Reporting on Green Procurement

This supplementary information table supports reporting on green procurement activities in accordance with the Policy on Green Procurement.

1. Context

Although the Privy Council Office (PCO) is not bound by the Federal Sustainable Development Act and is not required to develop a full Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS), PCO adheres to the principles of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) by complying with the Policy on Green Procurement.

The Policy on Green Procurement supports the Government of Canada’s effort to promote environmental stewardship. In keeping with the objectives of the policy, PCO supports sustainable development by integrating environmental performance considerations into the procurement decision‑making process through the actions described in the 2019 to 2022 FSDS “Greening Government” goal.

2. Commitments

Greening Government: The Government of Canada will transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient, and green operations:

FSDS target	FSDS contributing actions	Corresponding departmental actions	Starting points Performance indicators Targets	Results achieved	Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target
PCO’s actions supporting the Greening Government goal and the Policy on Green Procurement	Departments will use environmental criteria to reduce the environmental impact and ensure best value in government procurement decisions	PCO supported the transition to a low‑carbon economy through green procurement: Integrating environmental considerations into procurement management purchasing decisions, processes and controls Ensured key officials include contribution to and support for the Government of Canada Policy on Green Procurement objectives in their performance evaluations. Ensured decision makers have the necessary training and awareness to support green procurement	Environmentally responsible practices are used in contracting for services, from procurement to pay processes. PCO’s Executive Director, Logistics and Special Services, the Director of Accommodations and Administration, and the Senior Contracting Advisor continue to have performance objectives supporting green procurement activities. Departmental functional specialists in procurement and material management are up to date with the Green Procurement course.	Environmentally responsible practices are exercised that includes electronic documents as the default process for solicitation and bidding, and to the greatest extent possible, supplier payments are delivered via direct deposit. PCO’s Executive Director, Logistics and Special Services, the Director of Accommodations and Administration, and the Senior Contracting Advisor have performance objectives related to green procurement activities. All department functional specialists in procurement and material management have completed the green procurement course. Common-use procurement instruments were utilized to the greatest extent possible and the following results were achieved: 87%^* of IT hardware purchases were from green procurement instruments and 81% 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.	PCO will continue to reduce GHG emissions by incorporating environmental considerations into its purchasing decisions. These actions support UN SDG target 12.7 and 12.8.
		PCO promoted sustainable travel practices: Promoting the use of the Department’s video conferencing, teleconference facilities.	Encourage the use of video conferencing to reduce unnecessary travel and in person meetings when possible.	PCO continued to promote the uses of videoconferencing services, such as Microsoft Teams to enable employees to connect virtually and minimize travel as appropriate.	PCO will take action to reduce travel or switch to less GHG intensive modes of transportation that will reduce GHG emissions. This action supports UN SDG target 12.8.
	Departments will adopt clean technology and undertake clean technology demonstration projects	PCO improved the energy efficiency of our buildings and operations: PCO occupies office space in both Crown owned and leased assets. PCO endeavored to ensure the space employed technologies and procedures to maximize energy efficiency.	GHG emissions are reported by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC).	PCO continues to work with PSPC to implement any recommendations to maximize energy efficiency.	PCO actively works with PSPC to promote and support ongoing greening of building operations leading to a reduction in GHG emissions. This action supports UN SDG target 12.7.
		PCO modernized the fleet: Reduced carbon intensity by replacing executive vehicles at the end of their life-cycle with electric vehicles, hybrids, or more fuel efficient vehicles. Promoted behaviour change – e.g. anti-idling campaigns, driver training. Promoted fleet infrastructure - e.g. charging stations	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 either zero-emission or hybrid vehicles. Drivers are reminded to exercise sound behaviours to help reduce environmental impacts to the greatest extent possible.	PCO will replace executive vehicles with new electric, hybrid or more fuel efficient vehicles that will contribute to GHG reductions. This action supports UN SDG target 12.7.
	Support for green procurement will be strengthened, including guidance, tools and training for public service employees	PCO promoted sustainable workplace operations: Increased the waste diverted from landfill through the promotion and use of recycling centres and composting programs. Engaged employees in greening government operations practices. Maintained or improved existing approaches to sustainable workplace practices (printer ratios, paper usage, and green meetings).	Continuing to ensure recycling stations are available in all workspaces and common area as well communicate tips and facts to employees to promote sustainable workplace operations. Continue to promote the use and sharing of electronic documentation over printed copies throughout the department. PCO continues to use common-use procurement instruments for IT hardware purchases (desktops, computers, laptops and tablets) through different SSC vehicles. PCO is committed in continuing to 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.	Recycling stations are available throughout the workplace. PCO has further adopted electronic filing and signatures, which has greatly reduced the need for printing and paper waste. PCO uses common-use procurement instruments for IT hardware purchases through different SSC vehicles. 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.	PCO will take action to promote recycling and improve on waste prevention across the organization. This action supports UN SDG target 12.5.
The IT hardware costs includes other categories that were not included in previous reports. Return to endnote *

3. Report on integrating sustainable development

During the 2021–22 reporting cycle, PCO had no proposals that required a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and no public statements were produced.

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Date modified:: 2022-12-02

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