Sustainability

Sustainable development can be defined as the process of developing land, cities, businesses and communities so that our current needs are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It recognizes that social, economic and environmental issues are interconnected and that decisions must incorporate each of these aspects in order to be successful over the longer term.

This section includes information on environmental sustainability as a means to enhance the health and well-being of Canadians, preserve Canada’s natural environment, and advance Canada’s long-term economic competitiveness.

Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators 2008

Environmental indicators provide a simple way to convey complex information and track progress on the environment, much like economic indicators such as the gross domestic product, the consumer price index and the unemployment rate do for the economy. This fourth annual release of CESI results presents the most timely and consistent information available on three environmental issues important to Canadians: clean air, clean water and greenhouse gas emissions.

  • Corporate Environmental Innovation

    Here you will find information about the growing links between sustainable development and business value, details on CEI project areas, as well as links to other Canadian and international corporate sustainability resources.

  • Ecosystem Initiatives

    Here you will find information about different types of ecosystems: arctic, boreal, prairie and others.

  • Greening Government

    This web-based guide to information about greening government operations is especially helpful for Government of Canada employees involved in key operations such as Fleet Management, Real Property Management and Environmental Management Systems, waste, procurement, energy efficiency/buildings and land use.

  • Greening Meetings

    This is a guide to best practices to help meeting organizers plan and implement meetings that are as environmentally responsible as possible.

  • State of the Environment Infobase

    This section presents overviews of important environmental issues, designed to translate science and data into information and knowledge that can be used by decision-makers. Resources and tools for indicator and reporting practitioners are also included.

  • Sustainable Development Information System

    SDinfo is the Government of Canada’s gateway to sustainable development information, it contains information on Federal resources/strategies, agenda 21, international conventions/protocols/agreements, international institutions and the green consumer.

  • Sustainable Development Strategy 2007-2009

    Highlights for Canadians key commitments that the department will undertake over the next three years to further our sustainable development obejctives.