Global Affairs Canada’s 2023 to 2024 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy progress report

Enhanced equitable provision of inclusive, gender and environmentally responsive, demand-driven Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and skills for employment through the delivery of GAC's international assistance

Program: Multilateral International Assistance

Number of people trained in demand-driven technical and vocational education and training (gender disaggregated)

Starting point (2021-2022): 20,573
By gender:

15,540 women
5,033 men

30,000

Date to achieve target:
March 31, 2024^{Footnote 1}

51,076 total in 2023-2024

Gender disaggregation:

30,719 women
9,370 men
Gender not indicated: 10,987

Enhanced effectiveness and influence of women’s rights organizations and movements^{Footnote 2} to advance the rights and empowerment^{Footnote 3} of women and girls in all their diversity in developing countries where Global Affairs Canada engages, for example, through the Women’s Voice and Leadership Program.

Indicator: Number of women’s organizations and women’s networks advancing women’s rights and gender equality that receive GAC support^{Footnote 4} for programming and/or institutional strengthening.

Target: 2000
Date to achieve target: March 31, 2024^{Footnote 5}
Starting point (2021–2022): 1802

3054 in 2023-2024

Enhanced prevention of and response to sexual and gender-based violence by state, non-state actors and individuals in developing countries where Global Affairs Canada engages.

Indicator: Number of people reached by GAC-funded projects that help prevent, respond to and end sexual and gender-based violence, including child, early and forced marriage and/or female genital mutilation.

Target: 45 million
Date to achieve target: March 31, 2024^{Footnote 6}
Starting point (2021–2022): 42,283,953

40,969,344 total in 2023-2024

Gender Disaggregation:

19,447,417 Women
15,614,261 Men
Gender not indicated: 5,907,666

Note:
Newly approved programming and replenishments are taking longer to report results than initially anticipated.

Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

Increase domestic Indigenous procurement to achieve the federal minimum

Program: Material Management

Percentage of domestic^{Footnote 7} procurement officers that have taken the course “Indigenous consideration in procurement” (COR409) from the Canada School of Public Service

Starting point (March 31, 2023): 90%

95%

Date to achieve target: March 31, 2025

GAC supports FSDS Goals 10 and 12 and SDGs 10 and 12 by achieving the minimum target of 5% for contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses by the end of 2023–2024. To enable this, GAC will strive to ensure its procurement officers are trained on Indigenous considerations in procurement, all with the goal of advancing reconciliation and sustainable consumption and production.

Indicator result:
60%

Notes:
GAC is on track to meet the 95% training target for all domestic procurement officers by 2025.

Percentage of the total value of federal domestic contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses

Starting point (fiscal year 2022–2023): 4.5%

5%

Date to achieve target: March 31, 2024 and maintain annually thereafter

Indicator result:
4.75%

Notes:
While GAC’s result improved from 4.5% in 22-23 to 4.75% this year, the result fell slightly below the overall 5% target given efforts to match Indigenous suppliers with tenders related to information management and technology require ongoing improved outreach through Indigenous Services Canada.

Maximize diversion of waste from landfill

Continue to analyze annual audit of operational waste to support performance measurement of waste diversion and public transparency

Continue the 2-year pilot project for Oscar Sort, an artificial intelligence device that helps employees sort their waste correctly

Continue to implement the ecoBoutique program, which redistributes surplus office supplies and raises awareness about circular economy processes among employees

Focus procurement activities on sustainable products

Program: Real Property (Domestic); Material Management

Percentage of waste diverted in high occupancy National Capital Region (NCR) buildings^{Footnote 9} from landfill

Starting point (2022–2023):
54.67%

75%

Date to achieve target:
March 31, 2027

GAC supports FSDS Goal 12 and SDG 12 through the diversion of waste from landfills by installing and operating on-site composting facilities at some offices, by helping employees sort waste, by reducing plastic use and through the ecoBoutique. These investments are expected to directly reduce waste and increase recycling and reusing, thus reducing haulage and GHG emissions.

Indicator result:

47.9%

Notes: This indicator result represents data from 125 Sussex and 200 Promenade du Portage data. 111 Sussex was excluded due to an identified error in the third party waste audit. All three buildings will be included in future cycles.

Total waste to landfill from high occupancy NCR buildings (tonnes/year)

Starting point (2022–2023):
43.60 (tonnes)

35 (tonnes)

Date to achieve target:
March 31, 2027

Indicator result:

40.98 tonnes

Notes: This indicator result represents data from 125 Sussex and 200 Promenade du Portage data. 111 Sussex was excluded due to an identified error in the third party waste audit. All three buildings will be included in future cycles.

Total GHG emissions (Mt CO2) from waste from high occupancy NCR buildings

Starting point (2022–2023):
19.92 (Mt CO2)

13 (Mt CO2)

Date to achieve target:
March 31, 2027

Indicator result:

18.73 Mt CO2

Notes: This indicator result represents data from 125 Sussex and 200 Promenade du Portage data. 111 Sussex was excluded due to an identified error in the third party waste audit. All three buildings will be included in future cycles.

Continue awareness campaigns to reduce the amount of plastic waste produced

Implement reusable dishware (eat-in and takeout) program at GAC cafeterias

Programs: Real Property (Domestic); Materiel Management

Percentage of plastic diverted from landfill from high occupancy NCR buildings

Starting point (2022–2023):
12.3%

50%

Date to achieve target:
March 31, 2027

Indicator result:

19.57%

Notes: Targeted measures such as the implementation of Oscar Sort (AI-enabled recycling guidance) have already proven to be effective in the diversion of plastics. These measures will continue in order to achieve the 2027 target.

Total plastic to landfill from high occupancy NCR buildings (tonnes)

Starting point (2022–2023):
7.15 (tonnes)

5 (tonnes)

Date to achieve target:
March 31, 2027

Indicator result:

7.86 tonnes

Notes: While the total volume of plastic sent to landfills is slightly higher than the starting point, the buildings’ occupancy rate has gone up significantly in the past year. The landfill diversion rate for plastics is higher than the previous year, demonstrating the effectiveness of waste management programs.

Continue to operate the on-site composting unit at 111 Sussex (w/ BGIS)

Install and operate the on-site composting unit at 125 Sussex (w/ BGIS)

Operate the installed on-site composting unit at 200 Promenade du Portage (w/ BGIS)

Programs: Real Property (Domestic); Materiel Management

Percentage of organic waste diverted from landfills from high occupancy NCR buildings

Starting point (2022–2023):
13.67%

35%

Date to achieve target:
March 31, 2027

Indicator result:

23%

Notes: This indicator result represents data from 125 Sussex and 200 Promenade du Portage data; 111 Sussex was excluded due to an identified error in the third party waste audit. All three buildings will be included in future cycles.

Total organic waste to landfill from high occupancy NCR buildings (tonnes)

Starting point (2022–2023):
17.44 (tonnes)

13 (tonnes)

Date to achieve target:
March 31, 2027

Indicator result:

21.24 tonnes

Notes: This indicator result represents data from 125 Sussex and 200 Promenade du Portage data; 111 Sussex was excluded due to an identified error in the third party waste audit. All three buildings will be included in future cycles.

Maximize diversion of waste from landfill

Continue support of Print-Release function

Program: Information Management

Percentage of users who use Print-Release capability

Starting point (2022):
NCR: 99.77% usage of Print-Release system

99%

Date to achieve target:
Annually

GAC supports FSDS Goal 12 and SDG 12 by reducing printing, which in turn reduces paper use and waste. The Print-Release capability ensures pages are only printed when a user is at the printer, eliminating pages that are printed and never picked up. Results in the first 3 months showed a reduction of 10–15% in unwanted printing.

Indicator result:

96%

Notes: This indicator result is for the NCR only. An increase in occupancy and a few locations not yet transitioned to the print release system account for most of the remaining 4%.

Number of pages printed per user per year in the NCR

Starting point (2022):
305

250 per user per year

Date to achieve target:
March 31, 2025

Indicator result:

642 pages per user

Notes: The 642 pages per user is a decline from 691 pages in 2022-2023 and a significant reduction from the pre-COVID level of 2143 pages per user.

Maximize diversion of waste from landfill

Renovation of GAC’s headquarters building at 125 Sussex in Ottawa, ON, Canada

Program: Real Property (domestic)

Percentage by weight of total construction waste diverted from landfill

Starting point:

New initiative

95%

Date to achieve target: March 31, 2028 (project completion)

GAC supports FSDS Goal 12 and SDG 12 through the reduction of construction waste going to landfills, which directly reduces waste. Departmental action is reducing construction waste for the extensive renovation projects that are underway and is expected to make a major contribution to construction and overall waste reduction.^{Footnote i}

Indicator result:

95%

Notes: This number is reported to GAC by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), as it is the department responsible for the renovation project.

Transform the federal light-duty fleet 

GAC domestic fleet greening initiative

Program: Platform Corporate Services

Percentage of vehicles that are zero-emission vehicles (ZEV)

Starting point (2023):  81.4% of the departmental domestic fleet is composed of low-emission vehicles

100% ZEV domestic fleet

Date to achieve target: 2030

GAC supports FSDS Goal 12 and SDG 12 through the greening of the domestic fleet, which directly contributes to the goal of increasing the number of zero-emission vehicles (ZEV). This is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from federal government domestic fleets by 100% by 2030, directly contributing to the FSDS goal.^{Footnote ii}

Indicator result:

31% of vehicles are zero emission vehicles

Notes:

21% of the department’s domestic fleet was composed of zero-emission vehicles in 2023. The starting point was incorrectly stated as the total percentage of all low-emission vehicles.

GAC remains on track to reach the 100% ZEV domestic fleet target by 2030.

Strengthen green procurement criteria 

Increase capacity of departmental employees to recognize, evaluate and apply green procurement criteria in procurement processes

Program: Acquisition Management

Percentage of procurement officers that have taken the Canada School of Public Service’s Green Procurement training (COR405)

Starting point (March 2023): 59%

95%

Date to achieve target: March 31, 2027

GAC supports FSDS Goal 12 and SDG 12 by increasing knowledge of green procurement through training and the use of green procurement criteria to better inform more sustainable procurement choices. Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and is expected to motivate suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of their goods and services and supply chains.^{Footnote iii}

Indicator result:

57.69%

Notes: On track to meet the target by 2027.

Percentage of administrative support staff, staff with delegated authority and accommodation support staff that have taken the Canada School of Public Service’s Procurement’s Green Procurement training, product code: COR405

Starting point:
New Initiative

50%

Date to achieve target: 50% by March 31, 2025

Indicator result:

New data will be available in fiscal year 2025-2026.

Strengthen green procurement criteria 

Determine and integrate robust green procurement criteria (for example, certifications, life cycle analysis, recycled content, circularity, carbon footprint) in departmental contracts, standing offers and supply arrangements to ensure the inclusivity and sufficiency of environmental criteria, including biodiversity and social criteria

Program: Acquisition Management Services

Percentage of total departmental contracts, standing offers and supply arrangements that include robust green procurement criteria

Starting point:
New initiative

100%

Date to achieve target:

March 31, 2025

Indicator result:

New data will be available in fiscal year 2025-2026

Notes:

Green procurement criteria and tracking are in development per the Greening Government Strategy, which states green criteria must be included by 2026.  

Strengthen green procurement criteria 

Encourage facilities management employees to take climate change awareness training

Program: Management & Oversight

Percentage of facility management employees that have taken climate change awareness training

Starting point:
New Initiative

80%

Date to achieve target:

March 31, 2027

Indicator result:

New data will be available in fiscal year 2024-2025.

Other

Implement a Departmental Digital Support Program to reduce the number of devices and ensure all devices meet ENERGY STAR® efficiency requirements and have energy-saving features enabled

Program: Information Technology

Ratio of printers to employees

Starting point (2017):
12 employees to 1 printing device

25 employees to 1 printing device

Date to achieve target:

March 31, 2026

GAC supports FSDS Goal 12 and SDG 12 by reducing the number of devices and implementing requirements for electronic devices to be more energy efficient.

The Departmental Digital Support Program reduces environmental impacts by increasing the use of digital platforms, thus reducing both paper use and the number of printers. The Device Allocation Policy ensures efficient use of departmental resources in order to reduce power consumption and environmental footprint.

Indicator result:

50 employees to 1 printing device

Notes:

The 50:1 print ratio relates to the renovated portion of buildings in the NCR. GAC continues to roll out implementation to missions abroad. We are on track and, in most locations, exceeding our targets.

Percentage of employees converted to a single device (laptop or desktop computer)

Starting point (2018):
53% employees worldwide

85% of employees worldwide converted to a single device

Date to achieve target:

 March 31, 2025

Indicator result:

80%

Identify an inventory management solution for missions and establish an asset management framework

Support the domestic ambition for Canadians to consume in a sustainable manner and for businesses to adopt environmental protection activities and management practices (12.2.1)

Consultations remain ongoing to determine options for the development and implementation of a Material Management solution at mission. Further, following lessons learned from the Fleetio (a Fleet Maintenance Management Software) pilot, the intent is to integrate Fleet Reporting requirements within an existing framework (e.g. Microsoft365). 

For domestic operations, the following additional initiatives are underway or planned:

• Appointment of a sustainability champion or chief sustainability officer to provide oversight on green procurement
• Creation of a GHG emissions reporting dashboard, which will provide data on scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions for buildings at 125 Sussex, 111 Sussex and 200 Promenade du Portage
• Removal of desk-side bins and increased implementation of centralized waste stations, which encourages employees to dispose of their waste at centralized stations that have compost and plastic recycling bins, in addition to white paper recycling. This helps eliminate mix stream contamination and reduce GHG emissions
• Development of a communication strategy to ensure that continuous feedback is received and that employees are continually informed on the evolving strategies, targets, policies, procedures, products and services
• Establishment of a working group on biodiversity with the members of the Greening Government Initiative
• Support for the Greening Government Initiative by increasing awareness through mission and domestic outreach, and by including information about GGI in Heads of Mission (HOM) pre-posting training and the HOM Handbook
• Incorporate sensitization training on climate change, sustainability and circular economy as part of GAC’s onboarding process
• Review landscaping contract process and templates to ensure employment of practices that support greater biodiversity, such as use of native plants, use of permeable landscaping where possible, rainwater capture, and low-salt management of icy surfaces
• Report on green procurement with specific data and analysis regarding met and unmet criteria, with recommendations for strengthening green procurement criteria. This report should also evaluate the department’s adherence to environmentally sustainable procurement practices
• Develop centralized databases or online platforms that provide up-to-date information on environmentally preferable products, services and suppliers. Make these resources easily accessible to procurement staff for informed decision-making

FSDS targets:

• Divert at least 75% (by weight) of non-hazardous operational waste from landfills by 2030
• Divert at least 75% (by weight) of plastic waste from landfills by 2030
• Reduce greenhouse gas emission levels from federal government facilities and fleets to 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 (with an aspiration to achieve this target by 2025) and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050 (with an aspiration to be carbon neutral)

SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production^{Footnote iv}

• GAC remains on track to appoint a sustainability champion or chief sustainability officer within the timeline of this strategy (SDG 12, 13).
• GAC progressed in developing its GHG emissions reporting dashboard (SDG 12, 13) currently used to report on certain types of emissions and other important data (e.g., waste management data).
• GAC removal of desk-side bins and the increased implementation of centralized waste stations is progressing according to plan, in parallel with renovation activities at 125 Sussex to improve waste diversion and thus reducing the department’s carbon footprint. (SDG 12, 13).
• GAC improved communications to ensure proper information flows to employees on sustainability initiatives. This raised awareness for employees about their own sustainable choices and by influencing their work according to those values (SDG 12, 13).
• GAC is establishing a biodiversity working group within the Greening Government Initiative (GGI), including TBS. Gathering expertise from multiple countries to exchange best practices/case studies will inform GAC’s current and future biodiversity initiatives (SDG 12, 13).
• GAC undertook Greening Government Initiative (GGI) outreach within the department and as a result, it is expected greening information will be included in Head Of Mission (HOM) pre-posting training and the HOM Handbook in the next few years. With ongoing outreach, it is expected that sustainability will become an even bigger priority at missions (SDG 12 and 13).
• GAC promoted climate change. sustainability and circular economy training, including through internal sessions organized by ecoGAC or other groups or promoted courses offered by the Canada School of Public Service (SDG 12, 13).
• GAC, through a micro-Greening Government Fund project, started to analyze procurement data to determine the highest impact categories (in terms of GHG emissions) to help develop technical sheets to support procurement officers include green criteria in procurement evaluation activities. This project will conclude March 2025 whereupon GAC will produce a lessons learned/best practices report to implement these green procurement measures (SDG 12, 13).

Continue to implement Canada’s climate plans and actions

Collaborate with a range of bilateral and multilateral partners, including developing country governments, non-governmental organizations in Canada and around the world, and climate finance institutions to support global reductions of greenhouse gases

Program: Multilateral International Assistance

GHG reductions resulting from international initiatives funded by Canada

Starting point (August 2022):

228^{Footnote 11} megatonnes of GHG emissions reduced or avoided through projects supported by Canada’s previous $2.65 billion climate finance commitment

300 cumulative megatonnes of GHGs

Date to achieve target:

2050

GAC supports FSDS Goal 13 and SDG 13 by funding activities that reduce GHG emissions. While the FSDS target is domestically focused, the department’s support for developing countries will help reduce global GHG emissions and contribute to implementation of the Paris Agreement. It is expected that the GHG reductions will result in the equivalent of removing nearly 67 million combustion-engine cars from roads for one year.

Indicator result:

28.7 megatonnes in 2022-2023

Notes: The GHG emission target is a long-term cumulative target. Because of the nature of GHG reduction projects, including that actual GHG emission reductions take a long time to materialize and may only be fully achieved after the program has ended, and the nature of the funding program, the Climate Finance program uses expected results until actual results are available to report on the program's performance.

Implement the Greening Government Strategy through measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve climate resilience, and green the government’s overall operations

Encourage employees to adopt the ecoCommute application

Program: Management and Oversight Services

Number of employees using ecoCommute

Starting point (March 31, 2023):
415 employees

700 employees

Date to achieve target:
March 31, 2024

GAC supports FSDS Goal 13 and SDG 13 by implementing measures identified in the Greening Government Strategy that reduce GHG emissions. This includes adopting low-carbon mobility solutions, deploying supporting infrastructure in its facilities and modernizing its fleet.^{Footnote v}

Indicator result:

535

Notes:

The ecoCommute application has been extended for another year to improve the data set and attract more users. Communication activities continue to increase the user base, with significant uptake expected in the Fall of 2024 with the increase to office presence.

Encourage employees to commute to and from the office sustainably by providing the tools and infrastructure to make more sustainable decisions

Program: Management and Oversight Services

Percentage of employees commuting with active or shared transportation options

Starting point:
New Initiative

22%

Date to achieve target:

March 31, 2027

Indicator result:

New data will be available in fiscal year 2024-2025.

Provide an EV shuttle service for business travel between GAC buildings in the NCR instead of non-EV taxis.

Program: Management and Oversight Services

Tonnes of CO2e avoided from shuttle usage in the National Capital Region

Starting point (2022–2023):
94.58 Mt CO2^{Footnote 12}

158.80 Mt CO2 avoided^{Footnote 13}

Date to achieve target:
Annually

Indicator result:

37.77 Mt CO2 avoided for 2023-2024

Notes:

The shuttle service is gaining in popularity and the number of users is projected to continue trending upward in the coming years, especially as in-office presence increases.

Implement the Greening Government Strategy through measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve climate resilience, and green the government’s overall operations

Implement the Global Portfolio Strategy (GPS) and the Sustainable Development Strategic Framework (SDSF) with direction from the Greening Government Strategy 

Program: Real property Planning and Stewardship

Percentage of missions reporting energy, water and waste metrics

Starting point:
New Initiative

A minimum of 80% of missions report on energy, water, and waste

Date to achieve:
Annually

GAC supports FSDS Goal 13 and SDG 13 by implementing measures identified in the Greening Government Strategy that reduce GHG emissions, including green building certification for all major construction and renovation projects, and is committed to reducing the demand for energy or switching to lower carbon sources of energy in order to reduce GHG emissions from real property operations. In addition, GAC will aim to pursue and complete green building certifications (BOMA BEST, LEED, TRUE, etc.) for existing buildings, operations and maintenance.^{Footnote vi}

Indicator result:

77% of missions reported energy metrics, and 68.8% reported water and waste metrics in 2022-2023.

Notes:

As per TBS GGS guidance, GAC uses RETScreen to report its energy, water and waste metrics. This function is managed through an MOU between NRCan and GAC

Number of energy, water and waste audits completed

Starting point (April 1, 2023): 22 completed energy, water and waste audits

5–10 energy, water and waste initiatives

Date to achieve target:
Annually

Indicator result:

20 completed energy, water and waste initiatives

Percent change in GHG emissions from international crown-owned real property from fiscal year 2005–2006

Starting point (2005–2006):
30,922 tCO2e (estimate by NRCan)

Net-zero emission, climate resilient Crown-owned portfolio

Date to achieve target:
2050

Indicator result:

35.4% change in GHG reduction

Continue to deliver projects with green building certifications (BOMA BEST, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED))

Continue to integrate green building certifications into major capital projects

Program: Real Property Planning and Stewardship

Number of completed certifications

Starting point (2022–2023): 10

8 new certifications

Date to achieve target:
March 31, 2027

Indicator result:

6 new certifications

Modernize through net-zero carbon buildings

Taking steps to design and construct net-zero carbon buildings, reducing both operational and embodied carbon emissions

Program: Real Property Planning and Stewardship

Percentage of new projects that are designed for and achieve net-zero

Starting point (2022–2023): 0%

100% 

Date to achieve target:
2026

GAC supports FSDS Goal 13 and SDG 13 by using net-zero emission construction techniques and products in new buildings and retrofits to reduce GHG emissions. Actions that allow facilities to be shared, reduce the demand for energy or switch to lower carbon sources of energy will lead to reductions in GHGs from the department’s real property operations.^{Footnote vii}

Indicator result:

0%

Notes:

No new build projects were completed with zero-carbon certification in 2023-2024. Six major projects with a net-zero carbon target are underway as of August 2024.

Apply a greenhouse gas reduction life cycle cost analysis for major building retrofits

All major building retrofits, including significant energy performance contracts, are the subject of a GHG reduction life cycle cost analysis to determine the optimal GHG savings

Program: Real Property Planning and Stewardship

Percentage of major building retrofit projects that undergo life cycle cost analysis (LCCA)

Starting point (2022-2023): 0%

100%

Date to achieve target:
March 31, 2026

GAC supports FSDS Goal 13 and SDG 13 through life cycle cost analyses aimed at reducing GHG emissions over the life cycle of major international retrofits.^{Footnote viii}

Indicator result:

33%

Notes:

GAC is committed to having all scoped in new build and major renovation projects to have LCCAs completed as part of the target. Most are multi-year projects and will be reported only in the year of completion.

Apply a greenhouse gas reduction life cycle cost analysis for major building retrofits

Reduce non-renewable energy consumption by installing rooftop solar panels, LED lighting, triple glazed windows, heat recovery from data centres and enhanced insulation, tower by tower in the renovation of the Lester B. Pearson building

Program: Real Property (Domestic)

Percentage reduction in GHG emissions from building energy usage as compared to pre-retrofit usage

Starting point (2018): 
4852.2 tonnes of CO2

67% by end of project

Date to achieve target:
March 31, 2028

GAC supports FSDS Goal 13 and SDG 13 through the implementation of real property decisions that lower GHG emissions by reducing energy consumption, which will in turn reduce GHG emissions from energy production.^{Footnote ix}

Indicator result:

New data will be available in fiscal year 2027-2028.

Notes:

PSPC is responsible for collecting the data for this indicator.

Reduce risks posed by climate change to federal assets, services and operations

Climate resilience assessment for projects and existing buildings

Program: Real Property Planning and Stewardship

Number of completed climate change risk assessments (CCRA).

Starting point (2022–2023):
New initiative

6 annually

Date to achieve target:
March 31, 2026

GAC supports FSDS Goal 13 and SDG 13 by undertaking climate change risk assessments to understand the risks associated with climate change. By assessing the risks of climate change impacts for mission critical assets and developing plans to reduce these risks, the likelihood of disruption to critical services for Canadians is reduced.^{Footnote x}

Indicator result:

4

Notes:

GAC is committed to having all scoped in new build and major renovation projects to have Climate Risk, Impact and Vulnerability Assessments (CRiVAs) completed as part of the GGS target. Most are multi-year projects, and this will be reported only in the year of completion.

Percentage of crown-owned mission critical assets where the risk of climate change impacts has been assessed 

Starting point (April 1, 2023): 3%

100%

Date to achieve target:
2030

Indicator result:

4%

Notes:

Although GAC can report only 4% completion at this time, GAC is confident that, with a newly developed process and completion tool, the target will be met on time.

Implement process and mechanism to collect data to report progress on sustainability to TBS through NRCan RETscreen software.

Supports reporting on the Greening Government Strategy commitments.

• GAC, through an MOU with NRCan has developed a comprehensive process to collect, analyze and report on GHG and carbon data for all Crown-owned assets across our international portfolio.

For domestic operations, the following initiatives are planned or underway:

• Continue to improve employee access to electric vehicle chargers in domestic buildings and continue to work with the local transit providers to provide electric options and to improve accessibility
• Conduct a Climate Risk, Impact and Vulnerability Assessment (CRIVA) in 2023 to inform sustainability/climate resilience priorities for the department
• Continue to contribute to the Greening Government Fund to compensate for the GHG emissions generated by the department’s domestic business travels (air travel)
• Maintain a small apiary of up to six beehives with the purpose of raising awareness on the importance of pollinators and honeybees, actively contribute to sustaining biodiversity in the NCR through pollination, promote urban agriculture/apiculture and foster discussion on its contribution to food security worldwide, foster culinary diplomacy by featuring Lester Bee Pearson honey in dishes during official receptions on the 9th floor and elsewhere, and by providing unique products for fundraising, departmental gifts  and incentives
• Work with the National Capital Commission and Public Services and Procurement Canada to establish a tiny forest (roughly the size of a tennis court) to demonstrate biodiversity restoration potential on federal lands and to advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
• Carry out regular employee surveys to explore staff habits and develop understanding of the climate change impacts of their work and home life

FSDS targets:

• By 2030, 22% of commuters use public transit or active transportation
• Divert at least 75% (by weight) of non-hazardous operational waste from landfills by 2030
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from federal government facilities and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 (with an aspiration to achieve this target by 2025) and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050 (with an aspiration to be carbon neutral)
• Reduce risks posed by climate change impacts to federal assets, services and operations^{Footnote xi}

GGS Commitments:

• Adopt low-carbon mobility solutions, deploy supporting infrastructure in GAC facilities and modernize fleet
• Encourage employees to use low-carbon forms of transportation to reduce emissions from employee commuting
• Take steps to increase waste diversion
• Aid the transition to a net-zero, circular economy through green procurement that includes life cycle assessment principles and the adoption of clean technologies and green products and services
• Support departments in adopting clean technology and undertaking clean technology demonstration projects
• Incorporate greening priorities into the responsibilities of senior department officials so they can ensure that greening, low-carbon and adaptation objectives are addressed comprehensively in both planning and operations
• Maintain and restore wild or near-wild areas that would allow for the conservation of healthy populations of native species
• Collaborate and establish communities of practice with provincial, territorial and municipal governments; Indigenous peoples; industry; academia; and non-profit organizations to achieve common environmental goals
• Integrate sustainability planning with local communities

• GAC advocated with OC Transpo for more accessible bus routes for its 111 Sussex and 125 Sussex buildings, which the transit provider is now seriously considering. GAC also put a ride-share program in place, as well as supports for active commuting (bike route mapping, etc.), and has been a vocal advocate of electric-vehicle chargers at its buildings, with planning underway by PSPC and Global Integrated Solutions (BGIS) for electric vehicle fleet support (SDG 12 and 13).
• GAC completed a Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRIVA) for its domestic operations and a portfolio-wide one for its missions abroad. These assessments are necessary to inform the department’s sustainability/climate resilience priorities, and provide GAC’s senior management with information needed to allocate resources accordingly.
• GAC continued to contribute to the Greening Government Fund (GGF) and successfully applied for two projects under the most recent call for proposals for greening domestic procurement and greening cafeteria offerings (both tangible actions to combat climate change).
• GAC maintained beehives as part of its domestic biodiversity program. The honey produced was once again used as part of various incentive programs (e.g., Government Workplace Charitable Campaign). This on-going initiative raises awareness for employees and management about biodiversity in the NCR.
• GAC continued work with the National Capital Commission and PSPC to establish a mini-forest on federal lands in the National Capital Region. GAC advanced the consultation process by reaching out to several stakeholders and drafting letters for the Chief and Council of local Indigenous communities to invite them to help shape this initiative. (SDG 10 and 13)

Increase support to and help build capacity in developing countries to adapt to and mitigate climate change

Canada continues to collaborate with a range of bilateral and multilateral partners, including developing country governments, non-governmental organizations in Canada and around the world, multilateral organizations, and dedicated climate funds and financial mechanisms to build capacity in developing countries to adapt to and mitigate climate change

Program: Multilateral International Assistance

Cumulative number of people in developing countries who benefitted from Canada’s adaptation financing

Starting point (April 1, 2021): An estimated 6.6 million people^{Footnote 14}

10 million people

Date to achieve target: 2050

GAC supports FSDS Goal 17 and SDG 17 by working with international partners to contribute to the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the collective commitment to mobilize financing for developing countries to mitigate and adapt to climate change. GAC also supports Partnering for Climate to fund climate change adaptation projects from Canadian civil society working in Sub-Saharan Africa and other parts of the world.^{Footnote xii}

Indicator result:

3.8 million in 2022-2023

Ratio of private finance mobilized through Canada’s public sector investments

Starting point: New initiative

$0.75 mobilized in private sector for every $1 spent by Canada on projects involving the private sector.

Date to achieve target:
March 31, 2026

Indicator result:

Based on historical figures we expect the ratio to be $1.10 private finance mobilized for every $1 of Canadian public sector investments.

Notes: These numbers are expected because of the investment cycle of projects involving private sector mobilization which is approximately 5 to 7 years.

Number of national, regional and local governments that improve or implement their Nationally Determinded Contributions and National Adaptation Plans with support from Canadian climate fiance.

Starting point (April 1, 2021): 17^{Footnote 15}

19

Date to achieve target:
March 31, 2026

Indicator result:

8 in 2022-2023

Notes: This indicator also contributes to SDG 13, Target 13.2 “Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.”

Support a clean energy transition

Canada’s climate finance is supporting developing countries to phase out coal-powered emissions (including through accelerated retirement of coal power assets)

Program: Multilateral International Assistance

Number of beneficiaries (male/female) with enhanced access to clean energy

Starting point (2021):
21,839^{Footnote 16}

At least 200,000

Date to achieve target:
2050

GAC supports FSDS Goal 17 and SDG 17 through Canada’s $5.3 billion climate finance commitment aimed at enhancing the adoption of gender-responsive clean energy and energy-efficient solutions for nature-positive climate change mitigation and adaptation in developing countries.^{Footnote xiii}

Indicator result:

New data will be available in fiscal year 2024-2025.

Megawatts of new clean energy capacity installed, financed by Canadian climate finance resources

Starting point (2021):  2,258.9 

At least 10,000 

Date to achieve target:
2050

Indicator result:

8,939

Notes: This indicator reflects financing by multiple donors; Canada contributed to this result along with other donors.

Number of beneficiaries (male/female) with new employment in the renewable energy sector

Starting point (2021): 13,984^{Footnote 17}

At least 70,000

Date to achieve target:
2050

Indicator result:

New data will be available in fiscal year 2024-2025.

Support a clean energy transition

Continue to implement GAC’s International Business Development Strategy for Clean Technologies

Program: International Business Development

Number of outcalls related to climate finance^{Footnote 18} by the Trade Commission Service (TCS) with TCS clients, climate fund representatives and investors per region (Indo-Pacific, Africa, the Americas and Europe-Middle East)

Starting point (2022-2023): 174

260 outcalls per year (average of 65 per region: Indo-Pacific, Africa, the Americas and Europe-Middle East)

Date to achieve target:
Annually

GAC supports FSDS Goal 17 and SDG 17 through the ongoing implementation of the International Business Development Strategy for Clean Technologies, which was designed to encourage and support Canadian firms in their efforts to capitalize on growing opportunities in the global market for clean technology.

Indicator result:

232

Notes: Outcalls may be underreported as it is incumbent on the officer to identify that the outcall is related to the Climate Finance initiative in the internal tracking system.

Ongoing economic recovery has resulted in a positive trend in outcall volume, however inflation and supply chain disruptions may still be contributing to lower demand for Climate Finance Business Development services than anticipated.

Annual client satisfaction rate for TCS clean technology services received

Starting point (2022-2023): 92.1%

85%

Date to achieve target:
Annually

Indicator result:

94.1%

Number of Canadian clean technology and climate finance services delivered by TCS to Canadian companies

Starting point (2022–2023): 6683

5700

Date to achieve target:
Annually

Indicator result:

7011

Notes: Of the total, clean technology services represented 6,786 services and climate finance represented 225 services.

Promote responsible business conduct by Canadian companies abroad

Continue to implement the Responsible Business Conduct Abroad Strategy (2022–2027)

Program: International Business Development

Number of stakeholders engaged annually, including Canadian companies and associations, to promote Canada’s approach and expectations on Responsible Business Conduct

Starting point: New Initiative

100 stakeholders

Date to achieve target:
March 31, 2027

GAC supports FSDS Goal 17 and SDG 17 by providing support to Canadian companies abroad that allows them to adopt world leading responsible business practices, gain a competitive advantage, mitigate risks and contribute to a strong and inclusive economy (including international supply chains), all of which support better international partnerships.

Indicator result:

1137

Promote environmental protection in trade agreements and other engagement mechanisms

Strengthening environmental cooperation in Free Trade Agreements

Program: Trade Policy, Agreements, Negotiations and Disputes

Percent of Free Trade Agreements that contain ambitious collaborative mechanisms to support environmental protection, climate change cooperation and action on sustainable development

Starting point:
New initiative

100%

Date to achieve target:
2030

GAC supports FSDS Goal 17 and SDG 17 through its negotiation of Free Trade Agreements. Canada seeks opportunities to engage in cooperative activities with trading partners to promote the use of goods and services related to clean growth and the transition to a low-carbon future, in addition to advancing work through partnerships that combat climate change and supporting Canada’s leadership on sustainable development.

Indicator result:

The modernized Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement, which was concluded in 2023, contains provisions recognizing the importance of mutually supportive trade and climate change policies, including through market-based approaches and trade-related climate measures to achieve green growth objectives. The chapter also includes provisions addressing specific global challenges, including the promotion of environmental goods and services and the circular economy. To support effective implementation, the Parties have committed to engage in collaborative activities.

No new trade agreements were reached in fiscal year 2023-2024.

Notes: In on-going negotiations, such as with Ecuador, Indonesia and ASEAN, Canada will be seeking strong environment provisions, with a focus on collaborative mechanisms to support effective implementation.

Advance international collaboration on critical minerals

GAC assists NRCan by providing Canadian advocacy, for example, by helping to secure a commitment on critical minerals in the 2022 G7 Climate, Energy and Environment Ministers’ Communiqué. GAC also maintains and advocates for stronger bilateral action on critical materials with our major trading partners. GAC is also developing new frameworks to deepen bilateral cooperation on critical minerals with a number of commercial partners. GAC’s Trade Commissioner Service also supports this commitment by connecting Canadian firms with commercial and investment opportunities.

Program: International Business Development

Actions to support international collaboration on critical minerals

Starting point: N/A

N/A – qualitative indicator

Date to achieve target:
Annually

GAC supports FSDS Goal 17 and SDG 17 by working with international partners to help secure and increase the critical minerals supply chains resilience, thereby contributing to the availability of the minerals needed for a green energy transition.

Indicator results:

• Efforts to build resilient global critical mineral supply chains will require international cooperation. That is why Canada is working collaboratively with allies and partners such as the U.S., the European Union, Japan, and Australia.
• GAC served as the GoC lead on a G7 Working Group on Supply Chain Resilience in 2023, helping to steer a stress-testing exercise amongst G7 members on “critical supply chains”, including critical minerals. This exercise was subsequently led by ISED and NRCan.
• GAC announced a $5 million contribution to the Resilient and Inclusive Supply chain Enhancement Partnership (RISE), a G7 initiative focused on strengthening and diversifying critical minerals supply chains.
• GAC is participating on the UN Secretary General’s Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals which will develop a set of common and voluntary principles to guide the energy transition and to ensure that the countries and local communities endowed with these resources are the ones to benefit the most.
• As a key deliverable for the PM’s visit to South Korea in 2023, GAC successfully led negotiations with South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), and led interdepartmental coordination to conclude a MOU on Cooperation in Critical Mineral Supply Chains, the Clean Energy Transition and Energy Security.
• Canada (NRCan Minister Wilkinson) and Australia (Resources Minister Madeleine King) announced a Joint Statement on Cooperation on Critical Minerals at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) on March 4, 2024, set to elevate Canada’s (including GAC’s) existing engagement with Australia on critical minerals through multilateral fora (including the G7, the Mineral Security Partnership, the Sustainable Critical Minerals Alliance, the Conference on Critical Materials and Minerals, as well as the International Energy Agency’s Critical Minerals Working Party).
• At PDA in March 2024, Minister Champagne met with Chile’s Minister of Mining Aurora Williams and signed a new MOU regarding Cooperation on Critical Minerals and the Sustainable Development of Minerals and Metals. 
• GAC’s Trade Commissioner Service, in collaboration with NRCan and Invest in Canada, has promoted international collaboration on critical minerals by connecting foreign investors with Canadian critical minerals projects, contributing to the security and resiliency of supply chains.

Other:

Increase support to and help build capacity in developing countries to halt and reverse biodiversity loss

Program: Multilateral International Assistance

Number of hectares of terrestrial, inland water, coastal and marine ecosystems under long-term active restoration and/or protection

Starting point: New Initiative

Target: To be established in collaboration with partners by March 31, 2025

GAC supports FSDS Goal 17 and SDG 17 by supporting global work on biodiversity through international partnerships that align with the Global Biodiversity Framework’s key conservation target, which aims to conserve 30% of the earth’s land and sea by 2030. Canada has committed $350 million from 2023 to 2026 in new and additional funding to support developing countries in implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) to help halt and reverse biodiversity loss.

Proposed projects will directly support efforts aimed at enhancing and reducing threats to biodiversity, meeting peoples’ needs through sustainable use and benefit-sharing, and providing tools and solutions for implementation and mainstreaming.^{Footnote xiv}

Indicator result:

New data will be available in fiscal year 2025-2026.

Notes: It is too soon to report given the International Biodiversity Program is at the beginning stages of implementation.

Number of people (m/f) with improved capacity to implement gender-responsive solutions leading to the enhancement of biodiversity through its sustainable use

Starting point: New initiative

Target: To be established in collaboration with partners by March 31, 2025

Indicator result:

New data will be available in fiscal year 2025-2026.

Notes: It is too soon to report given the International Biodiversity Program is at the beginning stages of implementation.