2019–20 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

1. Context for the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

Although 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.

Top

2. Commitments for SSHRC

FSDS goal: low-carbon government
FSDS target FSDS contributing action Corresponding departmental action(s) Support for UN Sustainable Development Goal target Starting point(s), target(s) and performance indicator(s) for departmental actions Link to the department’s Program Inventory
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from federal government buildings and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, with an aspiration to achieve it by 2025. Support the transition to a low-carbon economy through green procurement.

Integrate into processes

Integrate environmental considerations into procurement management processes and controls.

12.7*

Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities

Performance Indicator:

Percentage of statement of work / request for quotes templates that include language referencing environmental considerations.

Starting point: 90% in 2018

Target: 100% by 2020

Insight Research

Research Training and Talent Development

Research Partnerships

New Frontiers in Research Fund

Research Support Fund

Performance Indicator:

Percentage of procurement review checklists that include environmental considerations.

Starting point: 90% in 2018

Target: 100% by 2020

Performance Indicator:

An existing management committee has a procurement review function for high-value contracts.

Starting point: N/A

Target: One committee has a procurement review function by 2020

Performance Indicator:

Percentage of contractors that provide Finance with an electronic copyof invoices instead of a paper copy.

Starting point: 75% in 2018

Target: 100% by 2021

Performance Indicator:

Bidders submit their bids electronically instead of submitting a paper copy.

Starting point: 75% in 2018

Target: 100% by 2021

Performance Indicator:

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

Starting point: 92% in 2018

Target: 98% by 2020

Performance Indicator:

Percentage of copy paper, commercial printing and envelope purchases that contain 100% recycled content and are certified to a recognized environmental standard.

Starting point: 93% of paper purchases contained 30% recycled content, and 7% of paper purchases contained 100% recycled content in 2018.

Target: 100% of paper purchases contain 100% recycled content by 2021.

Incorporate in performance agreements

Ensure key officials include contribution to and support for the Government of Canada Policy on Green Procurement objectives in their performance evaluations.

12.7*

Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities

Performance Indicator:

Percentage of procurement and/or materiel management specialists who have completed the Canada School of Public Service Green Procurement course (C215) or equivalent.

Starting point: 80% in 2018

Target: 100% by 2020

Insight Research

Research Training and Talent Development

Research Partnerships

New Frontiers in Research Fund

Research Support Fund

* See the web page for SDG 12.

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.