ensure travel policies and guidance promote sustainable travel practices. PCO continued actions to update boardrooms to provide greater access to video-conference facilities to support employee ability to meet virtually and efforts to minimize travel, as appropriate.
Understand climate change impacts and build resilience5 Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable
Improve transparency and accountability6 Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable
Develop policy for low‑carbon government7 Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable

4. Report on integrating sustainable development

During the 2019–20 reporting cycle, PCO had no proposals that required a Strategic Environmental Assessment and no public statements were produced.

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