Reducing the carbon footprint of federal properties in the National Capital Region

Government of Canada launches request for proposal for roadmap to lower carbon emissions

OTTAWA, June 7, 2018 /CNW/ - In 2017, the Greening Government Strategy set an ambitious target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from federal operations by 80% by 2050 to achieve Canada's goals for environmental and sustainable development.

As one of the largest real property owners in Canada, the government has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint by using smart building technology, converting fluorescent lighting to more efficient LED lighting and mandating that GHG emission performance be considered in investment decision-making.

To deliver on the Greening Government Strategy, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), in collaboration with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, issued today a request for proposal for the development of a roadmap that will lay out the vision and plan to green all federal properties in the National Capital Region.

The roadmap's measures could subsequently be applied to all government-owned and leased buildings, and properties, Canada-wide.

Quotes

"Greener practices have environmental, economic and social benefits for all Canadians, including improved air and water quality, and reduced operating costs. This is why our government is taking a broader look at its approaches and activities to be a leader in designing better and more sustainable government buildings."

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough
Minister of Public Services and Procurement

"We're building a cleaner, more innovative economy that reduces emissions and protects our environment while providing good, middle-class jobs. If we're asking Canadians to partner with us to address climate change, then it's only natural that we lead by example. This roadmap will help the government reduce GHG from its operations and make our buildings more sustainable and more resilient to climate change."

The Honourable Scott Brison
President of the Treasury Board

Quick facts

• A firm is expected to be chosen in fall 2018, and the roadmap provided by fall 2019.
• On July 24, 2017, PSPC announced a National Standing Offer on Smart Buildings technology, which aims to improve energy performance management of federal buildings. The technology collects raw data from mechanical or electrical systems, analyzes it and uses the results to detect inefficiencies that can be solved right away, which will result in reducing the systems' environmental footprint and lowering energy costs.
• Also, on August 31, 2017, the Government of Canada took the next step in rehabilitating and greening its heating and cooling plants in the National Capital Region by launching a procurement process to identify the top 3 private partners capable of providing superior and innovative proposals.
• The Greening Government Strategy is consistent with the United Nation's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. The Strategy supports Canada's sustainability goals already established under the Paris Agreement on climate change and in the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.
• Most of the federal GHG emissions come from energy required for Government of Canada buildings (88%) and its vehicle fleet (12%).

Associated links

Greening government  
Low carbon in the National Capital Region's buildings 
Smart Buildings initiative 
Tender Notice 

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SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada