2018–19 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

1. Context for the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

Although the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) is not bound by the Federal Sustainable Development Act and is not required to develop a full departmental sustainable development strategy, SSHRC adheres to the principles of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) by implementing the Policy on Green Procurement.

The Policy on Green Procurement supports the Government of Canada’s effort to promote environmental stewardship. In keeping with the objectives of the policy, SSHRC supports sustainable development by integrating environmental performance considerations into the procurement decision-making process through the actions described in the “FSDS goal: low-carbon government” table in section 2, below.


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2. Commitments for SSHRC

FSDS goal: low-carbon government
FSDS target FSDS contributing action Corresponding departmental action(s) Starting points where available and performance indicators for departmental actions Programs where the departmental actions will occur

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from federal government buildings and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, with the aim of achieving it by 2025.

Support the transition to a low-carbon economy through green procurement.

Integrate environmental considerations into procurement management processes and controls.

Update the statement of work / request for quotes templates to include language that includes environmental considerations.

Starting point: 2 Target (level of performance): 100%

Update procurement review checklists to include environmental considerations.

Starting point: 2 Target (level of performance): 100%

Raise awareness of the importance and benefits of green procurement at procurement review boards or committees.

Starting point: 6 committees Target (level of performance): 100%

Accommodation stays will take place in establishments that have a high environmental rating (three green environmental keys or higher) based on an industry-recognized tool.

Starting point: 90% Target (level of performance): 98%

Copy paper, commercial printing and/or envelope purchases will contain 100% recycled content and be certified to a recognized environmental standard to reduce the environmental impact of their production.

Starting point: 95% of current paper contains a minimum of 30% recycled content

Target (level of performance): 95% of paper will contain a minimum of 30% recycled content and 7% of paper will contain 100% recycled content

Insight Research, Research Training and Talent Development, Research Partnerships
   

Ensure decision-makers have the necessary training and awareness to support green procurement

Number and percentage of procurement and/or materiel management specialists who have completed the Canada School of Public Service Green Procurement course (C215) or equivalent, in the given fiscal year.

Starting point: 5 Target (level of performance): 100%

Insight Research, Research Training and Talent Development, Research Partnerships

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3. Integrating sustainable development

SSHRC will continue to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets through its Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process. A SEA for policy, plan or program proposals includes an analysis of the impacts of the given proposal on the environment, including on FSDS goals and targets.