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Canada officially announced a new target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions on November 2 along with a goal of operating all of its facilities in Ottawa by renewable energy. The emission reduction target will involve in investments, new infrastructure, as well as repairs of governmental buildings to reach a more eco-friendly operation.
The full announcement is as following:
The Government of Canada is committed to a cleaner, more innovative economy that reduces emissions and protects the environment. This will help create well-paying jobs for the middle class and ensure we provide the next generations with a prosperous and sustainable economy.
Today, in the House of Commons, the Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board, announced that the Government will be reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030. Furthermore, the Centre for Greening Government is being created at the Treasury Board Secretariat to track our emissions centrally, coordinate efforts across government, and drive results to makes sure we meet our objectives.
Progress towards this reduction will be achieved by strategic investments in infrastructure and vehicle fleets, green procurement, and support for clean technology.
Already, the Government announced $2.1 billion in Budget 2016 towards repairs and retrofits to a wide range of government buildings, and to the greening of government operations.
We will immediately begin by aligning the way we measure greenhouse gas emissions with international standards to provide an accurate picture to measure the Government’s progress.
While the target is set for 2030, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, along with federal departments and agencies, aspires to achieve this 40% reduction as early as 2025. By that date, Public Services and Procurement Canada—the Government’s principal landlord, will be purchasing 100% of its electricity from clean energy sources.
Quotes
“The Government must do its part to meet the challenges of climate change to leave a prosperous and sustainable economy and a strong middle class for the next generations. I was proud to announce that we will be reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and that all departments are on board to get it done.” -- The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board
“We are taking action on climate change by greening our government’s activities and are doing our part to make further progress towards Canada’s emissions target. We will do more, as we develop our pan-Canadian climate plan—a plan that will create good jobs for the benefit of Canadians, especially the middle class and those striving to join it.” -- The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change
“Public Services and Procurement is committed to supporting our government's goal of reducing carbon footprint through green purchases and building management. These actions demonstrate our leadership and dedication to improving the environment and the quality of life of Canadians.” -- The Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement
Quick facts
National Defence (DND) and Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) account for more than 75% of all government greenhouse gas emissions.
By 2025, 100% of the electricity used in PSPC facilities will come from green energy sources.
DND will be purchasing a significant amount of renewable electricity for their installations in Alberta. This will meet most of their electricity requirements for installations in Calgary, Cold Lake, Edmonton, Wainwright, and Suffield.
The Government’s investments will include revitalizing the heating and cooling plants in the National Capital Region, which provide services to more than 85 buildings and facilities. This investment will modernize six separate facilities and is anticipated to reduce their emissions by more than 45%.
One goal of the 2016–2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy is achieving a low-carbon government and it includes detailed milestones towards this transformation.
(Photo Credit: alexindigo via Flickr shard by CC 2.0)