Infrastructure Canada's 2021-22 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report

PDF Version

Infrastructure Canada's
2021-22 Departmental
Sustainable Development
Strategy Report
(PDF Version)

Infrastructure Canada's 2021-22 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report

Aussi disponible en français sous le titre : Rapport sur la Stratégie ministérielle de développement durable 2021-2022

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For more information, contact:

Infrastructure Canada
180 Kent Street, Suite 1100
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 0B6
info@infc.gc.ca

© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Infrastructure and Communities, 2022.

Cat. No. T91-8E-PDF (Electronic PDF, English)
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, whole of government 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.

This report details Infrastructure Canada individual departmental actions that support the targets and/or goals of the 2019 to 2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS). For information on the Government of Canada’s overall progress on the targets of the FSDS, please see the FSDS Progress Report, which, per the requirements of the strengthened Federal Sustainable Development Act, is released at least once in each three year period.

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. Infrastructure Canada adheres to the principles of the FSDS, and while Infrastructure Canada completed a 2020 to 2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy on a voluntary basis, it 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 Greening Government, Modern and Resilient Infrastructure, and Effective Action on Climate Change. This report presents available results for the departmental actions pertinent to these goals. Previous years’ reports are posted on Infrastructure Canada’s website Publications.

This report details Infrastructure Canada individual departmental actions that support the targets and/or goals of the 2019 to 2022 FSDS. For information on the Government of Canada’s overall progress on the targets of the FSDS, please see the FSDS Progress Report, which, per the requirements of the strengthened Federal Sustainable Development Act, is released at least once in each three year period.

3. Departmental performance by FSDS goal

The following tables provide performance information on departmental actions in support of the FSDS goals listed in section 2.

Context: Greening Government

  • The department has demonstrated its commitments to low-carbon, climate-resilient, and green operations through
    • Ensuring its entire fleet is made up of 50% Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV)
    • Ensuring Canada School of Public Service (CSPS) training has been completed by 100% of specialists in procurement
    • Emphasizing support for green procurement at a managerial level
    • Reducing its need for paper by performing daily tasks with electronic alternatives

Greening Government icon Greening Government: The Government of Canada will transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient and green operations.

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:
Percentage of fleet that is ZEV was 50% in 2018-19.

Indicator:
Percentage of fleet that is ZEV or plug-in hybrid

Target:
100% of fleet is ZEV or plug-in hybrid( to achive by March 31, 2030).

Result as of March 31, 2022:
INFC currently has 2 hybrid vehicles at 180 Kent and 2 vehicles in Montreal for a total of 4. Percentage of fleet that is ZEV is still at 50%. We are still aiming to achieve the target of 100% of fleet that is ZEV by March 31, 2030.

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 13
Target 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning

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

Ensure that key officials have the necessary training and awareness to support green procurement.

Ensure that procurement specialists have completed the mandatory training from the Canada School of Public Service Green Procurement, and integrated environmental considerations into procurement practices.

Starting Point:
100% of specialists in procurement and/or material management have completed the CSPS training on green procurement in 2019-20.

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, 2022:
100% of specialists in procurement and/or material management have completed the CSPS training on green procurement.

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 13
Target 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning

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

Ensure that managers and functional heads of procurement and materiel management have included support for the Government of Canada Policy on Green Procurement objectives in their annual performance management evaluations

 

Starting point:
The manager in procurement and material management’s PMA included support and contribution towards green procurement in 2019-20.

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, 2022:
100% - The manager in procurement and material management's PMA included support and contribution towards green procurement.

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 13
Target 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning

Ensure that the Department is reducing its consumption of paper for printing and photocopying.

 

Starting point:
Consumption of paper for printing and photocopying (starting point will be 2020-21 – new indicator).

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, 2022:
Overall INFC has reduced its paper consumption by 96% as of March 31, 2021 and have maintained these reduced levels since. While the department has significantly exceeded its target due the pandemic, the department is confident that paper consumption will remain significantly lower when compared to the starting point given the hybrid work model and need to work digitally.

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 13
Target 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning

 

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, Indigenous groups, 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 provides funding 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 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, listed above, 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.
  • Infrastructure Canada also launched the Green and Inclusive Communities Buildings (GICB) program and the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) in 2021-22. Moving forward, these programs will contribute to Infrastructure Canada’s green infrastructure investments that benefit Canadians by limiting GHG emissions and improving climate change resilience.

Modern and Resilient Infrastructure icon 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:
$11.06 billion (federal share, as of June 2020)

Performance indicators:
Value of green infrastructure projects approved under the Investing in Canada plan

Target:
$26.9 billion by 2027-28 (federal share)

Result as of March 31, 2022:
$19.36B in green infrastructure projects approved under the Investing in Canada Plan

By investing in green infrastructure initiatives, the department continues to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve climate resilience and environmental quality.

UN SDG 11: percentage of the population living within 500 meters of a public transit stop

UN SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation
Target 6.B: Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management

UN SDG 13 Climate Action
Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries

Target 13.2:  Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning

Starting points:
2005 GHG level

Performance indicators:
Percentage change in total Green House Gas (GHG) emissions generated from energy, building, transportation, and waste sectors

National target Footnote 1
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, 2022:
In 2020, total GHG emissions generated from energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors were 9.25% lower than the 2005 levels

By investing in green infrastructure initiatives, the department continues to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve climate resilience and environmental quality.

UN SDG 11: percentage of the population living within 500 meters of a public transit stop

UN SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation
Target 6.B: Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management

UN SDG 13 Climate Action
Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries

Target 13.2:  Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

Provide funding for large-scale infrastructure projects supporting mitigation of natural disasters and extreme weather events and strengthened climate resilience.

Starting point:
3.33% in 2016-17

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)

Result as of March 31, 2022:
In Year Results for 2021-22: 6.1%

Cumulative Results for 2019-22: 8.9%

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 6 Clean Water and Sanitation
Target 6.B: Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management

UN SDG 13 Climate Action
Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries

Target 13.2:  Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

Ensure that communities have more reliable water and wastewater systems so that both drinking water and effluent meet legislated standards.

Starting points:

  • Eligible water and wastewater projects (Target for March 31, 2020 was 202)
  • Drinking water system (7.8% in 2018-19)
  • Wastewater system (7.8% in 2018-19)

Performance indicator:

  • Number of completed water and wastewater infrastructure projects (Target: 202 to achieve by March 31, 2021)
  • Percentage of municipalities that built or enhanced their drinking water system as a result of federal funding (Target: At least 4.3% by March 31, 2021)
  • Percentage of municipalities that built or enhanced their wastewater treatment system as a result of federal funding (Target: At least 3.4% to achieve by March 31, 2021)

Result as of March 31, 2022:
In Year Results for 2021-22: 885

Cumulative Results for 2019-22: 2,242

Result as of March 31, 2022:
In Year Results for 2021-22: 8.7%

Cumulative Results for 2019-22: 22.9%

Based on the number of unique municipalities* with a completed project
*Unique municipality reflects that municipalities are only counted once regardless of the number of projects completed

Result as of March 31, 2022:
In Year Results for 2021-22: 7.8%

Cumulative Results for 2019-22: 20.9%

Based on the number of unique municipalities* with a completed project
*Unique municipality reflects that municipalities are only counted once regardless of the number of projects completed

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 6 Clean Water and Sanitation
Target 6.B: Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management

UN SDG 13 Climate Action
Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries

Target 13.2:  Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning

Support communities with the development and implementation of asset management practices that support evidence-based decision-making

Starting point:
1.92% in 2016-2017

Performance indicators:

  • Percentage of municipalities who practice asset management (Target: 68%, to achieve by March 31, 2028)
  • Percentage of Canadian municipalities with improved asset management practices as a result of federal fundingFootnote 2  (Target: at least 2.5%, to achieve by March 31, 2021; 30-40% to achieve by March 31, 2025)

Result as of March 31, 2022:
Data not available - In 2018, an estimated 58.7% of municipalities had more than one documented asset management plan

Result as of March 31, 2022:
In Year Results for 2021-22: 4.3%
Cumulative Results for 2019-22: 19.5%

Based on the number of unique municipalities* with a completed project
*Unique municipality reflects that municipalities are only counted once regardless of the number of projects completed

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities' will report on final results once their programs have been completed (Municipal Asset Management Program or MAMP: FY 2024-25; and Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program or MCIP: FY 2022-23)

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 13 Climate Action
Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries

Support municipalities as they prepare for and adapt to climate change, and as they reduce GHG emissions.

Starting point:

  • 3.5% of Municipalities built or enhanced their capacity to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to climate change as a result of federal funding in 2018-19

Performance indicators:

  • Percentage of Canadian municipalities with improved low carbon and resilience practices as a result of federal fundingFootnote 3 (Target: 15% by the end of the program – to be achieved by March 31, 2022)
  • 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: At least 4.3% to be achieved by March 31, 2021)
  • Number of tons of GHG emission expected to be reduced through program funded initiatives as a result of plans, studies, operational changes and pilot projectsFootnote 4[Target: 146,000 tons (one time total) and 1.02 million tons (cumulative), to achieve by March 31, 2022]

Result as of March 31, 2022:
Data not available  - The number of tons of GHG emission expected to be reduced will be collected from aggregation of final reports and studies after the end of the program – March 31, 2022. The final report is expected to be received in October 2022.

Result as of March 31, 2022:
In Year Results for 2021-22: 6.1%
Cumulative Results for 2019-22: 8.9%

Result as of March 31, 2022:
Data not available - The number of tons of GHG emission expected to be reduced will be collected from aggregation of final reports and studies after the end of the program – March 31, 2022. The final report is expected to be received in October 2022.

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 6 Clean Water and Sanitation
Target 6.B: Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management

UN SDG 13 Climate Action
Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries

Target 13.2:  Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

Context: Effective Action on Climate Change

Effective Action on Climate Change icon 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 and has closed on November 5, 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, to be shared by March 31, 2024

Result as of March 31, 2022:
Data not available - As the launch of Research and Knowledge Initiative has been delayed due to COVID, results will be available March 31,2024.

We are aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve climate resilience and environmental quality through continuing to support all kinds of projects to better understand infrastructure needs and challenges pursuant to Canadians.

UN SDG4: Publicize research, knowledge and data for sustainable development

Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.

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

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 and has closed on November 5, 2021.

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 be shared by March 31, 2024

Result as of March 31, 2022:
Data not available - As the launch of Research and Knowledge Initiative has been delayed due to COVID, results will be available March 31,2024.

We are aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve climate resilience and environmental quality through continuing to contribute to robust policies and strategic decision-making that supports long-term economic growth, and a low carbon and green economy. We are doing all this by strengthened and evidence-based knowledge on infrastructure and communities.

UN SDG4: Publicize research, knowledge and data for sustainable development
Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.

4. Report on integrating sustainable development

Infrastructure Canada 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 a policy, plan or program proposal includes an analysis of the impacts of the given proposal on the environment, including on relevant FSDS goals and targets.

During the 2021–22 reporting cycle, Infrastructure Canada conducted one preliminary scan to support a Cabinet decision. No public statement was required.