Infrastructure Canada's 2020-21 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report
Infrastructure Canada's 2020-21 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report
Infrastructure Canada's 2020-21 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report
Aussi disponible en français sous le titre : Rapport sur la Stratégie ministérielle de développement durable 2020-2021
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Infrastructure Canada
180 Kent Street, Suite 1100
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 0B6
info@infc.gc.ca
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Infrastructure and Communities, 2021.
ISSN 2564-2693
This report on progress supports the commitment in the Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDA) to make sustainable development decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament. It also contributes to an integrated, wholeofgovernment view of activities supporting environmental sustainability.
The departmental information reported accounts for information previously prepared in accordance with Infrastructure Canada's 2020 to 2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.
1. Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy
The 2019 to 2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) presents the Government of Canada's sustainable development goals and targets, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. In keeping with the purpose of the Act, to provide the legal framework for developing and implementing a Federal Sustainable Development Strategy that will make sustainable development decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, Infrastructure Canada has developed this report to demonstrate progress in implementing its Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.
2. Sustainable development in Infrastructure Canada
Infrastructure Canada's 2020 to 2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy describes the department's actions in support of achieving Modern and Resilient Infrastructure and contributing to Effective Action on Climate Change; and Greening Government. This report presents available results for the departmental actions pertinent to these goals. Previous years' reports are posted on the Infrastructure Canada's website.
3. Departmental performance by Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goal
The following tables provide performance information on departmental actions in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) as well as from the FSDS goals listed in section 2.
Context: Greening Government
- Infrastructure Canada supports the Government of Canada's transition to low-carbon and climate-resilient operations, while also reducing environmental impacts beyond carbon.
- Infrastructure Canada has invested in modernizing its small fleet by using low-carbon mobility vehicles. The Department encourages its employees to use climate-resilient assets, services, and operations as well as green goods and services that take sustainability into consideration. When COVID-19 struck, Infrastructure Canada was finalizing the retrofit project of its employees' workstations and meeting spaces to the Workplace 2.0 format so that it would reduce the department's footprint. Since then, additional actions have been taken to ensure that employees wishing to return to the workplace can do so safely. The Department is also ensuring that its key officials received the necessary training to support green procurement and/or material management to advance environmental considerations in procurement activities.
- Infrastructure Canada has implemented a mobility strategy which provides all its employees with access to mobile devices (tablets, smartphones and laptops). The strategy has allowed employees to connect as easily from home as at the office, which has allowed for an easy transition and increased flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. The department is also preparing the workplace for the future by implementing its Flexible Workplace Initiative. Given INFC's growth and employees' preference for flexibility, the Department is adopting a hybrid work model recommended by the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer (OCHRO). This approach combines teleworking and some work taking place onsite, depending on operational requirements.
Greening Government: The Government of Canada will transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient and green operations.
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FSDS target(s) |
FSDS contributing action(s) |
Corresponding departmental action(s) |
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved |
Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Our administrative fleet will be comprised of at least 80% zero-emission vehicles by 2030 |
Fleet management will be optimized by applying telematics to collect and analyze vehicle usage data on vehicles scheduled to be replaced |
Modernize our fleet to ensure that its size is commensurate with the Department's operational needs. Reduce the Department's carbon footprint by maintaining a fleet of only zero-emission or plug-in hybrids vehicles. |
Starting point:
Indicator: Percentage of fleet that is ZEV or plug-in hybrid (Target: 100% of fleet is ZEV or plug-in hybrid by March 31, 2030). |
Result as of March 31, 2021:
|
Contribution to FSDS: By using ZEV for its fleet the department demonstrates its commitment to incorporating environmental criteria into its fleet management decisions. It allows INFC to reduce its GHG emissions from its operations. UN SDG: SDG 13 - Target 13.2 |
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Actions supporting the Goal: Greening Government [This section is for actions that support the Greening Government Goal but do not directly support a FSDS target] |
Support for green procurement will be strengthened, including guidance, tools and training for public service employees |
Continue to ensure that procurement specialists have completed the mandatory Green Procurement mandatory training from the Canada School of Public Service, and integrated environmental considerations into procurement practices. By ensuring procurement specialists have completed the training, the Department will provide these employees with the necessary training and awareness to support green procurement. Related to UN SDG 13 – Climate Action |
Starting Point:
Indicator: Percentage of specialists in procurement and/or materiel management who have completed CSPS training on green procurement. (Target: Maintain the 100% of specialists in procurement and/or materiel management who have completed CSPS training on green procurement each fiscal year) |
Result as of March 31, 2021:
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Contribution to FSDS: By ensuring our specialists in procurement and/or material management complete the CSPS training on green procurement, the department is demonstrating its commitment to incorporating environmental considerations into its planning and decision making process. UN SDG: SDG 13 - Target 13.2 |
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Continue to ensure that managers and functional heads of procurement and material management have included contribution to and support for green procurement in their performance management evaluations. By ensuring that managers and functional heads of procurement and materiel management include contribution to and support for the Government of Canada Policy on Green Procurement objectives in their annual performance management evaluations, the Department will advance environmental considerations in procurement activities. Related to UN SDG 13 – Climate Action |
Starting point:
Indicator: Number and percentage of managers and functional heads of procurement and materiel management whose performance evaluations include support and contribution towards green procurement. (Target: Maintain 100%, to achieve by March 31, 2021). |
Result as of March 31, 2021:
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Contribution to FSDS: By ensuring our manager in procurement and material management's PMA includes support and contribution towards green procurement, the department is demonstrating its commitment to incorporating environmental considerations into its planning and decision making process. UN SDG: SDG 13 - Target 13.2 |
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Ensure that the Department is reducing its consumption of paper for printing and photocopying. |
The Department will contribute to a low carbon economy by reducing consumption of paper for printing and photocopying. Related to UN SDG 13 – Climate Action |
Starting point:
Indicator: From year to year, INFC will reduce its consumption of paper for printing and photocopying. (Target: 5% reduction by March 31, 2021). |
Result as of March 31, 2021:
|
Contribution to FSDS: By ensuring a reduction of its consumption of paper for printing and photocopying, the department is demonstrating its commitment to incorporating environmental considerations into its planning and decision making process. UN SDG: SDG 13 - Target 13.2 |
Context: Modern and Resilient Infrastructure
- Green infrastructure investments have the potential to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) across various sectors and can drive innovation and growth by increasing technology development and adoption. The choices we make today to create a modern and resilient infrastructure will ensure a healthy environment which, in turn, supports a low-carbon economy.
- Natural disasters related to climate change are increasing in frequency and severity. Infrastructure Canada is working with provinces, territories and municipalities, and other stakeholders to help reduce GHG emissions, to avoid the worst impacts of future climate change, while also helping to, improve climate resilience and environmental quality. The department aims to ensure funding is available for infrastructure designed for improved climate outcomes, including innovative nature-based solutions that enhance the resilience of Canadian communities while continuing to safely provide essential services.
- Infrastructure Canada is requiring Climate Lens Assessments, as a horizontal requirement, applicable to the following programs: Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) and Smart Cities Challenge. It has two components: the GHG mitigation assessment, which measures the anticipated GHG emissions impact of an infrastructure project, and the climate change resilience assessment, which employs a risk management approach to anticipate, prevent, withstand, respond to, and recover and adapt from climate change related disruptions or impacts. By taking into account for the effects of climate change in infrastructure development, communities will be better prepared to adapt, mitigate, respond to, and recover from extreme weather events.
- For programs that fall within the Department's mandate, it is required that federally funded infrastructure projects incorporate considerations linked to climate impacts in their design. Of note, while some activities or initiatives are aligned with our mandate, they may fall under other federal organizations in supporting low-carbon and resilient infrastructure. Below are some examples:
Modern and Resilient Infrastructure: Modern, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure supports clean economic growth and social inclusion
|
FSDS target(s) |
FSDS contributing action(s) |
Corresponding departmental action(s) |
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved |
Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
By the end of 2027-28 fiscal year, invest $26.9 billion in funding for green infrastructure initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve climate resilience and environment quality |
Work with partners on green infrastructure |
Amended Integrated Bilateral Agreements with the Provinces and Territories to temporarily expand eligibility under 3 of 4 original streams to continue delivering the Investing in Canada Plan in response to pandemic. Two of the changes are targeting green infrastructure: TRANSIT & GREEN: Pathways and active transportation infrastructure |
Starting points:
Performance indicators: Value of green infrastructure projects approved under the Investing in Canada plan (federal share, Target: $26.9 billion by 2027-28) |
Result as of March 31, 2021:
|
Contribution to FSDS: By investing in green infrastructure initiatives, the department will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve climate resilience and environmental quality. UN SDG: SDG 6 - Target 6.B SDG 11 SDG 13 - Targets 13.1 & 13.2 |
|
Starting points:
Performance indicators: Percentage change in total GHG emissions generated from energy, building, transportation, and waste sectors (National target: Reduce total national GHG emissions by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030. Target to be achieved by March 31, 2028) |
Result as of March 31, 2021:
|
Contribution to FSDS: By investing in green infrastructure initiatives, the department will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve climate resilience and environmental quality. UN SDG: SDG 6 – Target 6.B SDG 11 SDG 13 - Targets 13.1 & 13.2 |
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|
Provide funding for large-scale infrastructure projects supporting mitigation of natural disasters and extreme weather events and strengthened climate resilience. |
Starting point:
Performance indicator: Percentage of municipalities that built or enhanced their capacity to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to climate change as a result of federal funding (Target: Increased community resilience by 4.3%, to be achieved by March 31, 2021)Footnote 1 |
Result as of March 31, 2021:
|
Contribution to FSDS: By providing funding for large-scale infrastructure projects supporting mitigation of natural disasters and extreme weather events and strengthened climate resilience, the department will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve climate resilience and environmental quality. UN SDG: SDG 6 - Target 6.B: SDG 13 - Targets 13.1 & 13.2 |
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Ensure that communities have more reliable water and wastewater systems so that both drinking water and effluent meet legislated standards. |
Starting points:
Performance indicator:
|
Result as of March 31, 2021:
|
Contribution to FSDS: By ensuring that communities have more reliable water and wastewater systems the department will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve climate resilience and environmental quality. UN SDG: SDG 6 - Target 6.B: SDG 13 - Targets 13.1 & 13.2. |
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|
Support communities with the development and implementation of asset management practices that support evidence-based decision-making |
Starting points:
Performance indicators:
|
Result as of March 31, 2021:
|
Contribution to FSDS: By supporting communities with the development and implementation of asset management practices that support evidence-based decision-making, the department will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve climate resilience and environmental quality. UN SDG: SDG 13 - Target 13.1 |
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Support municipalities as they prepare for and adapt to climate change, and as they reduce GHG emissions. |
Starting point:
Performance indicator:
|
Result as of March 31, 2021:
|
Contribution to FSDS: By supporting municipalities as they prepare for and adapt to climate change, and as they reduce GHG emissions, the department will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve climate resilience and environmental quality. UN SDG: SDG 6 - Target 6.B: SDG 13 - Targets 13.1 & 13.2 |
Context: Effective Action on Climate Change
- Infrastructure Canada will partner with the Standards Council of Canada in a renewed Standards to Support Resilience In Infrastructure Program to develop standards, guidance and tools to strengthen assets against climate-risks, including heat and flooding, as well as northern-specific standards to support northern communities adapt and reduce the vulnerability of their infrastructure to the impacts of climate change.
- Infrastructure that reduces GHG emissions through cleaner electricity grids, energy efficient buildings and transportation systems sets us on a path to a low-carbon future.
- Green infrastructure investments have the potential to help achieve GHG reductions across various sectors and can drive innovation and growth by increasing technology development and adoption. This will ensure Canadian businesses are competitive in the global low-carbon economy.
- To address greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks of new infrastructure projects, the Department introduced a climate lens assessment at the project review stage in specific areas of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.Footnote 5 In 2020-21, about 100 projects - representing over $1 billion in contribution funding and having total eligible costs of over $2.6 billion - submitted a Climate Lens assessment to INFC for review. The Department has also partnered with the National Research Council to develop climate resilient informed codes, standards, guidance and assessment tools through the $42.5 million Climate-Resilient Buildings and Core Public Infrastructure Initiative. The Initiative is being renewed for another 5 years.
- In addition, the Department is working to deliver new and permanent federal funding for public transit announced in February 2021, which will enable the use of cleaner transportation modes by supporting major transit projects, zero emission transit such as electric buses, active transportation networks, and rural transit solutions.
- Following the launch of the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program, application intake have started. The program aims to build more community buildings and improve existing ones – in particular in areas with populations experiencing higher needs – while also making the buildings more energy efficient, lower carbon, more resilient, and higher performing.
- Examples in the table below focus on research and analysis related to climate change that support the Effective Action on Climate Change.
Effective Action on Climate Change: A low-carbon economy contributes to limiting global average temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius and supports efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius
|
FSDS target(s) |
FSDS contributing action(s) |
Corresponding departmental action(s) |
Starting point(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) |
Results achieved |
Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
By 2030, reduce Canada's total GHG emissions by 30%, relative to 2005 emission levels |
Develop a solid base of scientific research and analysis on climate change |
Research and Knowledge Initiative (RKI) Support projects in research, knowledge-sharing, collaborations and partnerships to deepen understanding of infrastructure needs, challenges, and opportunities relevant to Canadians. |
Starting Point n/a - Launch of RKI was supposed to happen in fall 2020 but has been postponed due to COVID-19. An open call for proposals was launched on August 12, 2021. Indicator: Number of data, research or collaboration products (e.g., reports, studies, event proceedings, best practices and innovations) that have been completed and made available to the public that disseminate information about research outcomes as a result of the program (Target: TBD in 2020-2021) |
Result as of March 31, 2021:
|
Contribution to FSDS: By supporting projects in research, knowledge sharing, collaborations and partnerships to deepen understanding of infrastructure needs, challenges and opportunities relevant to Canadians, the department will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve climate resilience and environmental quality. UN SDG: SDG 6 - Target 6.B SDG 13 - Targets 13.1 & 13.2 |
|
Research and Knowledge Initiative (RKI) Enhanced evidence base and strengthened knowledge on infrastructure and communities contribute to robust policies and strategic decision-making that support long-term economic growth, a low carbon and green economy, and inclusive communities |
Indicator: Number of RKI funded initiatives or projects that are ongoing (i.e. continuing to support the knowledge-sharing culture) beyond program completion (Target: TBD, to achieve by March 31, 2024) |
Result as of March 31, 2021:
|
Contribution to FSDS: By enhancing evidence base and strengthening knowledge on infrastructure and communities the department contributes to robust policies and strategic decision-making that support long-term economic growth, a low carbon and green economy, and inclusive communities which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve climate resilience and environmental quality. UN SDG: SDG 6 - Target 6.B SDG 13 - Targets 13.1 & 13.2 |
4. Report on integrating sustainable development
During the 2020–21 reporting cycle, Infrastructure Canada conducted one preliminary scan to support a Cabinet decision. No public statement was required.
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