Sustainable Development Initiatives

National Energy Reduction Initiative

Since 2008, the Public Health Agency of Canada (Agency) has conducted a number of National Energy Reduction Initiatives (NERIs) to reduce unnecessary, after-work (or phantom) energy use. The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) directly compliments the Agency's NERIs through the federal greenhouse gas emissions reduction initiative to reduce levels of greenhouse gas emissions from its operations to match the national target of 17% by 2020. Further, each of the non-greenhouse gas emissions targets indirectly compliments the goal of the NERI to Theme IV of the FSDS.

In its final year, the Agency's 2013-14 NERI demonstrated successes and savings in phantom energy and CO₂ reductions through an examination of various Agency settings including office spaces and laboratories. This commitment was achieved as of March 31, 2014.

National Energy Reduction Initiative Performance Measures and Baselines

Program Activity Architecture: SA 2.1.2 - Resource Management Services, SSA 2.1.3.1 - Real Property

Expected Result: 866.95 tonnes of CO₂ per year is avoided from Agency buildings

By March 31, 2014, the Agency will reduce its CO₂ levels from phantom energy use by 100% and verify its success through its 5th and 6th National Energy Reduction Initiative (NERI)

Performance Measure

Target Status: ACHIEVED

Baselines established in 2010-11:

• # of avoidable CO₂ tonnes per year by the Agency: 867 tonnes/year

Progress against measure in the given fiscal year:

• # of reduced avoidable CO₂ tonnes per year by the Agency
  • FY 2011-12
    • Target: -701 tonnes/year
    • Status: -619.54 tonnes/year
  • FY 2012-13
    • Target: -800 tonnes/year
    • Status: -833.46 tonnes/year
  • FY 2013-14
    • Target: -867 tonnes/year
    • Status: -869.90 tonnes/year

Dead Battery Recycling Program

The Agency participates in activities to promote the controlled disposal of dead batteries through its battery recycling program including a commitment for a fully-implemented National Dead Battery Recycling Program in all 13 major Agency buildings from Vancouver to Halifax by March 31, 2014. This commitment was achieved in fiscal year 2012-13.

Dead Battery Recycling Program Performance Measures and Baselines

Program Activity Architecture: SA 2.1.2 - Resource Management Services, SSA 2.1.3.1 - Real Property

Expected Result: Heavy metals found in batteries are disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner to mitigate threat to human and environmental health.

Performance Measure

Target Status: EXCEED

Baselines established in 2009-10:

• # of major Agency buildings: 13
• # of major Agency buildings with Dead Batteries Recycling Programs fully-implemented: 9
• # of major Agency buildings without Dead Batteries Recycling Programs fully-implemented: 4

Progress against measures in the 2012-13 fiscal year:

• # of major Agency buildings
  • Target: 13
  • Status: 17
• # of major Agency buildings with Dead Batteries Recycling Programs fully-implemented
  • Target: 9
  • Status: 17
• # of major Agency buildings without Dead Batteries Recycling Programs fully-implemented
  • Target: 4
  • Status: 5