Evaluation of the One-Tonne Challenge Program

Environment Canada’s (EC) Audit and Evaluation Branch conducted evaluations of three climate change programs, namely the One-Tonne Challenge (OTC), the Pilot Emission Removals, Reductions and Learnings (PERRL) Initiative and the Opportunities Envelope (OE).[1]These programs are part of a broader set of programs and initiatives on climate change that the Government of Canada established ranging from technology development to emissions trading. The three climate change programs were selected for evaluation given the central role that EC has played in regard to their shaping and overall implementation. Furthermore, in order for the department to undertake an appropriate balance of evaluation work and that it be strategically focused,the three programs were also selected given their contribution to helping the department address its broader priorities by way of fostering multi-jurisdictional collaboration, enabling sound decision-making, and empowering citizens to make informed decisions. These priorities are key in helping the department implement the Competitiveness and Environmental Sustainability Framework (CESF). [2]

While all three programs aim to address the issue of climate change, the evaluations were conducted separately given their differences in terms of goals and requirements, design and delivery aspects and targeted audiences. Close attention, however, was given to the overall design of the evaluations as is reflected in the choice of evaluation issues and questions. This has facilitated the roll-up of the evaluations’ findings and lessons learned under common broad themes, including the following:greenhouse gas (GHG) measurement is a young and complex area of activity; there is a need for clearer alignment between tools/approaches used and desired outcomes and overall certainty and coordination is needed when implementing initiatives.It is important to note that the conclusions of these evaluations are by no means meant to directly apply to other climate change programs, policies and initiatives.

This document presents the findings and lessons learned for the formative evaluation of the OTC Program conducted jointly by the Evaluation teams at EC and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). Note that on April 13, 2006, the Minister of NRCan, in a public news release entitled “First Steps Taken Towards Made-in-Canada Approach”, confirmed the Government of Canada decision to take a different approach with the OTC program. In light of this, no recommendations are made with respect to the Program other than to note lessons learned drawn from the evidence from the evaluation that would apply to the design of any relevant program.

An evaluation committee was created to support the evaluation process from start to finish. This committee was comprised of officials from the Evaluation Divisions as well as the OTC program in both departments.