Planning for a Sustainable Future:
A Federal Sustainable Development Strategy for Canada
2013–2016 - Consultation Paper

Sustainable Development Office
Environment Canada

February 2013

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Chapter 2: Priorities for Environmental Sustainability

• Reaffirming Our Priorities
• The Structure of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy: Goals, Targets and Implementation Strategies
• Our Approach to Performance Measurement
• Theme I. Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality
• Theme II. Maintaining Water Quality and Availability
• Theme III. Protecting Nature
• Theme IV. Shrinking the Environmental Footprint - Beginning with Government

Reaffirming Our Priorities

The second cycle of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) maintains the four priority theme areas set out in the first cycle:

Theme I: Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality;

Theme II: Maintaining Water Quality and Availability;

Theme III: Protecting Nature; and

Theme IV: Shrinking the Environmental Footprint –

• Beginning with Government.

It also retains the overarching structure of goals, targets and implementation strategies that was introduced in the first cycle and aligns with common practice in government sustainability reporting.

The 2012 FSDS Progress Report provides detailed information on actions and achievements within each of these themes during the first cycle, as well as remaining challenges.

 

The Structure of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy: Goals, Targets and Implementation Strategies

The FSDS sets out one or more goals within each of its four theme areas (Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality, Maintaining Water Quality and Availability, Protecting Nature, and Shrinking the Environmental Footprint – Beginning with Government). In the second cycle, as in the first, the Government of Canada strives to ensure that FSDS goals:

• Are aspirational;
• Take a long-term view;
• Address important challenges and problems;
• Remain attuned to environmental information, data and indicators;
• Encourage flexibility in the choice of strategies for achievement; and
• Reflect domestic and international priorities and commitments.

Under each goal, one or more targets have been established. FSDS targets are more specific in nature than goals and, to the extent possible, are intended to:

• Meet the SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) criteria;
• Take a medium-term view;
• Fall within federal jurisdiction and departmental mandates;
• Remain informed by environmental baseline data and indicators;
• Be consistent with Government of Canada priorities; and
• Reflect the precautionary principle.

Each target is supported by implementation strategies--specific federal actions for achieving them. While all implementation strategies support FSDS targets, they may be indirectly rather than directly linked to environmental sustainability outcomes. Implementation strategies should:

• Strive to meet the SMART criteria;
• Take a short-term view;
• Fit within the reporting and planning structures of the federal government;
• Identify resources and activities; and
• Contribute to the related target.

 

Figure 2 – Theme Structure: Goals, Targets and Implementation Strategies

To enhance clarity and transparency, the FSDS categorizes implementation strategies according to the nature of the action they represent. Implementation strategies may support FSDS targets in the following ways, corresponding to the types of policy levers available to the Government of Canada:

Leading by example

– activities that will have a direct impact on federal government operations, or the management of activities by the federal government;

Enabling capacity

– activities where the federal government is building the capacity of others to take action, or is making strategic investments in support of goals and targets;

Advancing knowledge and communication

– activities related to science, knowledge gathering and sharing, and public education; or

Demanding performance

– activities, such as laws and regulations, that require industries or individuals to change behaviours.

Implementation strategies evolve over time to reflect changing priorities and circumstances. In this second cycle of the strategy, implementation strategies that have been added or improved since the first cycle are identified to show clearly where this evolution has occurred.

While industry, individuals and other stakeholders also contribute to achieving environmental sustainability results, the FSDS reflects only federal contributions to achieving the goals and targets. In some cases, the federal role is direct (e.g. regulations), while in others, it involves supporting others (e.g. by providing science and information). As a result, some of the FSDS targets aim to achieve environmental outcomes, while others focus on delivering information and completing actions to support other actors (for example, provincial and territorial governments and civil society).

Our Approach to Performance Measurement

For the FSDS to support transparency and inform decision making, effective performance measurement is essential. As described in the FSDS Management Framework, the strategy is central to the "Plan" component of the government’s “Plan, Do, Check, Improve” model of sustainable development planning and reporting. The “Check” component of this model relies on performance measurement using environmental sustainability indicators as well as program measures to track progress on implementing the FSDA, as reported through the Progress Report.

 

Figure 3 – The "Plan, Do, Check, Improve" Model

 

Indicators of environmental sustainability outcomes are used to measure progress on the goals and targets under the first three FSDS themes (Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality; Maintaining Water Quality and Availability; and Protecting Nature). These indicators are largely drawn from the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators (CESI) program, as well as from departmental Performance Measurement Frameworks. FSDS indicators are the result of collaboration among federal departments and have been selected according to the following criteria:

• Policy relevance (represents the FSDS goals and targets);
• Utility (meets the needs of decision-makers and the public);
• Soundness (provides consistent and solid methodology, comparable over time); and
• Data availability and integrity (uses existing high-quality data with adequate coverage).

While federal departments and agencies may contribute differently to reaching the goals and targets under Themes I–III, depending on their mandate and specific programming, all are required to take appropriate actions and measure results under Theme IV (Shrinking the Environmental Footprint – Beginning with Government). As a result, common performance measures have been developed to support standardized and consistent reporting on this theme across government.

Using CESI as the primary basis for measuring performance on the FSDS has a number of advantages. In keeping with the purpose of the Act and the FSDS, CESI was developed to provide transparency, and its online platform makes comprehensive and objective information on environmental trends readily accessible. It is considered an authoritative source for state of the environment indicators and data, providing national-level information, a rigorous methodology that standardizes the data and makes it comparable over time, and linkages to related socio-economic issues and information.

Theme I. Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality

Why it matters

Since the tabling of the first cycle of the FSDS, environmental indicators related to air and climate have shown progress. In recent years, for example, the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity of the Canadian economy and ambient concentrations of most smog-forming air pollutants have decreased. Absolute emissions of GHGs also declined between 2005 and 2010. However, the indicators also show that further work is still needed to reach Canada’s GHG reduction target of 17% below 2005 levels by 2020, as well as to reduce ammonia emissions and formation of ground-level ozone.

Climate change continues to present a significant challenge to Canada and the world, with implications for the well-being of the environment, the economy and society. Current and potential climate change effects include more frequent instances of severe weather--including storms, floods, droughts and heat waves--as well as risks to coastal ecosystems, communities and infrastructure from rising sea levels. Thawing permafrost also poses a particular risk to infrastructure in Canada’s North, where higher-than-average rates of warming have been observed. These effects have clear implications for the health and safety of Canadians as well as for economic prosperity. For example, reduced water availability due to climate change could have a negative impact on economic sectors such as agriculture and marine transportation in certain areas of Canada.

Over the period 1990–2010, the most important sources of Canadian GHG emissions were transportation; production and processing of oil and gas; and electricity generation (Environment Canada, 2012). These sectors affect the lives of nearly every Canadian. However, while the economy grew by 6.3% between 2005 and 2010, GHG emissions decreased by 48 megatonnes, or 6.5%, in that same period. This indicates that Canadian GHG emissions are beginning to become decoupled from economic growth.

Outdoor air quality also has a significant influence on the environment, human health and Canada’s economy. Exposure to ambient air pollutants can increase the risk of illnesses such as asthma, lung cancer and cardiovascular disease, which can in turn have economic impacts such as increased health care costs (for example, due to higher incidence of doctor visits and hospital admissions) and lower productivity (for example, due to more frequent sick days among workers) (Environment Canada, 2012).

What others are doing

Action on climate change and air quality is being undertaken at every level of society. Canada is a Party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which was established in 1992 to consider how to limit climate change and adapt to unavoidable impacts. Within Canada, in addition to federal actions, provincial and municipal governments play a significant role in limiting emissions of air pollutants and GHGs. Provinces are working with the federal government to monitor air quality and air pollutant emissions. A notable example is Alberta’s partnership with the Government of Canada to monitor air quality in the oil sands region.  As announced in fall 2012 by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, provincial and territorial governments will also work with the federal government to implement the Air Quality Management System, a new framework for managing air quality. In addition to federal and provincial/territorial governments, some Canadian municipalities are promoting lower- or zero-emission modes of transportation such as cycling and public transport, while individuals can take action by choosing to use these modes of transportation more often, and making energy-efficient choices in their homes, including lighting and appliances.

What the federal government is doing

In the second cycle of the FSDS, the Government of Canada will work towards achieving two goals related to climate change and air quality. The second cycle enhances the whole-of-government picture of actions in this area by adding a new target and implementation strategies on climate change adaptation. This theme also now includes all Clean Air Agenda (CAA) programming from 11 departments and agencies, including a number of new implementation strategies representing climate change and air-quality related work. Measurement and monitoring of progress has been strengthened for this theme by more closely aligning the FSDS target on air pollutants with the SMART criteria.

To achieve this goal, the Government of Canada will:

• Continue to implement its sector-by-sector regulatory approach to addressing GHG emissions. The approach involves developing and implementing regulations to limit GHG emissions from all major emitting sectors, including transportation, coal-fired electricity generation, oil and gas, and other key industrial sectors.
• Engage with international partners by participating in global climate change negotiations and implementing Canada’s commitments; work with the United States to advance clean energy priorities through the Clean Energy Dialogue; and address emissions of short-lived climate pollutants including through fora such as the Climate and Clean Air Coalition and the Arctic Council.
• Promote the development and adoption of clean energy technologies in the domestic context by, for example, supporting clean energy research, development and demonstration projects through the ecoEnergy Innovation Initiative, and by encouraging businesses, through the accelerated capital cost allowance for clean energy generation equipment, to invest in specified equipment.
• Take action on climate change adaptation. The Government of Canada has deepened its support for federal climate change adaptation activities, including programs to improve understanding of climate change impacts and provide credible, scientifically sound information to support adaptation planning and decision making. These efforts are guided by the Federal Adaptation Policy Framework, which will help the government take account of climate risks as decisions are made on a wide range of programs and activities that support the well-being of Canadians. Indicators to measure progress on climate change adaptation will be developed for future FSDS cycles.
• Promote interdepartmental coordination and horizontal action on climate change through the CAA. The CAA, renewed in 2011, is a collection of initiatives that includes federal regulatory action on GHG emissions, international engagement and negotiation on climate change, and support for climate change adaptation, among other programming.

To achieve this goal, the Government of Canada will:

• Work with provinces, territories, Aboriginal groups and stakeholders to implement the Air Quality Management System, which includes new ambient air quality standards, a framework for managing air quality through local air zones and regional airsheds, as well as emissions requirements for major industrial sectors.
• Work with the U.S. under the Canada-U.S. Air Quality Agreement to address transboundary air pollution. The Agreement commits both countries to reduce emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NO_x), the primary precursors to acid rain, and ground-level ozone, a key component of smog.
• Continue to use the CAA as a framework for horizontal action by multiple federal departments on air quality. The CAA includes programs to reduce emissions to air from energy generation and transportation vehicles, including through regulation, evaluating and promoting new technologies.

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Theme II. Maintaining Water Quality and Availability

Why it matters

The quality of water--drinking water as well as the water that supports  aquatic ecosystems--is critically important to the health and wellbeing of Canadians. While water quality in Canada is generally good, challenges remain to maintain and improve it.

As noted in the 2012 FSDS Progress Report, some of the key aquatic ecosystems subject to current federal action remain under stress due to human activity--notably, in the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Lake Simcoe and the St. Lawrence River. Key issues for these ecosystems include eutrophication (excessive nutrients in the water leading to overgrowth of algae) as well as the introduction of harmful substances from urban areas and industrial activities, and the degradation of wetlands.

When water quality in aquatic ecosystems is compromised, social and economic impacts can arise along with the environmental effects. Environmental problems affecting these areas can mean reduced capacity to support human activities. As a result, Canadians may have fewer opportunities to enjoy aquatic ecosystems and may face restrictions on sources of drinking water, industrial and agricultural water uses, and harvesting fish and shellfish from these areas.

Drinking water quality is particularly important to human health. Contamination of drinking water sources by pathogenic organisms or chemical pollutants can cause illness. In the case of potential microbiological contamination, this may result in boil water advisories to protect human health.

In addition to its importance to supporting aquatic life, water availability is a necessary condition for a range of economic activities. While Canada has abundant freshwater resources overall, water is not always readily available when and where it is most needed. Climate change may exacerbate current water availability challenges in the future--for example, by decreasing the availability of drinking water in the prairie region, while increasing the probability of flooding in other areas, such as the Great Lakes Basin (Environment Canada, 2011).

Sectors that rely on significant withdrawals of water in Canada include thermal power generation (the largest user of water), manufacturing, agriculture and municipalities. Improving water management by encouraging conservation and investing in innovation to improve water efficiency can benefit the environment as well as the economy.

The second cycle of the FSDS better reflects the significance of water to Canada’s economy and communities, as well as the impact of human activity on water and aquatic ecosystems, by reframing the government’s water quality and availability targets with three target groupings. The first, Protect and Restore Healthy Aquatic Ecosystems, includes targets related to key aquatic ecosystems that provide social and economic benefits and continue to be under pressure from human activities. The second, Prevent Pollution and Manage Water, gathers together targets on preventing and managing the impact of economic activity on water quality. Finally, the third, Support Safe and Secure Water Systems, includes targets aimed at preventing negative health impacts that can result from compromised water quality.

What others are doing

Responsibility for water management in Canada is shared among federal, provincial and territorial, municipal, and in some instances Aboriginal governments. Provincial governments, in addition to the federal government, have many legal instruments for controlling water pollution. In addition to managing the water resources within their boundaries and undertaking their own initiatives on water, provinces--along with First Nations and municipalities--play an important role in ensuring their compliance with Canada’s new Wastewater System Effluent Regulations and working with the Government of Canada to support the recovery of key aquatic ecosystems. A number of economic sectors also contribute to improving water quality and availability. For instance, the agricultural sector can mitigate its effects on water through the use of beneficial management practices such as appropriate nutrient management, integrated pest management (to reduce the need for chemical pesticides), and measures to control runoff and erosion. Individual citizens can also limit their impact on water quality and availability by limiting household use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, installing watersaving appliances, such as high-efficiency dishwashers, washing machines, and toilets, and protecting riparian zones on their property.

What the federal government is doing

In the second cycle of the FSDS, the Government of Canada will work towards achieving one goal related to water quality and availability, through actions in three areas: Protect and Restore Healthy Aquatic Ecosystems, Prevent Pollution and Manage Water, and Support Safe and Secure Water Systems. In the second cycle, new implementation strategies have been added and updated to reflect current programming--for example, the new Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. Measurement and monitoring of progress has been strengthened for this theme by more closely aligning several of the water targets (e.g., reducing phosphate inputs to Lake Simcoe and reducing phosphorus loadings to Lake Winnipeg) with the SMART criteria.

To protect and restore healthy aquatic ecosystems, the Government of Canada will continue to work with stakeholders, provincial and municipal governments, Aboriginal communities, and other partners such as watershed management agencies to conduct scientific research, undertake or support recovery actions, and monitor progress on ecosystem health. For example, the government will:

• Continue to work with the U.S. (notably through the recently amended Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement), and with provinces and stakeholders to conserve and restore key aquatic ecosystems in the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River and Lake Winnipeg.

To prevent pollution and manage waste, the Government of Canada will undertake a range of activities including setting legal and regulatory frameworks to protect the marine environment from pollution, supporting the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices, and reducing negative environmental impacts from wastewater effluent. For example, the government will:

• Implement the new Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations, established under the Fisheries Act and published in July 2012. The Regulations set Canada’s first minimum national standards for wastewater treatment and address one of the largest Canadian sources of pollution to water. Collaboration is underway with the provinces and Yukon to streamline administration of the Regulations.
• Partner with the Province of Alberta to implement the Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring. The plan commits to a scientifically rigorous, comprehensive, integrated and transparent program to enhance monitoring of water, air, land and biodiversity in the oil sands region.

To support safe and secure water systems, the Government of Canada will support drinking water quality and wastewater management in First Nations communities, and work with other jurisdictions to develop guidelines that support water quality (including drinking water quality) across Canada. For example, the government will:

• Continue to provide training and capacity building to enable First Nations communities to maintain and operate drinking and wastewater systems and to monitor their drinking water quality, and support First Nations communities in complying with Canada’s Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations.

Theme III. Protecting Nature

Why it matters

Conserving Canada’s natural landscapes and marine areas, as well as protection and recovery of its wild species, are essential to Canada’s environmental, social and economic well-being. Protecting species and their habitats helps preserve biodiversity--the variety of plants, animals, and other life in Canada. Biodiversity, in turn, promotes the ability of Canada’s ecosystems to perform valuable ecosystem services such as releasing oxygen to the atmosphere while absorbing carbon dioxide (a major greenhouse gas), filtering drinking water, enabling new plants to grow through pollination, and capturing the sun’s energy, which is vital to all life. When ecosystem services are compromised, economic and health impacts such as lower agricultural productivity and lower-quality drinking water can result, raising costs for Canadians, industry and governments. Further, without protection and conservation of natural areas, Canadians would have fewer opportunities to connect with and enjoy our country’s natural beauty, and to engage in outdoor recreational activities.

Canada’s natural resources are a major contributor to economic activity. Industries that directly rely on a sustainable natural environment include forestry, fisheries and aquaculture. In 2011, Canada’s forest sector, which includes forestry and logging, pulp and paper, and wood product manufacturing, accounted for about 1.9% of Canada’s total GDP. It also provided direct employment for approximately 233 900 Canadians (Natural Resources Canada, 2012). In 2010, the direct contribution of Canada’s fish and seafood sector (harvesting, aquaculture, and fish and seafood processing industries) reached $4 billion, accounting for 0.2% of Canada’s GDP, and employed 33 750 (full-time equivalent) (Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2012).

While both forests and fish represent renewable resources, inadequate management of these resources can contribute to their depletion and threaten the viability of the sectors that depend on them. Lack of attention to the sustainable management of these resources can also threaten the biodiversity and environmental well-being of Canada’s oceans, lakes, rivers and forested areas.

The second cycle of the FSDS enhances the strategy’s link between nature, the economy and society. It broadens the government’s goal on responsible development of Canada’s biological resources so that it is relevant to a broader range of resources and sectors; and updates the strategy’s target and indicators related to environmental emergencies to reflect and measure the economic and social impacts of these events.

What others are doing

In Canada, the federal government, provinces, territories and Aboriginal groups work together to protect Canadian landscapes, seascapes, ecosystems and species at risk. For instance, provincial governments establish and manage provincial parks and marine areas, implement provincial species at risk legislation, and manage forests and other biological resources within their provinces’ boundaries. Industries that rely on the sustainable management of biological resources are also taking steps to help protect nature. For example, producers of forest and fisheries products can seek third-party certification (such as that of the Canadian Standards Association Sustainable Forest Management System and the Marine Stewardship Council, respectively) to affirm the sustainable management of the resources. The Canadian Boreal Initiative convenes a range of actors--non-governmental organizations, First Nations, industry, governments, and others--to support conservation and sustainable resource development in Canada’s boreal region. Meanwhile, individuals also play a role by responsibly enjoying Canada’s protected areas and complying with species at risk legislation. At the international level, the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) is a key multilateral environmental agreement intended to conserve biological diversity. Current initiatives under the UNCBD include the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, intended to help monitor global progress on biodiversity and support member countries’ efforts to implement their own biodiversity monitoring frameworks.

What the federal government is doing

In the second cycle of the FSDS, the Government of Canada will work towards achieving two goals related to protecting nature. The second cycle consolidates previously separate goals on species populations and their habitats to reflect the interconnections between these two issues. It also broadens the FSDS goal on biological resources to allow more programs to be included, and broadens the target on environmental emergencies to include implementation strategies from more federal departments and agencies. The second cycle also aligns FSDS targets on federal protected areas and marine ecosystems with proposed national commitments under the UNCBD (Aichi Biodiversity Targets).

Compared with the first cycle, the second cycle improves the degree to which targets on migratory birds, protected areas, ecological integrity of national parks, marine ecosystems and environmental emergencies align with the SMART criteria. New indicators have been added to measure progress on invasive alien species, and socio-economic indicators have been included to measure progress on environmental emergencies.

Additional federal actions to advance conservation objectives and the sustainable use of resources are intended to be developed under a National Conservation Plan (NCP). The NCP, which is being developed through engagement with a broad range of partners and stakeholders, will help advance Canada’s conservation objectives and better connect all Canadians with nature. It will build on existing successes and encourage innovative approaches to conservation. The NCP is expected to include activities undertaken by governments, conservation organizations, industry, Aboriginal groups and other components of Canadian society.

To achieve this goal, the Government of Canada will:

• Manage, enhance, and expand Canada’s network of protected areas, including national parks, national wildlife areas, marine protected areas, national marine conservation areas, migratory bird sanctuaries and marine wildlife areas. This will include efforts to increase the ecological integrity of protected areas, improve the condition of ecosystems, establish new protected areas, enhance integrated management of ocean activities, and strengthen monitoring and reporting relating to the marine estate.

To achieve this goal, the Government of Canada will:

• Continue to promote the sustainable use of biological resources by means such as preparing science-based management plans for wild fish stocks and developing and disseminating knowledge to promote the sustainable management of Canada’s forest ecosystems.

Theme IV. Shrinking the Environmental Footprint – Beginning with Government

The first FSDS enabled the Government of Canada to make important strides in reducing the environmental footprint of federal government operations. It laid the groundwork to reduce environmental impacts in key operational areas such as real property management, fleet, procurement and general office operations. These actions have set a foundation upon which greening of government operations can advance.

Why it matters

The federal government has an extensive operational presence with more than 28 000 buildings owned or leased, more than 16 000 on-road vehicles, and upwards of 200 000 employees. The federal government also procures significant levels of goods and services annually. These operations, while modest on an economy-wide scale, result in the consumption of natural resources, the release of GHGs and the generation of waste. The federal government is conscious that Canadians expect their government to manage its operations in an environmentally responsible manner.

Sound stewardship of government assets is supported by greening of government operations. Our efforts in this area will lead to better use of resources, reduce the Government of Canada’s environmental impacts and provide better value for money for Canadians. The greening of operations also aligns with the Government’s priority to streamline activities by leveraging efficiency opportunities.

Best practices in greening operations

Governments in other jurisdictions, including the U.S., United Kingdom and Australia have also established a greening agenda. The majority of Canadian provinces and territories also have well-developed approaches to reducing their environmental footprint. Common trends and best practices show the adoption of government-wide goals and related targets are predominantly focused in these four key areas:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions;
• Reducing waste generated;
• Improving water efficiency; and
• Greening the supply chain (i.e. asset and materiel management).

Integrating sustainability initiatives within existing and planned initiatives, policies, and programs ensures that environmental implications are considered in day-to-day operations and decision making. For the Government of Canada, aligning greening initiatives with departmental operations is consistent with the government’s priority to create efficiencies and potential cost savings, and embeds sustainability within government operations.

What the federal government is doing

Aligning with international best practices, the previous Theme IV goal “Minimizing the environmental footprint of government operations” has been separated into three goal areas: Greenhouse Gas Emission (GHG) and Energy, Asset and Waste Management, and Water.

This revised goal structure is intended to provide a more complete view of the Government of Canada’s environmental footprint and the actions being taken to minimize it. The new structure will also help to prioritize efforts in areas of greatest opportunity including improving our asset  management, generating less waste, reducing energy consumption and GHG emissions, and managing water sustainably.

Lessons learned during the implementation of the first FSDS contributed to developing the updated targets under each goal. The updated FSDS intends to optimize the way in which departments conduct their operations, to minimize the Government of Canada’s environmental footprint in the short, medium and long term.

Reducing absolute GHG emissions generated by federal facilities and fleets remains the core focus of this goal. The government has in place a GHG tracking protocol based on internationally accepted principles, a solid reporting framework and departmental GHG eduction plans. This strengthened capacity will help the government implement the target under this goal in this FSDS.

To achieve this goal, the Government of Canada will:

• Continue to take action to reduce levels of GHG emissions from its operations to match the national target of 17% below 2005 levels by 2020.

Two core elements are encompassed in this goal: managing federal assets using a life-cycle approach, and environmentally sound waste management. A life-cycle asset management approach incorporating the planning, acquisition, use and maintenance, and disposal phases aims to minimize environmental impacts of operations. Ensuring environmentally sound waste management focuses on reducing the quantities of waste generated and on increasing waste diversion through reuse and recycling options. A broad range of government operations are included such as the management of buildings, fleet, office furniture and equipment, and other goods required to provide services to Canadians.

To achieve this goal, the Government of Canada will:

• Achieve an industry-recognized level of high environmental performance in real property projects and operations.
• Continue to embed environmental considerations into public procurement.
• Adopt policies and practices to improve the sustainability of its workplace operations.
• Reduce the environmental impact of services to clients.

This goal focuses on sustainable water management within federal operations and represents the government’s operational contribution to global priorities of water quality and availability. Custodial departments are required to outline their approaches to implementing water conservation and management measures, and are encouraged to take steps to improve data availability related to potable water consumption.

To achieve this goal, the Government of Canada will:

• Improve water management within its real property portfolio.

Establishing three goal areas and associated targets under Theme IV enables the federal government to better articulate the longer-term environmental benefits it is seeking to achieve. As the FSDS is updated every three years, targets under each goal will be adjusted, refined and built upon. This new goal structure will guide the operations of the federal government as it works towards reducing its environmental footprint.

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