Public Services and Procurement Canada
2020 to 2021 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report

No specific FSDS contributing action is applicable.

Complete waste audits and develop waste reduction strategies in applicable PSPC Crown-owned buildings on a 3 year cycle starting in fiscal year 2019 to 2020.

Total waste generated per occupant per year (kg/occupant).

Percentage of annual waste diverted from landfills.

Data from waste audits completed in fiscal year 2019 to 2020 will serve as the baseline data. 100 waste audits were completed in fiscal year 2019 to 2020.

Reduce total operational waste 10% by 2025.

Divert 75% of remaining waste by 2030 including:

• 75% of plastics
• 95% of paper

Total waste generated per occupant per year (kg/occupant): 139kg/occupant/year.

Percentage of annual waste diverted from landfills: national average equals 72%.

PSPC rolled out and phase 1 of the zero waste pilots at 26 select PSPC Crown-owned buildings across Canada.

The action contributes to the Government of Canada’s long term goal to transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient and green operations by supporting actions on plastics waste on federal operations. Completing waste audits and developing waste reduction strategies in applicable PSPC Crown-owned buildings will inform procurement and operational strategies to further reduce plastic waste in the Government of Canada operations.

No specific FSDS contributing action is applicable.

Implement the Real Property Plastics Action Plan, including:

• update PSPC's fit-up and base building standards and integrate diversion clauses into construction project specifications and procedures
• implement revised national waste audit methodology that incorporates zero plastic waste objectives
• complete waste audits and develop waste reduction strategies in applicable PSPC Crown-owned buildings
• complete 6 occupant awareness pilot projects in PSPC Crown-owned buildings

Percentage of completed actions under the PSPC Plastics Action Plan by 2030.

Data from waste audits completed in fiscal year 2019 to 2020 will serve as the baseline data.

Complete 100% of the activities in the plan.

Percentage of completed actions under the PSPC Plastics Action Plan by 2030: PSPC has 3 main actions in its Plastics Action Plan. Implementation on all actions is well under way to achieve completion targets and timelines.

PSPC completed a feasibility analysis report for reducing plastics in the workplace, and included preliminary criteria from the study into the furniture supply arrangement refresh to support future fit-up projects.

In third party commercial leases, PSPC developed guidelines for vendors to reduce single-use plastics in food services.

The implementation of PSPC's Real Property Plastics Action Plan contributes directly to the FSDS target on diverting plastic waste from landfill. PSPC continues to complete various studies and analysis, and engage with federal employees to inform future updates to PSPC's fit-up and base buildings standards and furniture specifications, which will assist the department in using less plastic material, therefore contribute to less plastic being sent to the landfill.

No specific FSDS contributing action is applicable.

PSPC will track and disclose its waste diversion rates by 2022 for completed applicable projects. PSPC will also integrate performance targets and reporting requirements into applicable PSPC procedures and processes such as the National Project Management System (NPMS), and Government of Canada (GC) workplace base-buildings and fit-up standards.

Amount of total construction and demolition waste generated per m² (tons/m²).

Percentage of construction and demolition waste diverted.

Data collected from applicable completed projects starting in fiscal year 2019 to 2020.

Divert at least 90% (by weight) of construction and demolition waste from landfills for applicable projects.

Amount of total construction and demolition waste generated per m² (tons/m²): 0.54 tons/m².

Percentage of construction and demolition waste diverted: 87%.

The action supports FSDS actions on plastic waste in federal operations in the area of performance measurement.

In all new domestic office leases and lease renewals for space more than 500 square metres, landlords must report building energy and water usage and waste generated using Energy Star Portfolio Manager.

As of April 1, 2019, for all new domestic office leases and lease renewals for space more than 500 square metres, landlords must report building energy, water usage and waste generated using the online tool Energy Star Portfolio Manager® to benchmark the performance of buildings.

Percentage of office leases that are reporting energy, water and waste using Energy Star Portfolio Manager® (for which the reporting requirement is applicable).

This is a new requirement that will start to be integrated into new leases for office space and lease renewals for office space. The requirement will be applicable only to office leases and office lease renewals which are more than 500 square meter. Starting point is 0.

As of April 1, 2019, all new domestic office leases and lease renewals for space more than 500 square metres report building energy and water usage and waste generated using Energy Star.

Percentage of office leases that are reporting energy, water and waste using Energy Star Portfolio Manager®: 43%.

At the end of fiscal year 2020 to 2021, clauses for reporting on energy, water and waste have been integrated into 62 leases. Given time elapses between the signing of a lease and lease commencement, reporting will be gradually implemented as part of those leases.

This action will allow PSPC to assist in meeting the 75% FSDS target on carbon neutral domestic office lease transactions. By implementing the Energy Star Portfolio Manager® tool in the management of domestic office leases and lease renewals, PSPC will be able to give preference to the higher performing buildings that minimize energy use and GHG emissions from heating and electricity.

Increase training and support on assessing climate change impacts, undertaking climate change risk assessments and developing adaptation actions to public service employees, and facilitate sharing of best practices and lessons learned.

Integrate climate adaptation measures for buildings in:

• the Asset Management Plan process
• the threats and risks assessment process

Not applicable.

The measures are currently not integrated into the Asset Management Plan process or the threat and risk assessment process.

Complete the integration of the climate adaptation measures for buildings in business processes by 2021 to 2022.

PSPC has begun to develop a national climate adaptation methodology to manage climate adaptation needs uniformly across the country in real property management, project delivery and asset operations.

PSPC developed a strategy to incorporate climate change vulnerability assessments into asset management planning. The department completed a climate change vulnerability assessment of the Parliamentary Precinct. In concert with the Energy Services Acquisition Program (ESAP), a way forward on a carbon neutral precinct was also defined.

As of December 2020, PSPC’s facility security assessment and authorization (FSAA) process collects information on site-specific climate hazards and an asset’s vulnerability to these climate hazards.

These results contribute to the FSDS and PSPC is on its way to meet the commitments in the Greening Government Strategy: A Government of Canada Directive.

No specific FSDS contributing action is applicable.

PSPC is the lead for developing a strategy to power federal buildings with clean electricity. PSPC is:

• developing power purchase agreements (PPAs) to procure electricity from newly installed clean electricity generation
• working with the Treasury Board Secretariat to coordinate participation of all government departments in the procurement of clean electricity through the PSPC clean electricity procurement initiatives
• addressing the purchase of clean power for high-emitting provinces and territories (2 regional initiatives with national coordination: the Atlantic clean energy initiative and the Western Region clean electricity purchase initiative)

Percentage of GC electricity that is clean.

In 2018 to 2019, 80% of GC electricity was clean.

Use 100% electricity from non-greenhouse gas emitting sources by 2025 (and by 2022 where available).

Percentage of GC electricity that is clean: 91.4%.

PSPC is presently developing competitive procurement strategies for new clean electricity in Alberta, and to purchase renewable energy certificates to displace the high carbon portion of electricity usage in other provinces and territories, by 2025. PSPC is also working directly with provinces and energy suppliers in Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to position the Government of Canada as a first purchaser of clean electricity.

The actions contributes to the long term goal on clean energy (such as all Canadians have access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy).

PSPC continues to work towards a carbon neutral portfolio by 2050, with aspirations to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. To that end, the department has been implementing various clean technologies in building operations and incorporating GHG emissions reduction into departmental decision-making.

Integrate environmental considerations into procurement management processes and controls.

Not applicable.

Manual processes.

Integration of environmental considerations into the electronic procurement solution (EPS).

PSPC is continuing the phased implementation of its EPS, including the integration of environmental considerations into the solution. For example, the EPS supplier profile questionnaire will allow suppliers to identify if they meet certain environmental certifications.

By integrating environmental considerations throughout the EPS, users will be prompted to consider environmental considerations at various steps in the procurement process. The EPS will also support the tracking of when environmental considerations have been applied.

Incorporate environmental considerations into the development of common-use procurement instruments.

Percentage of PSPC standing offers and supply arrangements that include green goods and services.

40% of PSPC contracts, standing offers and supply arrangements that include green goods and services as of fiscal year-end 2018 to 2019.

42.5% for 2020 to 2021.

As of March 31, 2021, 42.6% of PSPC’s standing offers and supply arrangements include green goods and services that have a reduced environmental impact.

PSPC continues to engage with clients and industry on the broader inclusion of environmental criteria in procurements, and sought to provide clients with opportunities to reduce their environmental footprint.

By including environmental considerations into PSPC common procurement instruments, the department allows clients to factor environmental impacts into their purchasing decisions.

Develop and integrate standard procurement language with respect to packaging and durability.

Not applicable.

Various non-standard approaches with respect to packaging and durability requirements.

Standard procurement language with respect to packaging and durability.

Standard language on sustainable packaging and on the durability of goods has been developed and is currently being piloted in two standing offers by the procurement team in PSPC’s Ontario region. Once the pilots are completed, the standard language will be integrated in PSPC procurements.

By developing and integrating standard procurement language with respect to packaging and durability, PSPC will help to increase the procurement of sustainable plastic products and the reduction of associated plastic packaging waste.

Develop an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to generate information in support of green procurement.

Not applicable.

Limited data availability via manual processes.

Automated support via an AI tool.

While the department remains committed to exploring the potential of AI as a tool to generate information in support of green procurement, this initiative has been deferred while PSPC prioritizes its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

By developing an AI tool that provides information on the environmentally-responsible acquisition of goods and services within PSPC, the department will be better positioned to measure the effectiveness of green procurement initiatives.

Ensure decision-makers have the necessary training and awareness to support green procurement.

Number and percentage of designated specialists in procurement who have completed training on green procurement at fiscal year-end (March 31).

1,215 or 98.9% of Acquisitions Program designated specialists in procurement have completed training on green procurement at fiscal year-end 2018 to 2019.

90% of designated specialists will receive training in green procurement in 2020 to 2021.

As of March 31, 2021, 96% (1,289) of Acquisitions Program designated specialists in procurement have completed training on green procurement.

By ensuring that the necessary training on green procurement is completed by designated specialists in procurement, PSPC supports the environmentally-responsible acquisition of goods and services across government and within PSPC.

Develop a suite of measures that will support the adoption of zero-emission vehicles across government fleets.

Not applicable. While PSPC makes zero-emission vehicles available for purchase, it is not able to mandate that clients only purchase zero-emission vehicles.

100% of executive vehicles purchased are hybrid or zero-emission.

30 to 40% of administrative vehicles purchased are hybrid or zero-emission.^{Table 8 note 1}

Incremental progress towards further greening of the administrative fleet: 80% of vehicles to be zero-emission by 2030.^{Table 8 note 2}

The department has continued to support the adoption of zero-emission vehicles across government fleets. In 2020 to 2021, PSPC increased the availability of hybrid or zero-emission vehicles on its standing offers for regular and executive fleets by 10% and 43% respectively. In addition, the department engaged industry to explore options for electric buses and electric medium and heavy trucks and started work on the renewal of its standing offer for charging stations.

By developing a suite of measures to support the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, PSPC will contribute to reducing overall GHG emissions.

Manage a national battery recycling program (Call2Recycle) at select federal government facilities.

Tons of batteries recycled per year.

50,554.07 kg recycled.

50,554.07 kg. The target for any given year is equal to the amount of batteries recycled during the previous year.

37,794.08 kg recycled.

The program did not operate during the first quarter of fiscal year 2020 to 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions. The quarterly average is still in line with the established target.

Diverting toxic heavy metals (lead, cadmium, zinc, mercury and manganese) found in batteries, from landfill waste.

Update and implement the landscape management plans for PSPC Crown-owned buildings.

Percentage of new or updated landscape management plans that integrate measures and best practices for sustainability and resilience.

Collect data starting in fiscal year 2023 to 2024.

Starting in 2022, update and implement landscape management plans to protect, restore, and enhance local ecosystem services and eliminate the use of toxic pesticides.

PSPC has confirmed its commitment and the detailed actions required to support this target within the approved Real Property Sustainability Handbook.

Consultation with stakeholders and further research is ongoing to best direct efforts within the portfolio and develop a national standard statement of work for landscape management plans that will be applied for new and existing building sites.

Minimizing environmentally harmful and hazardous chemicals and materials used and disposed of in real property operations.

No specific FSDS contributing action is applicable.

Revise and update the national standards on organic production systems to support and facilitate the principles of organic agriculture.

National standards of Canada must be revised on a schedule not exceeding 5 years from the date of its last publication.

Organic production systems standards revised in 2015.

Updated standards in November 2020.

New editions of the organic production systems national standards were published in December 2020.

By developing national standards on organic production systems, PSPC (Canadian General Standards Board) is contributing to achieve food security and promote sustainable agriculture. These standards are intended for certification and regulation to prevent deceptive practices in the marketplace.

The principal goal of organic production is to develop operations that are sustainable and harmonious with the environment. These standards describe the principles and management standard of organic production systems and provide lists of substances that are allowed for use in organic production systems.

Use legislation and regulations to ensure sustainable aquaculture.

Revise and update the national standard, organic aquaculture (this standard will be referenced in the upcoming Safe Food for Canadians Act), to support and facilitate the principles of organic aquaculture.

National standards of Canada must be revised on a schedule not exceeding 5 years from the date of its last publication.

National standard, organic aquaculture of February 2018.

Standard will be updated by February 2023.

No update at this time. The review of the standard has not begun yet.

By updating the national standard, organic aquaculture, PSPC will contribute to protecting the environment, maintaining long-term biological stability and recycling materials and resources.

Identify risks and priorities for remediation by completing environmental site assessments (ESA).

Percentage of sites eligible for the Federal Contaminated Site Action Plan (FCSAP) funding where ESAs have been completed since the start of FCSAP in 2005.

April 1, 2005 custodial inventory.

95% of FCSAP assessment funding received by PSPC is spent to evaluate the potential liability by March 31, 2025.

Percentage of sites eligible for the FCSAP funding where ESAs have been completed since the start of FCSAP in 2005: 100%.

PSPC becomes a service provider of choice through continued development of the national contaminated site service line; expansion of leadership role for the post 2020 Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan.

Implement risk reduction activities (remediation and risk management) to reduce associated liability.

Percentage of remediation expenditures spent at FCSAP-funded remediation sites that reduce liability during phase 4.

April 1, 2020 custodial inventory.

95% of remediation funding received is spent to reduce liability by March 31, 2025.

Percentage of remediation expenditures spent at FCSAP-funded remediation sites that reduce liability during phase 4: 100% ($14M) of the funds invested in the remediation of contaminated sites contributed to reduce PSPC’s liability in fiscal year 2020 to 2021.

This PSPC corresponding action indirectly supports the FSDS goal by remediating federal contaminated sites through the FCSAP to ensure that ecological risks related to harmful substances on these lands are reduced.