2020-2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

Name of department Public Service Commission of Canada
Date January 2021
Context Although the Public Service Commission is not bound by the Federal Sustainable Development Act and is not required to develop a full departmental sustainable development strategy, the Public Service Commission 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, the Public Service Commission supports sustainable development by integrating environmental performance considerations into the procurement decision‑making process through the actions described in the 2019–22 FSDS “greening government” goal.
Commitments The Public Service Commission supports the transition to a low-carbon economy by taking environmental considerations into account in its purchasing decisions. Corresponding departmental actions are identified in the table below.
Integrating sustainable development The Public Service Commission will continue to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goals and targets through its strategic environmental assessment process, if applicable. A strategic environmental assessment for policy, plan or program proposals includes an analysis of the impacts of the given proposal on the environment, including on FSDS goals and targets.

FSDS goal: Greening Government

FSDS target

FSDS contributing actions

Corresponding departmental actions

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Starting pointsEndnote E1, targetsEndnote E2 and performance indicators for departmental actions

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur












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.

1. Centrally purchase copy paper and basic office supplies for the PSC’s headquarters, ensuring they contain recycled content and are certified to a recognized environmental standard to reduce the environmental impact of its production. This will also reduce the quantity of deliveries and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

2. Complete a review of basic office supplies the PSC normally buys to identify non-essential items that are not certified to a recognized environmental standard.

3. Conduct an analysis of the PSC’s average paper consumption per employee over a 3-year period.

1. Ensuring that purchased paper and basic office supplies contain recycled content and are certified to a recognized environmental standard will enable the PSC to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals  #12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and #13 (Climate Action).

2. Completing a review of purchased basic office supplies to identify non-essential items that are not certified to a recognized environmental standard will enable the PSC to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals  #12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)

3. Conducting an analysis of the PSC’s average paper consumption per employee over the last 3 years will provide data on its progress   towards a paperless environment. #12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)

1. Performance indicator: Volume of purchased white bond copy paper that meets the target objective, relative to the total volume of all copy paper centrally purchased in the year.

Starting point: More than 90% in 2019–20

Target: At least 90% by March 31, 2022

2.1 Performance indicator: Volume of purchased basic office supplies that are considered certified to a recognized environmental standard and that meet the target objective relative to the total volume of all basic office supplies centrally purchased in the year.

Starting point: 50% in 2019–20

Target: 50% by March 31, 2022

2.2 Performance indicator: The identification of non-essential basic office supplies that are not certified to a recognized environmental standard and which the PSC will no longer buy.

Target: N/A

3. Performance indicator: Declining year-over-year average paper consumption per employee.

Starting point: Average yearly impression by FTE for 2019–20 (3 500 sheets*)
*Based on 857 FTE

Target: A yearly consumption of less than 2 500 sheets of paper by FTE, by March 31, 2022

Internal Services

Support for green procurement will be strengthened, including guidance, tools and training for public service employees.

4. The PSC will ensure that material management and procurement specialists have the necessary training and awareness to support green procurement.

4. Motivate suppliers to green their goods, services and supply chain.

4.1 Performance indicator: Percentage of designated specialists in procurement and materiel management who have completed training on green procurement at fiscal year-end (March 31).

Starting point: 100% in 2019–20

Target: 100% by March 31, 2022

4.2 Performance indicator: Usage of environmental considerations clauses in all contractual documents.

Starting point: 100% in 2019–20

Target: 100% by March 31, 2022

Internal Services

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