Review of NCC Environmental Strategy

Transcription

Public
Submission
DECISION
For:
No.: 2013-P12e
To: Board of Directors
Date: November 20, 2013
1. TITLE
Review of NCC Environmental Strategy
2. PURPOSE OF THE SUBMISSION
To obtain the approval of the NCC Environmental Strategy by the Board of Directors, including the changes
that reflect the NCC’s renewed mandate as well as the priorities of the Federal Sustainable Development
Strategy.
3. AUTHORITY
Charter of the Board of Directors, paragraph 3.2.3
4. RECOMMENDATION
That the NCC Environmental Strategy be approved.
5. ISSUES, IMPACTS & RISKS
The proposed changes to the Environmental Strategy, approved in 2009 by the Executive Management
Committee, are minor and affect only six of its objectives. They are designed to better reflect the NCC’s
renewed mandate and the priorities of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.
6. NEXT STEPS
The second version of the NCC Environmental Strategy is to be developed starting in fiscal 2015-2016, and
approved in 2017.
7. STRATEGIC LINKS

An organizational pillar of the NCC: Building a Greener Capital

NCC strategic orientation: to create a lively, sustainable National Capital Regions that inspires
Canadians
8. BACKGROUND
The NCC’s renewed mandate and the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy are the two factors that call
for proposed revisions to some objectives of the 2009 NCC Environmental Strategy. Appendix 1 provides
full details of these two factors, as well as the proposed changes.
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Submission
Public
9. ANALYSIS OF OPTIONS
N/A
10. CONSULTATIONS & COMMUNICATIONS
N/A
11. LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Midpoint review of objectives of NCC Environmental Strategy
Appendix 2: Summary of NCC Environmental Strategy
Appendix 3: 2012-2013 Annual Environment Report
Appendix 4: Summary of Federal Sustainable Development Strategy
Appendix 5: Excerpt of the Minutes of the Advisory Committee on Planning, Design and Realty, Meeting of
October 4, 2013
12. SUBMISSION AUTHORS
François Lapointe, Vice-President, Capital Planning and Environmental Management
Lucie Bureau, Chief, Planning and Transportation
Geneviève Mercier, Senior Environmental Strategy Officer
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APPENDIX 1
NCC ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY, 2009-2017
Midpoint review of objectives
1 - PURPOSE
To update the NCC Environmental Strategy, in order to adapt it to the NCC’s renewed mandate
and the priorities of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.
The purpose of this appendix is to explain, firstly, the background for the creation of the
NCC Environmental Strategy; secondly, the reasons for this midpoint review (the
NCC’s renewed mandate and the priorities of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy);
and, lastly, the proposed changes to the objectives.
2 - NCC ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY, 2009-2017
Introduced in 2009, the NCC Environmental Strategy constituted an addition to the
well-established tradition of environmental stewardship at the NCC, forming a vital part of its
mandate to create a significant capital that is a source of pride and unity among all Canadians.
Since the environment was Canadians’ top priority in terms of government policy, it was
important for the NCC to confirm, by establishing a strategy, its role in protecting the
environment. Exercising environmental leadership in the Canada’s Capital Region was the basis
of this NCC strategy.
Specifically, the creation of the NCC Environmental Strategy responded to the following needs:
to put the environment at the top of the organization’s priorities; to provide long-term orientation
and clear direction; to deliver concrete, measurable results; to do a better job of making
environmental management an integral part of all the NCC’s activities; to motivate the NCC’s
partners; and to demonstrate long-term commitment.
The Environmental Strategy centres around five key areas for action that are highly relevant to
what the NCC does and where we know can make an important difference to the quality of the
environment. The areas for actions are:





reducing waste
enhancing biodiversity
preventing pollution
leading in environmental practices
combatting climate change.
Each area for action has one priority objective and a focused set of secondary objectives. The
priority objectives are corporate commitments to firm, measurable targets. The secondary
objectives support the overall goals in each area for action. A number of these secondary
objectives are designed to manage significant issues and risks related to environmental
regulatory compliance.
1
Appendix 2 provides the NCC Environmental Strategy. Appendix 3 provides the 2012-2013
Annual Environment Report .
3 - CONTEXT OF MIDPOINT REVIEW OF NCC ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY
The NCC’s renewed mandate and the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy are the two
factors that call for proposed changes to some objectives of the NCC Environmental Strategy.
3.1 NCC’s renewed mandate, 2013
Following the tabling of the 2013 federal budget and the June 26, 2013 passage of the Budget
Implementation Act, the NCC’s mandate was amended; it now contains only this clause:

The objects and purposes of the Commission are to prepare plans for and assist in the
development, conservation and improvement of the National Capital Region in order that
the nature and character of the seat of the Government of Canada may be in
accordance with its national significance.
The organization, leadership and promotion of enriching public activities and events for
Canadians in the National Capital Region have been transferred to the Department of Canadian
Heritage.
This renewed mandate is a return to the traditional mandate held by the NCC until 1988.
The NCC will continue to exercise responsible, effective environmental management, thus
helping make the capital a source of pride for all Canadians.
3.2 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, 2013-2016
In 2008, the federal government passed the Federal Sustainable Development Act, which sets
the legal framework for developing and implementing a Federal Sustainable Development
Strategy. The first Federal Sustainable Development Strategy was released in 2010, with a first
cycle covering the period from 2010 to 2013. The second cycle, now being developed, is to
cover the period from 2013 to 2016. The final version of the strategy for this second cycle is to
be published in the fall of 2013.
The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy provides an overall vision of federal
environmental priorities, accompanied by objectives, targets and implementation strategies for
the 27 federal government departments and agencies. The NCC is not subject to the Federal
Sustainable Development Strategy; rather, it aligns its environmental management with our
government’s priorities.
The four priority themes of the first cycle have been maintained and enhanced for the second
cycle:




Theme I: Addressing climate change and air quality
Theme II: Maintaining water quality and availability
Theme III: Protecting nature
Theme IV: Shrinking the environmental footprint, beginning with government.
The main changes to the four themes for the second cycle are (1) broadening of Theme I to
include a new target, as well as implementation strategies, for adapting to climate change;
2
(2) rewording of Theme II, to clarify the connections between its targets and their social and
economic effects; (3) combining two separate Theme III objectives, to illustrate the
interrelatedness of wildlife species and habitat; and (4) revision of the structure of Theme IV
objectives and updating of its targets, to provide a more comprehensive view of the federal
government’s environmental footprint and what is being done to minimize it.
Each of the themes reflects a significant issue. For each theme, one or more long-term
objectives have been identified, and one or more specific targets set for each objective. Lastly,
each target is supported by implementation strategies for reaching it.
Appendix 4 provides more details on the importance of these themes and on what the federal
government is doing about them.
4 - ORIGINAL OBJECTIVES OF AND PROPOSED CHANGES TO NCC ENVIRONMENTAL
STRATEGY
The main purpose of the midpoint review of the NCC Environmental Strategy is to adapt the
strategy to the two factors noted above. The five following charts set out the proposed changes
to the Strategy’s objectives by activity area, indicating the primary and secondary objective of
the 2009 Strategy, and providing explanations of the each proposed change. Each chart is
introduced by the target approach of the activity area concerned, and followed by a
recommendation for proposed changes. Only six of the 24 objectives are affected by the
proposed changes: one objective has been withdrawn; four have been revised; and one
secondary objective has gained importance and become a primary objective.
3
Reducing waste
Approach: The NCC will reduce the waste going to landfills from all aspects of its business,
through more aggressive use of the “3 Rs” — reducing, reusing and recycling.
Original primary objectives
Revised primary objectives
Explanations
By 2013, reduce the waste going to
landfill from the activities associated with
Canada Day, Winterlude and the Rideau
Canal Skateway (RCS), by 50 percent
against a 2009-2010 baseline.
By 2013, the NCC will have
achieved and will maintain a
50 percent reduction, in comparison
with the 2009-2010 level, in waste
sent to landfill sites from activities
associated with the Rideau Canal
Skateway.
Transfer to the Department of
Canadian Heritage of Canada Day
and Winterlude; the NCC is no
longer responsible for these events,
which will be subject to the
secondary objective governing
events held on NCC land by NCC
partners.
Original secondary objectives
Revised secondary objectives
Explanations
The NCC will achieve 70% waste
diversion (through reducing, reusing,
recycling) for all NCC business areas by
2017.
The NCC will challenge partners hosting
events on NCC lands to achieve a 50
percent waste diversion target.
The NCC will develop green
procurement guidelines for
implementation in 2010, which will
include low waste as an important
criterion.
The NCC will implement green
demolition practices by 2010, which
place a strong emphasis on waste
diversion and resource conservation.
Summary of proposed changes: With the transfer of Canada Day and Winterlude activities to
the Department of Canadian Heritage, this primary objective applies only to activities associated
with the Rideau Canal Skateway. The Department of Canadian Heritage will be encouraged to
reduce its footprint during Canada Day and Winterlude activities.
With this change, the NCC will focus more on the secondary objective of reducing waste in all
its activity areas.
4
Protect1 biodiversity
Approach: The NCC will work with local municipalities and the provinces to make Canada’s
Capital Region a model of biodiversity conservation.
Explanations
Explanations
The NCC will ensure that all 28 highvalue ecosystems and habitats found
within the Greenbelt and Gatineau Park
and on urban lands in the region are
designated as conservation lands by
2012.
The NCC will implement new recovery
plans for federally and provincially listed
species at risk on NCC lands, within one
year of finalization.
The NCC will protect all critical habitats
identified on NCC lands under federal or
provincial law for species at risk, within
one year of designation.
The NCC will develop a thorough
understanding of the biodiversity on NCC
lands through the NCC’s Natural
Resources Research Program.
The NCC will reduce the amount of NCC
urban land infested by aggressive
invasive plant species by 10 percent
against a baseline by 2014.
No proposed changes.
1
The Enhancing Biodiversity area for action is changed to read Protecting Biodiversity, in order to align
the terminology of the NCC Environmental Strategy with that of the Federal Sustainable Development
Strategy.
5
Preventing pollution
Approach: The NCC will show leadership in preventing the pollution of lands, groundwater and
surface water by implementing leading environmental standards in its operations and practices.
Explanations
Explanations
All contaminated sites on NCC lands will
be secured by 2017.
The NCC will identify and remove or
repair all problem underground storage
tanks on NCC property by 2011.
The NCC will adopt a policy to confirm
the elimination of the cosmetic use of
pesticides on NCC lands by 2010.
No proposed changes.
6
Leading in environmental practices
Approach: The NCC will use leading environmental practices in visible areas of high
environmental importance, including planning, transportation, buildings and the management of
watersheds.
Explanations
Explanations
The NCC will lead the effort to engage
partners in improving the water quality of
key watersheds in Canada’s Capital
Region, with the Ottawa River as the first
priority.
The NCC will implement best
practices for water quality
management in projects and
activities taking place on NCC land,
and will encourage its partners and
stakeholders in doing the same.
The proposed change has to do
with the NCC’s mandate as a
landowner and an agency
responsible for approving projects
on federal land.
The NCC will integrate a green urbanism
approach into the 2013 Plan for
Canada’s Capital.
In carrying out its planning mandate,
the NCC will give priority to
sustainable development
approaches.
The Plan for Canada’s Capital is a
strategic plan, not a land use plan.
The proposed change
encompasses all plans that come
under the NCC’s mandate
All new building construction on NCC
lands, for buildings over 250 square
metres, will be certified LEED®
(Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design) Gold by 2013 and
all major building renovations will meet
LEED® certification standards.
The NCC will use green building
practices for the construction of all
buildings under 250 square metres.
The NCC will integrate environmental
education into all NCC activities, where
appropriate.
The NCC will strengthen environmentally
sensitive practices in all maintenance
contracts.
The NCC will provide and promote
environmentally sustainable
transportation alternatives.
Summary of proposed changes: The secondary objective of water quality is refocused on
the NCC’s mandate of land stewardship and approval of projects on federal land. The
secondary objective of green urbanism for the Plan for Canada’s Capital is broadened to
encompass the concept of sustainable development approaches for all plans that come under
the NCC’s mandate.
7
Combatting climate change
Approach: The NCC will reduce the carbon footprint of all aspects of its business.
Explanations
The NCC’s signature events and
programs will become carbon neutral,
starting with Canada Day 2010.
This objective was withdrawn in the
2009-2017 Strategy.
The NCC will no longer complete
greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories
to acquire carbon offsets for its
signature events and programs, in
order to align its efforts with those of
the Federal Sustainable
Development Strategy.
Explanations
This objective becomes the primary
objective for this action area.
Making this objective the primary
objective aligns the NCC’s efforts
with those of the Federal
Sustainable Development Strategy.
The NCC will continue to take
initiatives to reduce GHG emissions
from its operations.
The NCC will continue to broaden its
knowledge of the effects of climate
change on its operations.
This objective has been reworded in
order better to reflect the NCC’s
mandate and responsibilities.
The NCC will reduce its overall carbon
footprint by 30 percent by 2017, based
on a 2011-2012 baseline.
The NCC will seek renewable sources of
electricity. By 2013, 25 percent of all
NCC electricity purchases will be from
renewable sources.
The NCC will advance public
understanding of climate change impacts
on Canada’s Capital Region.
Summary of proposed changes: The objective of making NCC signature events and programs
carbon neutral has been eliminated in order to focus on reducing GHG emissions by NCC
operations.
The NCC will continue to take initiatives to reduce GHG emissions from its operations, and will
continue to broaden its knowledge of the effects of climate change on its operations.
8
NEXT STEPS

November 2013: Submission of NCC Environmental Strategy to Board of Directors for
approval

2013-2014: Internal communications to staff; publication of the 2013-2014 Annual
Environment Report providing information about proposed changes

2015-2016: Development of second version of NCC Environmental Strategy

2017: Approval by Board of Directors of second version of NCC Environmental
Strategy, 2017-2027
CONCLUSION
The NCC’s renewed mandate has only minor repercussions on the NCC Environmental
Strategy, 2009-2017. We also note that the five areas for action of the NCC Environmental
Strategy accurately reflect the priorities of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.
In summary, these proposed changes would affect six objectives: one objective has been
withdrawn; four have been revised; and one secondary objective has gained importance and
become a primary objective.
The proposed changes bring the NCC Environmental Strategy into compliance with federal and
provincial regulatory requirements, and give tangible expression to the NCC’s environmental
priorities. They do not jeopardize the vision of the NCC Environmental Strategy, which is to give
priority to the environment and to deliver concrete, measurable results in the short and the long
terms.
9
National
ional Capital
apital Commission
ssion
Environmental
ironmental
ntal Strategy
The mission of the
National Capital Commission
is to create national
pride and unity through
Canada’s Capital Region.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
The National Capital Commission
.................................................3
Development of the Environmental Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Guiding principles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Action areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Reducing waste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Enhancing biodiversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Preventing pollution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Leading in environmental practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Combatting climate change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Environmental milestones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
A history of environmental action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Glossary of terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Building a Greener Capital
1
2
National Capital Commission Environmental Strategy
INTRODUCTION
The National Capital Commission’s (NCC) Environmental Strategy provides a focused
agenda for environmental leadership in Canada’s Capital Region. The strategy builds on
the corporation’s strong tradition of environmental stewardship and reflects its core
mission to build a great capital and create national pride and unity among all Canadians.
Canadians consistently rank the environment as a top priority for public policy-makers.
A 2008 poll within Canada’s Capital Region revealed that the large majority of residents
believe that it is important for the NCC to work to protect the environment. 1 The
Environmental Strategy responds to the public’s concern for the environment and
provides an initial blueprint for action that will have a lasting impact.
The Environmental Strategy is built on a solid framework with clear goals. However,
the initiatives that the NCC undertakes to achieve these goals will evolve over time.
Implementation of the strategy will be an iterative process — as the NCC gains more
experience, or as new information comes to light, it will adjust and adapt its approach
accordingly.
THE NATIONAL CAPITAL COMMISSION
The NCC is a federal Crown corporation that was created by Parliament in 1959 as
the steward of federal lands and buildings in Canada’s Capital Region. Its mandate and
mission are to build the Capital Region into a source of pride and unity for Canadians.
Beginning in 1899 with its two predecessor organizations — the Federal District
Commission and the Ottawa Improvement Commission — the NCC’s work is to make
the Capital an expression of the Canadian identity. Canada’s Capital is today a model
of natural shorelines, scenic parkways and boulevards, preserved heritage, monuments,
and expansive parks. Just as importantly, the Capital has become a place for national
gatherings, celebrations, commemorations and learning.
“My hope is that, as we
take this important step,
others will join us.”
— Marie Lemay, Chief Executive Officer, NCC
1 . Environics Research Group, The National Capital Commission: 2008 Public Awareness Survey
3
DEVELOPMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY
The NCC’s Environmental Strategy was formulated primarily through a combined process
of research, analysis and consultation within the NCC. Staff teamed up with an experienced sustainability consulting firm to conduct a detailed analysis to help determine
priorities for action, taking into consideration stakeholder interests, as well as the
potential impact of environmental issues on the NCC. The team also examined advanced
environmental and sustainability plans developed by private and public sector organizations from Canada and elsewhere, to harvest the best ideas from around the world for
this strategy.
The NCC’s environmental strengths and weaknesses were assessed, and priorities and
objectives were set on the basis that they be environmentally meaningful, strongly
relevant to the NCC’s mandate and activities, challenging but achievable, measurable,
and likely to capture the public’s interest and engagement.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The NCC’s Environmental Strategy is founded on four core principles.
Transparency
The NCC will clearly articulate its environmental priorities and objectives and will
provide ongoing public reporting on key indicators to measure progress and help
adjust the strategy’s aim, as needed.
Collaboration
The NCC knows that it cannot achieve all of its objectives alone, and will work with
stakeholders and partners on environmental improvements, while encouraging a
culture of sharing ideas, solutions and best practices.
Leadership by example
The NCC believes that a key aspect of environmental leadership is for staff throughout
the organization to be fully engaged in greening the NCC’s own policies, practices
and activities, and to encourage other parties within its sphere of influence to do
the same.
Continuous improvement
The NCC will learn from its experiences and constantly strive for greater positive
environmental impact.
4
5
ACTION AREAS
The Environmental Strategy centres around five key areas for
action that are highly relevant to what the NCC does and where
we know can make an important difference to the quality
of the environment. The areas for action are reducing waste,
enhancing biodiversity, preventing pollution, leading in environmental practices and combatting climate change. Each area for action
has one priority objective and a focused set of secondary objectives. The priority objectives are corporate commitments to
firm, measurable targets. The secondary objectives support the
overall goals in each area for action. Some actions are already
under way to meet many of the secondary objectives, while
others require further analysis and testing before they will be
ready to be implemented.
5
1
REDUCING WASTE
The NCC will reduce the waste going to landfills from all aspects of its business,
through more aggressive use of the “3 Rs” — reducing, reusing and recycling.
PRIORITY OBJECTIVE
By 2013, the NCC will reduce the waste going to landfills from the activities
associated with Canada Day, Winterlude and the Rideau Canal Skateway,
by 50 percent against a 2009–2010 baseline.
Sending garbage to a landfill truly is a waste — of materials, energy and sometimes even
money. Diverting waste — or, even better, reducing the amount of waste generated — has
several benefits. It reduces the generation of greenhouse gases, reduces demand for natural
resources and may even generate revenue through the sale of recycled materials. It also
extends landfill capacity, deferring the costs of constructing and operating additional
landfill capacity.
6
One of the areas where the NCC can make the biggest impact is by significantly reducing
waste at its signature events and programs, including Canada Day, Winterlude and the Rideau
Canal Skateway. Celebrating Canada’s Capital through these signature events is a central
and visible expression of the NCC’s mandate. However, despite significant waste diversion programs implemented by the NCC for these events, like all major public activities,
they generate a large amount of waste.
To achieve its goal, the NCC will work with suppliers, partners, and event and program
participants to reduce waste related to NCC operations, NCC-run events, and other
events that take place on NCC land, but are hosted by other organizations.
As a first step, the NCC will measure the amount and types of waste generated, diverted
and sent to landfill by both the public and the commercial sides of Canada Day 2009,
Winterlude 2010 and the Rideau Canal Skateway during the 2009–2010 skating season.
This will help set the baseline against which to measure progress. Based on this information, the NCC will develop an extensive and rigorous waste diversion program,
and continue to measure waste trend s on an annual basis. The NCC will also apply
its learning to its full scope of operations, with the aim of achieving 70 percent waste
diversion from all its business areas by 2017.
SECONDARY OBJECTIVE
•
The NCC will achieve 70 percent waste diversion (through reducing,
reusing, recycling) from all NCC business areas by 2017.
•
The NCC will challenge partners hosting events on NCC lands to achieve
a 50 percent waste diversion target.
•
The NCC will develop green procurement guidelines for implementation
in 2010, which will include low waste as an important criteria.
•
The NCC will implement green demolition practices by 2010, which place
a strong emphasis on waste diversion.
7
2
ENHANCING BIODIVERSITY
The NCC will work with local municipalities and the provinces to make Canada’s
Capital Region a model of biodiversity conservation.
PRIORITY OBJECTIVE
The NCC will ensure that all 28 high-value ecosystems and habitats found
within the Greenbelt and Gatineau Park and on urban lands in the region
are designated as conservation lands by 2012.
Conserving biodiversity improves the quality of life in the region and is an essential
element of a green capital. Habitat change and fragmentation, climate change, pollution, over-exploitation by people and rapid expansion of non-native species are the
main threats to biodiversity in the region and around the world. The NCC recognizes
both the importance and the necessity of protecting the ecosystems, natural processes,
and plant and animal species found on its lands, in order that they will be preserved
for future generations of Canadians.
8
As the owner of 10 percent of land in the region, which straddles the Quebec–Ontario
border, the NCC is the chief steward of federal lands in Canada’s Capital Region. Its
rural, urban and wilderness lands are characterized by a high level of biodiversity.
The NCC will show leadership in working with local municipalities and the provinces
of Ontario and Quebec toward making Canada’s Capital Region a model of biodiversity
conservation.
Building on its many years of experience in managing lands and protected areas in
Canada’s Capital Region, the NCC will intensify its efforts to understand biodiversity
on its lands and share its findings with partners in the region. The NCC will also implement plans to preserve and protect biodiversity on its lands.
According to a 2007 study commissioned by the NCC, there are 28 high-value
ecosystems and natural habitats on NCC lands on both sides of the Ottawa River.
These sites constitute rare ecosystems in the region, and contain more than 100 plant
and 50 animal species at risk.
Distribution of high-value ecosystems and habitats across NCC lands
Urban lands: 11
Greenbelt: 9
Gatineau Park: 8
The NCC will ensure that all 28 of these high-value ecosystems and habitats are
designated as conservation lands by 2012, based on internationally recognized
conservation designation and management standards. Not only will protecting these
sites make an important contribution to the long-term conservation of biological
diversity, it will also provide an opportunity for education and interpretation about
biodiversity in the region.
SECONDARY OBJECTIVES
•
The NCC will implement new recovery plans for federally and provincially listed species at risk on NCC lands, within one year of finalization.
•
The NCC will protect all critical habitats identified on NCC lands under
federal or provincial law for species at risk, within one year of designation.
•
The NCC will develop a thorough understanding of the biodiversity on
NCC lands, through the NCC’s Natural Resources Research Program.
•
The NCC will reduce the amount of NCC urban land infested by aggressive invasive plant species by 10 percent against a baseline by 2014.
9
“I go to nature every day
for inspiration in the day’s
work. I follow in building
the principles which nature
has used in its domain.”
— Frank Lloyd Wright
10
3
PREVENTING POLLUTION
The NCC will show leadership in preventing the pollution of lands, groundwater
and surface water by implementing leading environmental standards in its
operations and practices.
PRIORITY OBJECTIVE
All contaminated sites on NCC lands will be secured by 2017.
The NCC is committed to protecting human health and the environment from the impacts
of pollution. As such, the NCC is showing continued leadership to prevent the pollution
of lands, ground water and surface water by applying advanced environmental standards
to its operations and practices on its lands and properties.
The NCC has made it a priority to ensure that its contaminated sites do not pose a risk
to human health or the environment. The NCC currently has more than 200 contaminated
sites on its lands, owing mainly to its acquisition many years ago of former industrial
lands along the Ottawa and Rideau rivers and in the urban cores of Ottawa and Gatineau.
Contaminated sites are areas of land where elevated levels of substances such as heavy
metals and petroleum products can be found. Unless properly managed, these sites
could pose a risk to human health or the environment.
Using a risk management approach to prioritize its work, the NCC will build on and
accelerate its current plans for the management of contaminated sites in order to secure all
contaminated sites on its lands by 2017. Securing a site involves studying it and taking all
necessary remediation or other risk management actions consistent with the designated
use of the site. By 2017, all NCC contaminated sites will be at the point where only routine
monitoring and maintenance are needed.
•
The NCC will identify and remove or repair all problem underground
storage tanks on NCC property by 2011.
•
The NCC will adopt a policy to confirm the elimination of the cosmetic
use of pesticides on NCC lands by 2010.
11
4
LEADING IN ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES
The NCC will use leading environmental practices in visible areas of high
environmental importance, including planning, transportation, buildings and
the management of watersheds.
PRIORITY OBJECTIVE
All new building construction on NCC lands, for buildings over 250 square
metres, will be certified LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design) Gold by 2013, and all major building renovations will meet LEED®
certification standards.
The NCC believes that it is important to look at ways to green all aspects of its business,
from green procurement and transportation policies to workplace guidelines. This includes
not only areas where the NCC may have direct control over outcomes, but also areas
where the NCC and its staff have influence, through working with partners, suppliers and
stakeholders.
12
One of the NCC’s major functions is the care and maintenance of a variety of buildings,
ranging from functional buildings, like barns and sheds, to prestigious heritage buildings, such as Canada’s official residences. The way buildings are built and managed has
an important impact on the environment. For example, in Canada, buildings account for
37 percent of all primary energy use and are responsible for 30 percent of greenhouse gas
emissions. Higher standards of construction will help conserve energy, reduce the
carbon footprint, and enable more efficient use of water and other resources.
The NCC has more than 1,300 buildings on its lands and, of these, more than 150 are
larger than 250 square metres, excluding barns. Furthermore, the NCC builds one to
two new buildings on its lands each year and undertakes about 10 to 15 major renovations annually. Buildings not owned by the NCC, but built or renovated by other agencies
on NCC lands, would also be required to meet the same standards that NCC projects
are required to meet.
All new building construction on NCC lands, for buildings over 250 square metres, will
be certified LEED® Gold by 2013, and all major building renovations will meet LEED®
certification standards. LEED® is a third-party certification program administered
by the Canada Green Building Council for the design, construction and operation of
high-performance green buildings. There are four levels of LEED® standards: certified,
silver, gold and platinum. Buildings are assessed for their environmental and energy
performance in five areas: sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy
efficiency, materials selection and indoor air quality.
•
The NCC will use green building practices for the construction of all buildings
under 250 square metres.
•
The NCC will integrate environmental education into all NCC activities,
where appropriate.
•
The NCC will introduce environmentally sensitive practices into
all maintenance contracts.
•
The NCC will provide and promote environmentally sustainable
transportation alternatives.
•
The NCC will lead the effort to engage partners in improving the water
quality of key watersheds in Canada’s Capital Region, with the Ottawa
River as the first priority.
•
The NCC will integrate a green urbanism approach into the 2013 Plan
for Canada’s Capital.
13
5
COMBATTING CLIMATE CHANGE
The NCC will reduce the carbon footprint of all aspects of its business.
PRIORITY OBJECTIVE
The NCC’s signature events and programs will become carbon neutral, starting
with Canada Day 2010.
Climate change is real, and it is affecting the environment and health of Canadians.
Emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses associated with human
activities are increasingly understood to be the main cause of climate change.
The NCC is committed to reducing carbon dioxide emissions from all aspects of
its business and has made it a priority to render its signature events and programs
carbon neutral (i.e. having a net zero carbon footprint).
14
Activities and celebrations organized by the NCC draw hundreds of thousands of visitors
from within and outside of Canada’s Capital Region each year and help to promote the
region as a place where Canadians can meet, express themselves and celebrate what it
is to be Canadian. However, large events and festivals can be significant sources of
carbon dioxide (CO 2). These emissions are released from burning fossil fuels like oil,
coal and natural gas, which are associated with electricity used during the events, as
well as with generators, vehicle fleets, artist and visitor travel and accommodations,
and event organizers’ activities.
Timeline for carbon neutral NCC events and programs
•
Canada Day: 2010
•
Christmas Lights Across Canada: 2010–2011 holiday season
•
Rideau Canada Skateway: December 2011 to March 2012
skating season
•
Winterlude: 2012
•
Fall Rhapsody: 2012
•
Sunday Bikedays: 2013 biking season
The NCC will achieve carbon neutrality in two ways. First, it will work toward increased
efficiency and a reduction of carbon emissions wherever possible. Aggressive emission
reduction measures will be taken with careful consideration to retain the essential
character of NCC events and programs. Second, it will develop strategies to counterbalance
the CO2 emissions that cannot be eliminated.
The initial carbon neutral focus will be aimed at the NCC’s own operations, over which
it has direct control. In subsequent years, the NCC may expand its targets to include
reducing the footprint related to event partners and sponsors. Over the long term, the
NCC hopes to influence emission levels associated with visitors to the Capital as well.
•
The NCC will reduce its overall carbon footprint by 30 percent by 2017,
based on a 2011–2012 baseline.
•
The NCC will seek renewable sources of electricity. By 2013, 25 percent
of all NCC electricity purchases will be from renewable sources.
•
The NCC will advance an understanding of climate change impacts on
15
16
Combatting Climate Change
Leading in Environmental Practices
Preventing Pollution
Enhancing Biodiversity
Reducing Waste
5 AREAS
FOR ACTION :
ENVIRONMENTAL MILESTONES
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Carbon
neutral
Fall Rhapsody
25%
electricity
from
renewable
sources
Carbon
neutral
Canada Day
30%
reduction
of NCC's
overall carbon
footprint
Green
procurement
guidelines
Carbon
neutral
Winterlude
10%
reduction
of aggressive
invasive plant
species on NCC
urban land
Adopt
a plant
health care
policy
Green
urbanism
plan
Carbon
neutral
Christmas
Lights
50%
less waste
from
signature
events
Identified
high-value
ecosystems and
habitats designated
conservation
lands
Green
demolition
practices
Carbon
neutral
Rideau Canal
Skateway
LEED Gold
certification and
standards
Carbon
neutral
Sunday
Bikedays
70%
waste
diversion
rate
Secured
contaminated
sites
“All things are connected,
like the blood that runs in
your family … The water’s
murmur is the voice of my
father’s father.”
— Suquamish Chief Sealth
17
A HISTORY OF ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION
The environment has been an ever-growing commitment of the NCC and its predecessors
for more than 100 years.
18
1899
The Ottawa Improvement Commission, a predecessor of the NCC, begins
to manage a network of parks in the region, starting with Rockcliffe Park.
1938
Gatineau Park is born, through the purchase of patches of land by the
Federal District Commission. The intention is to preserve some of the
great Canadian wilderness as part of the Capital.
1950
A first Plan for the National Capital (known as the Gréber Plan, after French
urban planner Jacques Gréber, who devised the plan at the behest of
Prime Minister Mackenzie King) includes measures to create a “greenbelt”
around Ottawa, enlarge Gatineau Park, acquire riverfronts and green corridors for public access and recreation, restore polluted parts of the Ottawa
River, and develop parks and parkways. The plan is largely implemented
over the subsequent three decades.
1970s
The NCC expands programs that grant public access to and build understanding of natural spaces in Canada’s Capital Region. Nature interpretation
programs are initiated, and panoramic parkways and recreational pathways
are completed.
1980s
The NCC transfers key lands for the creation of important new sections
of the Ottawa Transitway, an exclusive rapid transit link spanning much
of the city’s urban area.
1990
The NCC’s Office of Environmental Stewardship is created. Its role is to
contribute to the development of Canada’s Capital Region in such a way
that the quality of the natural environment is sustained and enhanced
for the benefit of present and future generations.
1995
The Environmental Assessment Program formally begins at the NCC,
with a policy committing the corporation to integrating environmental
considerations into all plans, activities and decisions.
1997
A first comprehensive NCC environmental audit is performed internally.
It finds that the NCC has in place many of the key components of an
effective environmental management system, and identifies a number
of areas where the NCC should make improvements on environmental
issues.
1998
The NCC introduces environmental guidelines for its contractors and
lease managers.
1998
Onset of the NCC’s contaminated sites investigation and management
program.
1999
The NCC’s Plan for Canada’s Capital articulates a renewed long-term vision
for the Capital as it enters the 21st century. Sustainable land stewardship,
natural resource management and the protection of ecosystems are key
features of the plan.
2001
A follow-up environmental audit is performed by an external environmental
consultancy. The report concludes that the NCC has taken a systematic
approach to addressing the findings and recommendations from previous
environmental audits. It recommends new action for the NCC to focus on
including species at risk, water quality, lease property and the management
of fuel storage tanks.
2004
The NCC launches a biodiversity monitoring program for Gatineau Park, the
Greenbelt and its urban lands, with a view to preserving and protecting the
fragile ecosystems and endangered plant and animal species on its lands.
2005
The NCC begins to “green” its major events and programs, including Canada
Day and Winterlude. A primary focus is on waste management and recycling.
The same year, another broad-ranging environmental audit is completed.
2007
A study is conducted on the valued ecosystems and habitats found on
NCC lands. It identifies 28 such ecosystems and habitats that are in need
of protection.
2008
As a delegate to the Capitals Alliance 2008: Greening the World’s Capital
Cities international conference, the NCC signs a declaration pledging its
commitment to do its part to build and promote sustainable communities.
2008
The NCC begins to actively acquire private lands within Gatineau Park
boundaries in order to ensure the integrity of this important natural area
in Canada’s Capital Region and to safeguard its ecological value.
2009
The NCC launches an ambitious and comprehensive environmental strategy
that cuts across all of its business lines. The strategy identifies key action
areas and measurable objectives geared at reducing waste, enhancing
biodiversity, combatting climate change, preventing pollution and leading
in environmental practices.
“…people have been working on solutions for years and
have developed concrete steps to massively reduce our
energy use, while stimulating whole new industries and
technologies that are more efficient and affordable.”
— David Suzuki
19
CONCLUSION
At the heart of its Environmental Strategy, the NCC is changing the way it does things
by integrating environmental considerations into its broad scope of activities, practices
and policies. The intent of the strategy is not to change the basic character of “what” the
NCC delivers — whether programs or services — but rather “how” these are delivered.
Meeting the ambitious targets set out in the strategy will require rapid action. The NCC
is currently developing a series of action plans, which will continue to evolve and be
tested over the coming year. Understanding the impact of NCC’s current activities is
an essential first step and, as the NCC continues to identify areas for improvement, it
will act on them.
As the NCC is taking immediate steps, additional actions will also be taken over the next
several years, with regular reports to the public on progress and the achievement of
major milestones. A cycle of ongoing action, measuring and reporting will allow the
NCC to learn from experience, review its objectives, develop new objectives and plans
if needed, and take new actions. In short, the NCC will constantly strive for greater
positive environmental impact.
The NCC welcomes public participation and input in helping to achieve its environmental
goals.
CONTACT THE NCC
Members of the public are encouraged to call the NCC at 613-239-5000,
1-800-465-1867 (toll-free) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY), or visit
the website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca for more detailed information
about the Environmental Strategy and to provide comments.
20
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Biodiversity The full range of animals, plants and other living things and the places
where they live on the planet.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) A greenhouse gas produced in part by human activities,
whose emissions are largely responsible for climate change.
Carbon footprint The total set of carbon-containing emissions (mainly CO2) caused
directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event or product.
Carbon neutral Having a net zero carbon footprint by balancing the greenhouse
gas emissions created with an equivalent amount sequestered or offset.
Carbon offset An investment in a project or activity elsewhere that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, or sequesters carbon from the atmosphere, that is used to compensate
for unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions created by one’s own activities.
Conservation land Land specially designated by federal, provincial/territorial
or local bodies to protect fragile ecosystems, habitats and species at risk.
Contaminated site Areas of land that contain chemical substances (e.g. heavy
metals or petroleum products) that may pose a hazard to human health or the environment, or that exceed the levels set out in policies and regulations.
Ecosystem A unit of interdependent organisms that share the same habitat.
Energy efficiency Refers to how effectively energy is being used for a given purpose.
For example, performing a similar function or providing a similar (or better) level of
service with less energy consumption on a per unit basis is considered an improvement
in energy efficiency.
Greenhouse gas Emissions of gases such as nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4),
and especially carbon dioxide (CO2) that accumulate in the atmosphere and act to
retain atmospheric heat, thus contributing to climate change.
LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) A third-party
certification program administered by the Canada Green Building Council for the design,
construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.
Secured site A contaminated site where all necessary study, remediation and other
risk management actions have been taken, consistent with the designated use of
the site.
Waste diversion The reduction, reuse and recycling of waste leading to a reduction
of waste being sent to the landfill.
21
N AT I O N A L C A P I TA L C O M M I S S I O N
202–40 Elgin Street, Ottawa, Canada K1P 1C7
Telephone: 613-239-5000 • Toll-free: 1-800-465-1867
TTY: 613-239-5090 • Toll-free TTY: 1-866-661-3530
Fax: 613-239-5063
Email: [email protected]
www.canadascapital.gc.ca
Unless noted otherwise, all imagery is the property of the National Capital Commission.
Ce rapport est aussi offert en français.
Environmental Strategy: Building a Greener Capital
Catalogue number: W93-26/2010E-PDF
ISBN: 978-1-100-17250-7
Enviro_coverE_2012-13_PRINT_Enviro_coverE_2012-13 05/07/13 4:23 PM Page 1
ANNUAL
ENVIRONMENT
REPORT
2012–2013
N AT I ON AL C AP I TAL COM M I SS I ON
202–40 Elgin Street, Ottawa, Canada K1P 1C7
Telephone: 613-239-5000 • Toll-free: 1-800-465-1867
TTY: 613-239-5090 • Toll-free TTY: 1-866-661-3530
Fax: 613-239-5063
Email: [email protected]
www.canadascapital.gc.ca
Unless noted otherwise, all imagery is the property of the National Capital Commission.
Ce rapport est aussi offert en français.
To reduce environmental impacts, a limited number of printed reports have been
produced. In lieu of additional printed copies, a PDF version of this report can be
downloaded at canadascapital.gc.ca/enviro.
Printed on Rolland Enviro100 Print, which contains 100% post-consumer fibre, is
Environmental Choice, Processed Chlorine Free, as well as FSC Recycled certified,
and manufactured in Quebec by Cascades using biogas energy.
2012-2013 Annual Environment Report
Catalogue number: W91-4/2013E
1926-0415
Enviro_Report_E_2012-13_Enviro_Report_E_2012-13 05/07/13 4:25 PM Page 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Message from the Chief Executive Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Introduction
.....................................................................3
Environmental strategy performance overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Progress and priorities: Summary by action area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Reducing waste. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Enhancing biodiversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Preventing pollution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Leading in environmental practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Combatting climate change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Engaging NCC staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
1
1. MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
I am pleased to present the National Capital Commission’s (NCC) environment report
for the 2012–2013 fiscal year. This is the fourth annual report since we launched the
NCC’s environmental strategy, Building a Greener Capital, in June 2009.
This report highlights clear and measurable progress and demonstrates our ongoing
commitment to build a greener capital. It also provides an account of the NCC’s
environmental risks and compliance requirements.
There are many examples of progress highlighted in this report which NCC staff have
worked hard to accomplish. For example, this year, we obtained the EcoLogo® certification
for Canada Day, Winterlude and the Rideau Canal Skateway. In addition, we finalized
the study identifying the extent of invasive plant species located on the NCC’s urban
lands. We also identified the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN)
categories for all high-value ecosystems and habitats located on NCC lands for formal
land designation within the Greenbelt Master Plan and Capital Urban Lands Master Plan.
I am particularly impressed with the way in which NCC staff have developed innovative
and appropriate strategies for ensuring that we reach our targets, building on lessons
learned and drawing from best practices. This process of continual learning is clearly
helping to build momentum as we work collaboratively with our partners toward building
a truly greener capital.
Jean-François Trépanier
Chief Executive Officer
2
NCC 2012–2013 Annual Environment Report
2. INTRODUCTION
On June 4, 2009, the National Capital Commission (NCC) launched its first comprehensive
environmental strategy, known as Building a Greener Capital. This eight-year plan mapped
out five key action areas, each with one priority objective and a focused set of secondary
targets.
This annual report — the fourth of its kind since the strategy was launched — provides
members of the NCC’s Board of Directors and the public with a detailed account of the
corporation’s environmental performance in the 2012–2013 fiscal year. It builds on the
previous reports to illustrate the progress that the NCC has made toward meeting its
objectives in all of the priority action areas. The report also describes how the NCC has
managed important environmental regulatory compliance risks and issues during the year.
In 2013–2014, the NCC will work to update the environmental strategy to better
reflect the renewed mandate of the NCC and the Federal Sustainable Development
Strategy. During this process, some objectives that are no longer relevant may be
changed or eliminated. However, this midpoint review is also an opportunity to refresh
the environmental strategy and create new objectives to ensure that the NCC remains
at the forefront of environmental sustainability as it moves into the future.
The updated strategy will continue to build on the corporation’s long-standing tradition
of environmental stewardship, and reflect its core mission to build a great capital for
all Canadians.
For more information about the NCC’s environmental stewardship, including the previous
annual reports and the strategy itself, please visit the NCC’s website:
canadascapital.gc.ca/planning/environmental-strategy.
BUILDING A GREENER CAPITAL
ACTION AREAS:
 Reduce waste
 Enhance biodiversity
 Prevent pollution
 Lead in environmental practices
 Combat climate change
3. ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW
The following chart summarizes the NCC’s progress toward meeting the objectives of its
environmental strategy over the past three years. It highlights accomplishments, notes
key environmental indicators, and provides information on obstacles or challenges.
More detailed information is provided throughout the report.
3
TABLE 1: SUMMARY OF PERFORMANCE ON ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY
OBJECTIVES
HIGHLIGHTS OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS
STATUS1
STATUS1
STATUS1
(2010–2011)
(2011–2012)
(2012–2013)
Reducing waste
By 2013, the NCC will reduce the waste going to
landfills from the activities associated with Canada
Day, Winterlude and the Rideau Canal Skateway,
by 50 percent against a 2009–2010 baseline.
A total of 3.9 tonnes, 19.5 tonnes and 11.8 tonnes of waste
were sent to landfill from Canada Day 2012, Rideau Canal
Skateway and Winterlude 2013, respectively. The NCC’s
objectives for Canada Day is 5 tonnes; for Rideau Canal
Skateway, 11.1 tonnes; and for Winterlude, 6.8 tonnes.
The NCC will achieve 70 percent waste diversion
(through reducing, reusing, recycling) for all NCC
business areas by 2017.
In 2010–2011, the NCC rolled out a refreshed office waste
management program. To ascertain the effectiveness of this
program, a comprehensive waste audit, originally planned in
2012–2013, will be completed in 2013–2014.
The NCC will challenge partners hosting events on NCC
lands to achieve a 50 percent waste diversion target.
The NCC will support meeting this challenge by adding new
clauses to the event partnership agreements for
2013–2014.
The NCC will develop green procurement guidelines for
implementation in 2010, which will include low waste as
an important criterion.
Green procurement guidelines have been developed, and
they are now available to NCC staff via the intranet.
The NCC will implement green demolition practices by
2010, which place a strong emphasis on waste diversion
and resource conservation.
A total of 30 demolition projects on NCC lands took place over
the reporting period, and all of them used green demolition
practices. As a result, 97.7 percent of material was diverted
from landfill.
See page 6
See page 9
Enhancing biodiversity
The NCC will ensure that all 28 high-value ecosystems
and habitats found within the Greenbelt and Gatineau
Park and on urban lands in the region are designated
as conservation lands by 2012.
Land designations for high-value ecosystems found in the
Greenbelt and on the Capital’s urban lands have been identified in accordance with the International Union for the
Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) categories for protected areas.
The designations will be incorporated into the master plans
for both portfolios in 2013–2014. The high-value ecosystems
and habitats in Gatineau Park are designated as conservation
lands in the Gatineau Park Ecosystem Conservation Plan.
The NCC will implement new recovery plans for federally
and provincially listed species at risk on NCC lands,
within one year of finalization.
Recovery plans were finalized in 2012–2013 for the blunt-lobed
woodsia, least bittern and the flooded jellyskin lichen. Further,
one management plan was finalized for the Louisiana waterthrush. These plans are now in effect, and their applicable
measures will be incorporated into the Gatineau Park Species
at Risk Protection Plan.
The NCC will protect all critical habitats identified on
NCC lands under federal or provincial law for species
at risk, within one year of designation.
Critical habitats for three species at risk — the blunt-lobed
woodsia, least bittern and Louisiana waterthrush — are
found within Gatineau Park. These habitats are protected
under the Gatineau Park Ecosystem Conservation Plan. The
critical habitat for one species at risk — the flooded jellyskin
lichen — is located at Stony Swamp, within the Greenbelt.
Because Stony Swamp is a high-value ecosystem, it will be
officially designated as an IUCN Category II protected area
in the Greenbelt Master Plan to be finalized in 2013–2014.
The NCC will develop a thorough understanding of the
biodiversity on NCC lands through the NCC’s Natural
Resources Research Program.
In the context of the Biodiversity Monitoring Study on NCC
Lands, a total of seven biodiversity indicators have been
monitored in Gatineau Park and the Greenbelt, and on
urban lands sites in the Capital.
The NCC will reduce the amount of NCC urban land
infested by aggressive invasive plant species by
10 percent against a baseline by 2014.
An aggressive invasive alien species management study
for NCC lands was finalized in February 2013. This study found
that invasive alien species were affecting 49 percent of urban
lands under NCC stewardship. In 2013–2014, an implementation plan will be established to reduce by 10 percent the area
of NCC urban lands infested by these species.
1.
The objective is on track or achieved.
There is some delay in achieving the objective.
See page 10
See page 13
See page 13
See page 13
See page 14
There are significant delays, and the objective may not be met.
OBJECTIVES
HIGHLIGHTS OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS
STATUS1
STATUS1
STATUS1
(2010–2011)
(2011–2012)
(2012–2013)
Preventing pollution
All contaminated sites on NCC lands will be secured
by 2017.
Five sites are currently under ongoing remediation, and
67 contaminated sites have been secured.
See page 17
The NCC will identify and remove or repair all problem
underground storage tanks on NCC property
by 2011.
The NCC owned five regulated tanks on its lands. Two of the
five regulated tanks are non-compliant.
The NCC will adopt a policy to confirm the elimination
of the cosmetic use of pesticides on NCC lands
by 2010.
The NCC’s Pesticide Policy was approved, and an implementation strategy was developed.
See page 18
See page 18
All new building construction on NCC lands, for
buildings over 250 square metres, will be certified
LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design) Gold by 2013, and all major building renovations will meet LEED® certification standards.
Renovations to the Dome Building, a heritage building at
Rideau Hall, were completed. The Dome Building is expected
to obtain LEED® Silver certification. New facilities built at
the Wakefield Mill, as part of the Wakefield Mill expansion
project, are expected to obtain LEED® Gold certification.
The NCC will use green building practices for the
construction of all buildings under 250 square metres.
Green building practices are incorporated in NCC projects.
Environmental criteria are used to prioritize projects.
The NCC will integrate environmental education into all
NCC activities, where appropriate.
An Urban BioKit for Ottawa–Gatineau was launched by
Environment Canada, with the collaboration of the NCC.
This activity kit helps users to explore biodiversity, and
familiarize themselves with the natural riches found in
The NCC will strengthen environmentally sensitive
practices in all maintenance contracts.
The NCC will provide and promote environmentally
sustainable transportation alternatives.
Operational requirements have been added to maintenance
contracts. For example, contracts may require that recycling
and composting services be part of events or that action be
taken to better control the spread of invasive species.
An assessment was completed to determine the cumulative
effects of 30 transportation infrastructure projects on the
Greenbelt, and the Gatineau Park Sustainable Transportation
Plan was finalized.
The NCC will lead the effort to engage partners in
improving the water quality of key watersheds in
Canada’s Capital Region, with the Ottawa River as the
first priority.
The NCC continued to work with partners in stewardship
efforts aimed at improving the water quality of key watersheds in Canada’s Capital Region, with the Ottawa River as
the first priority.
The NCC will integrate a green urbanism approach into
the 2013 Plan for Canada’s Capital.
The NCC will give priority to green urbanism and sustainable
development approaches in the planning and management
of federal lands in the Capital Region.
See page 22
See page 25
See page 26
See page 24
Combatting climate change
The NCC’s signature events and programs will
become carbon neutral, starting with Canada
Day 2010.
Five of the NCC’s six signature events and programs were
carbon neutral. The carbon footprint for Christmas Lights
Across Canada, Canada Day, the Rideau Canal Skateway,
Winterlude and Fall Rhapsody were established and highquality carbon offsets have been acquired.
The NCC will reduce its overall carbon footprint by
30 percent by 2017, based on a 2011–2012 baseline.
The calculation of the NCC’s greenhouse gas inventory
for the 2011–2012 reference year will be completed in
2013–2014.
The NCC will seek renewable sources of electricity. By
2013, 25 percent of all NCC electricity purchases will
be from renewable sources.
All electricity purchased by the NCC comes directly from
the Ontario and Quebec grid systems, which both contain
more than 25 percent renewable energy.
The NCC will advance public understanding of climate
change impacts on Canada’s Capital Region.
Work to update the 2005 study Climate Change: A Long-Term
Strategic Issue for the NCC — Implications for RecreationTourism Business Lines has been postponed.
See page 29
See page 30
4. PROGRESS AND PRIORITIES: SUMMARY BY ACTION AREA
4.1 Reducing waste
PRIORITY OBJECTIVE:
By 2013, the NCC will reduce the waste going to landfills from the activities
associated with Canada Day, Winterlude and the Rideau Canal Skateway, by
50 percent against a 2009–2010 baseline.
Much of the waste generated as a result of Canada Day, Winterlude and the Rideau Canal
Skateway is recyclable or compostable. With respect to these events, the NCC has been
steadily working toward diverting waste from landfill, employing the principles of continuous learning. For example, the NCC introduced waste stations to promote recycling,
but last year found that there was a higher rate of contamination than was expected.
During 2012–2013, the NCC applied new approaches to ensure that recyclable and
compostable waste from signature events and programs would be accepted by recycling
and composting plants.
SIGNATURE EVENTS AND FACILITIES
During 2012–2013, the NCC introduced new measures to ensure that recyclable and
compostable materials were well separated. The NCC made sure that waste was sorted
before being sent to recycling plants, launched a pilot project that involved a volunteer
Green Squad to raise public awareness of waste diversion at events, and tested new waste
station prototypes. In addition, a public composting program was offered to visitors.
KEY ENVIRONMENT INDICATORS
A total of 30 green demolition projects were undertaken, diverting 97 percent of
material from landfill.
From Canada Day 2012, Winterlude 2013 and the Rideau Canal Skateway
2012–2013 season:
• 32.2 tonnes of waste were sent to landfills
• 6.7 tonnes of compostable material and 11 tonnes of recyclable material
were diverted from landfill
Four new waste station prototypes were tested during events.
27 volunteers dedicated 154 hours to reducing event waste.
6
During Canada Day, waste and recycling was sorted on-site. A team of staff from
Consortium Echo-Logique, a private firm that specializes in waste management, sorted
materials into the three waste streams. In the case of Winterlude and the Rideau Canal
Skateway, the sorting was done off-site. Recyclable materials were sent to Consortium
Echo-Logique’s facilities, where contamination was eliminated to ensure that recyclables
would be accepted by a recycling plant. This practice has proven to be a major factor
in reducing the waste going to landfill.
Over the three weekends of Winterlude, 27 volunteers contributed 154 hours of their time
to help the NCC achieve its waste diversion objectives. Wearing lime green vests and
standing beside the waste bins, they interacted with the public and answered questions
on how to best use the NCC’s waste-diversion facilities.
The cities of Ottawa and Gatineau also offered support. They provided bins to collect organic
waste that was generated during Canada Day, Winterlude and the Rideau Canal Skateway
season. Moreover, the cities collected and processed the material free of charge.
It is also worth noting that approximately 3,400 Christmas trees were donated to be
reused to adorn the official sites of Winterlude and the Rideau Canal Skateway. Once
these events came to a close, the trees were converted into wood chips which can be
reused as landscaping material.
In order to achieve even better results, two new waste station prototype models were
developed and built. These prototypes are meant to standardize the waste, recycling and
composting collection system for signature events and programs, and to offer better
signage to visitors. The new waste stations were tested at official sites for Winterlude 2013
and the Rideau Canal Skateway 2013 season. One waste station prototype was installed
at Confederation Park; two were set up at Jacques-Cartier Park; and one was placed at the
Fifth Avenue rest area on the Rideau Canal Skateway. These prototypes will be tested
again at Canada Day 2013. If the prototypes prove effective, they could potentially be
fully deployed for the Rideau Canal Skateway 2014 season.
All these initiatives have cumulatively resulted in progress toward the NCC’s goals for
waste management for Canada Day, Winterlude and the Rideau Canal Skateway. Table 2
(on page 8) indicates the total amount of waste, as well as recyclable and compostable
material collected in 2012–2013.
As Table 2 indicates, the reduction target for Canada Day 2012 has been achieved; only
3.9 tonnes of waste were sent to landfill. The 2013 target for this event is to send less than
5 tonnes of waste to landfill. Compared with 2012, the total amount of waste collected
decreased, and the amount of recyclable material collected increased.
For Winterlude, the total amount of waste collected increased from 2012 to 2013. This may
be attributable to increased public participation in Winterlude as a result of weather
that was favourable to the festival. Consequently, the amount of waste sent to landfill
and the amount composted also increased, in this case by 2.8 and 3 tonnes from 2012
to 2013, respectively. The amount of material that was recycled diminished by 1.2 tonnes
from 2012 to 2013.
7
1
TABLE 2: SIGNATURE EVENTS AND FACILITIES WASTE, RECYCLING AND COMPOSTING RESULTS, 2009–2013
Canada Day
Rideau Canal Skateway
Measured Results
2009
2010
2011
2012
Total material
collected
12.3
9.0
12.0
8.8
Total amount
recycled
2.4
2.0
3.4
4.2
1.9
2.3
Total amount
composted
0
0
2.2
0.7
0
Total sent to landfill
9.9
7.0
6.3
3.9
22.2
NCC 2013 target for
waste sent to landfill
Winterlude
2010
2011
2012
2013
2010
2011
2012
2013
24.1
33.1
14.1
23.4
17.4
11.4
16.12
20.7
2.8
2.2
3.8
2.0
5.82
4.6
0
1
1.7
0
0
1.3
4.3
30.7
10.3
19.5
13.6
9.4
9.0
11.8
(5.0)
(11.1)
(6.8)
1. Figures in metric tonnes and rounded to one decimal place.
2. These numbers have been updated from the 2011–2012 Annual Environment Report.
Similarly, for the Rideau Canal Skateway, the total amount of waste material collected
in 2013 increased considerably compared with 2012. Consequently, the total amount of
waste sent to landfill also increased. The NCC recognizes that the amount of waste that
is generated is directly linked to the number of skating days. Table 3 shows that the
amount of waste sent to landfill per skating days increased from 2012 to 2013. The NCC
will continue to implement new measures and initiatives to work toward meeting its
waste reduction targets.
TABLE 3: RIDEAU CANAL SKATEWAY STATISTICS
2010
2011
2012
2013
Number of skating days
36
53
26
38
Total sent to landfill1
22.2
30.7
10.3
19.5
0.40
0.51
Tonnes of waste to landfill per skating day
1. Figures in metric tonnes.
8
0.61
0.58
GREEN DEMOLITION PROJECTS: CAREFUL DECONSTRUCTION HELPS REDUCE WASTE
The most common image of a building demolition involves the
sight of a structure being transformed into a heap of rubble.
From window frames to doors, from drywall to shingles, everything is destroyed. The wreckage is then carted off to landfill.
In Canada, construction and demolition waste account for
as much as 25 percent of the total waste sent to landfills.
The waste produced during building demolitions can be 20
to 30 times that produced during construction!
However, there is another way to demolish buildings — one
that involves reusing or recycling materials such as concrete,
metal, wood, drywall, shingles and insulation. Green demolition involves deconstructing a building with the goal of
diverting at least 90 percent of the materials from landfill.
This year, all 30 of the NCC’s demolition projects used green
demolition practices. This represents the demolition of
56 buildings. Non-governmental organizations such as Habitat
for Humanity collected salvageable items like windows or doors
so that they could be put to good use in building reliable,
affordable housing. Other materials were sent to other NCC
construction sites to help reduce the need for new materials.
For example, stone from a demolition on Robertson Road will
be reused for reconstruction projects at Rideau Hall.
The NCC takes particular care to maintain the value of buildings
that are historic in nature — structures that connect us to our
country’s past. Green demolitions can support that objective.
For example, a log structure on Merivale Road in Ottawa which
was considered to have high heritage value was dismantled
log by log. It was then brought to another site and rebuilt in
its original state.
As the stewards of so many buildings in Canada’s Capital
Region, the NCC has a responsibility to find ways to divert
its demolition waste. For the 30 demolition projects, the
diversion rate for wood was as high as 85 percent, and
no concrete or metal from any of the projects was sent
to landfill. All of the projects achieved at least a 97 percent
overall diversion rate.
In all, these projects have helped divert 3,067 tonnes of
concrete, 233 tonnes of metal and 1,165 tonnes of wood and,
including other material, overall diverted 5,066 tonnes of
potential waste.
9
4.2 Enhancing biodiversity
PRIORITY OBJECTIVE:
The NCC will ensure that all 28 high-value ecosystems and habitats found within
the Greenbelt and Gatineau Park and on urban lands in the region are designated
as conservation lands by 2012.
As the owner of 11 percent of the land in Canada’s Capital Region, which straddles the
Quebec–Ontario border, the NCC is the chief steward of federal lands in the region.
These rural, urban and wilderness lands are characterized by a high level of biodiversity.
The creation of conservation areas is recognized worldwide as a key strategy for enhancing
biodiversity. The NCC has worked to ensure that the high-value ecosystems and natural
habitats under its stewardship will be categorized according to an internationally recognized
framework for protected environmental management.
To ensure that it practises sound environmental stewardship, the NCC respects
environmental plans that are grounded in reliable and current data, such as species
at risk management plans, recovery strategies for critical habitats and approaches to
address key problems, like invasive alien species.
Further, the NCC is dedicated to protecting the ecological integrity of federal lands.
For example, the NCC often acquires land based on a “no net loss” principle. In 2012–2013,
8.9 hectares of land were purchased in order to compensate for the sale of approximately
the same amount of land to the City of Ottawa. The City required the NCC property for
the Hunt Club interchange on Highway 417. The NCC’s acquisition helped protect the
ecological integrity of the Greenbelt.
There are 200 species at risk on NCC lands.
NCC lands include 28 high-value ecosystems and habitats: 9 designated as
IUCN Category II protected areas and 19 to be designated within the next
two years.
Forty-five invasive alien plant species were observed in Gatineau Park and
the Greenbelt, and on the Capital’s urban lands.
A total of 211 non-ash trees were planted to replace ash trees affected by the
emerald ash borer.
10
HIGH-VALUE ECOSYSTEMS AND NATURAL HABITATS
There is remarkable variety within the NCC’s high-value ecosystems and habitats, including
alvars, different types of wetlands, significant forests, and unique habitats for species at
risk or species of interest. The ecosystems and habitats also contain a diversity of aquatic
resources, ranging from small urban streams to regionally important rivers. Most high-value
ecosystems and natural habitats have maintained pockets of natural habitats that have
a high level of ecological integrity and some connectivity with surrounding natural habitat.
Every high value ecosystem and habitat — also known as core natural areas — located
within the Greenbelt has been identified as conservation land in the Greenbelt Master Plan.
The conservation designations follow the framework of protected area management
categories developed by the IUCN. The IUCN protected area management categories
classify protected areas according to their management objectives. They also facilitate
a common understanding of protected areas within and between countries.
The Greenbelt Master Plan is on track to be approved in 2013–2014.
An IUCN category has also been assigned for the high-value habitats located in urban
areas under the NCC’s stewardship. These habitats will be officially designated as
conservation lands within the Capital Urban Lands Master Plan, Phase 1, which should
be finalized and approved in 2013–2014.
Gatineau Park’s high-value ecosystems and habitats have already been designated by
means of the NCC’s Gatineau Park Ecosystem Conservation Plan, completed in 2009–2010.
This plan offers a consistent approach to conservation that is grounded in concrete actions.
Table 4 (on page 12) indicates the IUCN protected area management categories for the
28 high-value ecosystems and habitats.
In 2012–2013, the NCC completed two studies: Management Recommendations for the
Valued Natural Ecosystems and Habitats of the Greenbelt and Urban Lands and Management
Recommendations for the Valued Natural Ecosystems and Habitats of Gatineau Park. These
reports will be used to guide NCC efforts to protect, restore, and enhance high-value
ecosystems and habitats and their natural elements in the Greenbelt and Gatineau Park,
as well as on urban lands.
For each valued natural ecosystem and habitat identified in the study, conservation
objectives were set, and management recommendations were identified. The recommendations are based on best practices used in protected natural areas throughout the world,
and are in accordance with the identified IUCN category. The recommendations also
take into account the NCC’s legal obligations regarding species at risk and biodiversity
protection. Based on these studies, the NCC will identify priority actions and develop
implementation plans in 2013–2014.
11
TABLE 4: IUCN CATEGORIES FOR THE NCC’S HIGH-VALUE ECOSYSTEMS AND HABITATS
IUCN Category
Ecosystems
Habitats
La Pêche Lake
Eardley Plateau
Eardley Escarpment
Pink Lake Plateau
Three-Lake Chain
Folly Bog
Lac des Fées
Gatineau Park
II1
Greenbelt
1
II
Shirleys Bay
Stony Swamp
Mer Bleue Bog
III2
Pinhey Forest
IV3
Lester Wetland
Chapel Hill’s North Forest
Green’s Creek
Pine Grove Forest
Black Rapids Creek
Urban Lands
IV3
Leamy Lake
Champlain Corridor
Voyageurs Corridor
Mud Lake
Champlain Bridge islands and
Lemieux Island
Rockcliffe Park
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Woods (formerly Airbase Woods)
Rideau River, Hog’s Back
McCarthy Woods
Carlington Woods
Philemon Wright Corridor
1. The primary objective of Category II is to protect the natural biodiversity, along with its underlying ecological structure and supporting
environmental processes, and to promote education and recreation.
2. The primary objective of Category III is to protect specific outstanding natural features and their associated biodiversity and habitats.
3. The primary objective of Category IV is to maintain, conserve and restore species and habitats.
12
SPECIES AT RISK
NCC lands provide habitat for approximately 200 species at risk. The term “species at risk”
refers to plant and animal species with special status at the federal or provincial level.
It also includes species that are listed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered
Wildlife in Canada and those appearing on provincial lists of species likely to be designated as threatened or vulnerable.
The NCC is currently working to ensure that it has up-to-date data regarding species
at risk on its lands. A revised database of information will be available in 2013–2014.
It will reflect updates and technical revisions to the federal and provincial lists of species
at risk, as well as work done by the NCC to ascertain the presence of species at risk on
NCC lands.
RECOVERY PLANS AND CRITICAL HABITATS
Plans to ensure the recovery and survival of three species at risk were finalized by
Environment Canada during 2012. These species are the blunt-lobed woodsia, a fern
that grows in inaccessible places such as steep rock faces; the least bittern, a tiny heron
found in marshes; and the flooded jellyskin lichen, a leaf-like lichen that grows at the
base of trees near vernal ponds that fill with meltwater in spring, and dry up in summer.
The first two species are located in Gatineau Park, while the flooded jellyskin lichen is
found only in the Greenbelt.
Also, one management plan was finalized by Environment Canada during 2012 for the
Louisiana waterthrush, a bird that is usually found in steep, forested ravines with fastflowing streams. This bird is known to breed in Gatineau Park.
Annual monitoring and protection measures are in place for the least bittern, the
Louisiana waterthrush and the blunt-lobed woodsia. The latter is protected by virtue
of its location in the integral conservation zone of Gatineau Park.
In addition, the NCC has been collaborating with the Quebec government on a recovery
plan for the Blanding’s turtle, which is known to be present in Gatineau Park. NCC staff
are providing input into the draft recovery plan that is currently being developed by
Quebec’s Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement, de la Faune et
des Parcs.
BIODIVERSITY INDICATORS
In 2012–2013, four biodiversity indicators were monitored in Gatineau Park (small
mammals, mosaic of habitats, habitat fragmentation, and fauna and flora potential),
and four were monitored in the Greenbelt and on urban lands (birds, small mammals,
frogs and toads, and flora at risk).
The NCC has determined that biodiversity in Gatineau Park is stable, after reviewing
all the biodiversity indicators monitored over the past eight years. Monitoring results
for the Greenbelt and urban lands are still preliminary.
13
AGGRESSIVE INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES MANAGEMENT STUDY
Invasive, non-native species represent a serious threat to environmental sustainability.
Over the past year, the NCC completed a study to assess the current extent of invasive
species on NCC lands and to make recommendations to address the situation. Ultimately,
the NCC aims to preserve and protect regional biodiversity, as well as species at risk
and their habitats; to restore valued natural ecosystems and habitats to the extent
possible; and to minimize the introduction of new invasive alien species on NCC lands.
A total of 45 invasive alien plant species have been observed in Gatineau Park and the
Greenbelt, and on urban lands under the stewardship of the NCC. Of these 45 species,
31 can be categorized as aggressive.
A total of 27 invasive alien species were observed on the Capital’s urban lands; 20 were
observed in the Greenbelt and 16 were found in Gatineau Park.
With this study, the NCC was able to establish the extent of aggressive invasive alien plant
species. It was found that 49 percent of the urban land area is affected by the presence
of these invasive species, while 6 percent of the Greenbelt and less than 0.1 percent of
Gatineau Park are affected. These figures serve as the baseline for the secondary objective,
which is to reduce by 10 percent the quantity of aggressive invasive plant species located
on urban land by 2014.
Priority actions will be identified, and an implementation plan will be developed in
2013–2014 for urban lands. The focus will be the removal of invasive species in priority
areas, including high-value ecosystems and habitats.
EMERALD ASH BORER
The emerald ash borer is an exotic beetle that attacks and kills virtually all species of ash
trees. It has spread through the region since July 2008. Last year was the first time that
the presence of this destructive insect was confirmed within the limits of Gatineau Park
by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The NCC is now working in collaboration
with the CFIA to slow down the rate of infestation by the emerald ash borer in the Park.
Because only three percent of the tree cover in Gatineau Park is ash, the NCC is hopeful
that the impact of this alien insect will be relatively limited.
However, the proportion of ash trees in the Greenbelt and on NCC urban lands is much
higher. On urban lands, roughly 664 ash trees affected by the emerald ash borer were
removed in the eastern and core areas in 2012–2013. In order to try and protect the
remaining ash trees, 129 of the 238 ash trees in the NCC’s inventory were treated with a
registered systemic insecticide this year to prevent damage from the emerald ash borer.
In addition, about 211 maples, oaks and other non-ash native trees were planted in
strategic locations to replace current and future losses of ash trees.
Within the Greenbelt, the NCC has been undertaking monitoring to determine the
presence of the insect. A few ash trees were cut down by the NCC in the Greenbelt,
but these removals were primarily to address public safety concerns.
14
GEESE MANAGEMENT
Since 2007, the NCC has worked in collaboration with the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau on
a campaign, called “Keep the Wildlife Wild.” The primary aim of this campaign is to reduce
the impact of Canada geese on urban lands. For the NCC, this has meant undertaking
efforts to modify habitats in order to discourage the presence of geese. For example,
geese are attracted to short grass that is located near water, because it provides both
high-quality food and clear sight lines. The NCC has therefore installed temporary fences
so the geese cannot access the shore from the river. Shrubs have also been planted, and
the grass is not being cut as often. The strategies appear to be working; the number of
geese has diminished. In addition, the NCC will further strengthen its efforts to discourage
people from feeding geese.
Various measures for managing the presence of geese at recreation sites in Gatineau Park
have been established. In addition, a study of the number of geese and the removal of
droppings at Meech Lake and Philippe Lake were undertaken in 2012.
15
FLOODED JELLYSKIN: COOPERATING TO PROTECT A RARE BIOLOGICAL GEM
Flooded jellyskin is a very uncommon sort of lichen. When
seasoned naturalist Robert E. Lee, of the Macoun Field Club for
young naturalists, spotted flooded jellyskin during a visit to the
NCC’s Stony Swamp property in the Greenbelt, he knew it was
an important discovery. The lichen is globally rare — about
95 percent of the world’s population is thought to occur only in
Canada. Even in Canada, there are only a few known locations
in Ontario and Manitoba where this lichen can be found.
Since flooded jellyskin is listed as threatened under the
Canada’s Species at Risk Act, Robert immediately reported
his discovery to the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS). The CWS
is responsible for the management of species at risk in Canada.
A team was quickly assembled to develop a strategy for the
management and recovery of flooded jellyskin. The resulting
report was a collaborative effort, which drew on Robert’s
expertise, as well as that of staff from the NCC, CWS, Ontario’s
Ministry of Natural Resources and Manitoba Conservation.
Flooded jellyskin is a type of foliose (leafy) lichen that grows
primarily on the bases of tree and rocks between the high
16
and low water lines of seasonal pools. The seasonally flooded
habitat in Stony Swamp is therefore perfect for flooded
jellyskin. Moreover, because Stony Swamp is located in a
provincially significant wetland in one of the Greenbelt’s
core natural areas, this area is already well protected from
adverse environmental impacts.
However, flooded jellyskin is still vulnerable to changes in
normal flooding and drainage patterns (e.g. from infilling or
draining for roads, aggregate extraction, agriculture, and
residential or other development), death of its host trees
(by cutting or disease), pollution, and other climatic changes.
The recovery plan and the relationship that has developed
between the NCC, the Macoun Field Club and CWS will ensure
that these impacts are monitored and mitigated so that many
young naturalists will be able to enjoy this rare species well
into the future.
The NCC thanks Robert and the Macoun Field Club for taking
the initiative to help preserve the unique character of the
National Capital Greenbelt!
4.3 Preventing pollution
PRIORITY OBJECTIVE:
All contaminated sites on NCC lands will be secured by 2017.
CONTAMINATED SITES
In 2012–2013, the NCC focused on conducting 40 high-priority assessments, undertaking
remediation of a small number of key contaminated sites and implementing the large
remediation project at LeBreton Flats in downtown Ottawa. Securing existing contaminated
sites will again be a priority for the NCC in 2013–2014. The NCC is also seeking approval
for funding as part of the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan for 2014–2015 and
2015–2016.
Active remediation took place at five sites during the past year. Some of these initiatives
were a continuation of work initiated in 2011–2012. At Stanley Avenue Park, subsequent
to a project to provide a clean cover for areas contaminated with lead and other contaminants, another sector of the park (Stanley Avenue at Sussex Drive) was examined.
Further, monitoring, ongoing site maintenance and the capping of part of the former
landfill took place at the Ridge Road former landfill site. At the NCC’s Bayview property,
a long-term project to remediate groundwater for trichloroethylene continued, and
planning to expand the remediated area is ongoing. At Hurdman North, new remediation
strategies are being developed for the site, while the pumping and treating of free-phase
petroleum hydrocarbons is ongoing. At Richmond Landing — the new location of the
Royal Canadian Navy Monument — soil and groundwater remediation were undertaken
at the same time as the monument construction. Monitoring and risk assessment will
continue in 2013–2014.
The NCC has 67 secured contaminated sites.
There were four minor spills during 2012–2013.
All underground storage tanks, except one, are compliant.
There were no beach closures due to cyanobacteria during 2012–2013.
Forty-six percent of NCC buildings in active use are known to have designated
substances.
17
FIGURE 1: STATUS OF CONTAMINATED SITES, 2012–2013
Not a concern
Known to be contaminated1, including SECURED sites (light green)
868
169
67 236
Require further assessment
Sites remaining for initial assessment
384
0
1. The sites known to be contaminated and secured are also included in the total number of sites known to be contaminated.
Remediation of a six-hectare site at LeBreton Flats started in fall 2012, and is expected
to take approximately 14 months to complete. The objective of this major project is to
remediate the lands to residential standards so they can be used for mixed-use redevelopment in the short- to mid-term future.
Over the past year, the NCC reported an audited liability cost of $27.6 million,
$14.9 million lower than the value reported in the previous year ($42.5 million). The
NCC also reported a contingent liability cost of $471.2 million in 2012–2013, up from
$465 million reported for the 2011–2012 fiscal year.
FUEL STORAGE TANKS
At the end of fiscal year 2012–2013, there were 49 tanks on NCC lands subject to the
federal petroleum products storage tank regulations. In 2012, the majority of these tanks
were inspected to monitor progress made toward meeting the compliance requirements.
For the NCC-owned tanks, the following specific information is noted.
•
Five of the 49 regulated tanks are owned by the NCC.
•
Two regulated tanks owned by the NCC are non-compliant.
- One is an above-ground tank, which requires a spill emergency plan.
- The other non-compliant tank is an underground storage tank located at
a rented residence that is involved in a legal process.
PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT
The NCC Executive Management Committee approved the NCC’s Pesticide Policy. This
policy aims to strictly control the use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes on NCC lands.
In so doing, the NCC will follow the Ontario and Quebec pesticide management policies
which are both forward-looking and anchored in provincial legislation.
DESIGNATED SUBSTANCES
The NCC currently owns 1,225 buildings in active use, and is implementing a program to
identify and assess buildings where designated substances such as asbestos and paint
containing lead may be found. This type of work is required by the Canada Labour Code,
Part II.
The NCC’s designated substances program was initiated in 2008 to meet the requirements
of the Canada Labour Code. An initial review of existing documentation identified
18
NCC-owned buildings that were most likely to pose a risk to occupants, based on the type
of building and its use (e.g. workplace, residence, storage building, outbuilding and so on).
The buildings were ranked and divided into high-priority buildings and lower-priority
buildings for the purposes of assessment. Since the beginning of the program, the NCC has
worked toward completing designated substance surveys for all of its high-priority buildings.
In 2012–2013, surveys were completed at 116 buildings, including 40 high-priority buildings
and an additional 76 lower-priority buildings. The lower-priority buildings were assessed
because of their proximity to the high-priority ones or because the NCC had information
indicating that the building may contain a designated substance.
To date, the NCC has determined that 600 buildings are not likely to pose a risk, based
on a review of files and the results of designated substance surveys undertaken to this
point. Designated substances were found to be present at another 578 buildings. Work
on buildings containing designated substances is advancing on a case-by-case basis,
primarily under the direction of the various NCC portfolios.
The presence of designated substances in a building does not necessarily indicate a
potential risk to occupants. Many designated substances do not pose a risk unless
renovation or demolition of the building is undertaken. Other designated substances,
such as asbestos or lead in paint, can pose a risk if they are found to be in poor condition,
and building occupants are easily exposed. In many cases, the presence of a designated
substance is recorded and kept on file, while the condition of the designated substance
is monitored to ensure that it remains in good condition. In cases where designated
substances are found to be in poor condition, and remediation is considered a higher
priority, the managing portfolio is informed.
Of the 47 buildings remaining to be assessed, a minimum of 30 are slated for inspection
during 2013–2014. The rest will be scheduled for assessment over the next several years.
A case-by-case re-evaluation of buildings previously determined to be unlikely to pose a
risk will be undertaken in 2013–2014, which may result in additional surveys being carried
out at lower-priority buildings.
TABLE 5: STATUS OF REVIEW OF NCC BUILDINGS FOR DESIGNATED SUBSTANCES, MARCH 31, 2013
2009–2010
results
2010–2011
results
2011–2012
results
2012–2013
results
1,322
1,296
1,284
1,225
Buildings determined to
be unlikely to pose a risk
727
714
618
600
Buildings known to have
designated substances
248
289
558
578
Buildings remaining
to be assessed
347
293
108
47
Building status
Buildings in active use
Scheduled for assessment in 2013–20141
30
1. The buildings scheduled for assessment in the next fiscal year are also included in the buildings remaining to be assessed.
19
SPILLS AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Four minor spills were reported on NCC lands in 2012–2013. Three were petroleum product
spills: two took place in the Greenbelt and one happened at the Mackenzie King Estate
in Gatineau Park. The fourth spill was a release from a chemical toilet at Leamy Lake Park.
None of these spills were serious enough to require them to be reported to provincial
authorities. As of March 2013, all the spills had been cleaned up.
FEDERAL PCB REGULATIONS
Owners of equipment that contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are required to
comply with the federal PCB regulations, which came into effect in 2008 and are part
of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. These regulations include reporting
requirements, labelling and record-keeping requirements, as well as end-of-use dates
by which PCB-containing equipment must be removed from service and destroyed.
One key date is December 31, 2025. All PCB-containing equipment, including fluorescent
light ballasts, must be removed by this date.
The NCC is gradually compiling information to complete an inventory of PCB-containing
equipment. To ensure efficiency, some of the information is collected when designated
substances and hazardous materials surveys are completed.
OZONE-DEPLETING SUBSTANCES
The NCC owns equipment containing ozone-depleting substances, which are subject to
the federal Ozone-Depleting Substances Regulations, 1998. The regulations are intended
to reduce emissions of ozone-depleting substances by managing the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons, halons, methyl chloroform and carbon tetrachloride.
As it has for the PCB-containing equipment, the NCC is gradually compiling information
to complete an inventory of equipment that contains ozone-depleting substances.
WATER QUALITY
The NCC is responsible for overseeing the quality of water for drinking and swimming
at a number of locations on its lands. The NCC manages six beaches in Gatineau Park
and one at Leamy Lake Park. No beach closures due to outbreaks of cyanobacteria were
required in the summer of 2012.
20
LEBRETON FLATS REMEDIATION PROJECT: USING WASTE AS A RESOURCE
As part of its commitment to securing contaminated sites by
2017, the NCC is currently undertaking a project to remediate
a 6.5-hectare parcel of land slated for development at LeBreton
Flats in central Ottawa. In an effort to minimize the environmental impact of this work, 100,000 m3 of contaminated
LeBreton soil will be reused instead of being sent to landfill.
The contaminated soil is not suitable for use as part of a
residential development where people live, work and play.
However, careful modelling and environmental studies have
demonstrated that the soil would be suitable for use as a
landfill cap.
The LeBreton soil will therefore be used to help secure another
of the NCC’s contaminated sites: the former Ridge Road landfill
site. LeBreton soil will be used to regrade and cap the former
landfill. This will provide a secure and stable enclosure that
will improve drainage and reduce soil erosion, leachate and
garbage surfacing. A layer of clean soil will be placed on top of
the LeBreton soil to provide a clean soil cap, which will then be
landscaped with indigenous vegetation in order to re-naturalize
the site. Along with the engineered wetland that has already
been constructed at Ridge Road, this revitalized area will help
to further reduce pollution and provide habitat for birds and
other wildlife.
21
4.4
PRIORITY OBJECTIVE:
All new building construction on NCC lands, for buildings over 250 square
metres, will be certified LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design) Gold by 2013, and all major building renovations will meet LEED ®
certification standards.
Some of the structures under the NCC’s responsibility are considered heritage assets.
However, regardless of the age of structures, the NCC is nonetheless striving to be
forward-looking when it comes to the environmental sustainability of its buildings.
According to Natural Resources Canada, our built environment — consisting of houses,
buildings and the communities they form — accounts for approximately 50 percent of
all energy consumed in Canada. It therefore makes sense to optimize the use of energy
and to integrate clean energy into houses and buildings. Further, new urban planning
and building design practices, supported by the introduction of innovative technologies
can capture, store, distribute and optimize renewable energy.
BUILDINGS
The NCC has made a commitment to LEED® standards. LEED® is a third-party certification
program administered by the Canada Green Building Council for the design, construction
and operation of high-performance green buildings.
The Dome Building rehabilitation project, a heritage building located on the grounds of
Rideau Hall, was registered for the LEED® Silver designation in 2012–2013. It is expected
that the certification confirmation will be obtained once the project is finalized and the
building’s operation has been evaluated for one full year.
The NCC has two upcoming master plans that emphasize the conservation of
green and blue assets: the Greenbelt Master Plan and the Capital Urban Lands
Master Plan.
The NCC has finalized the Gatineau Park Sustainable Transportation Plan.
A total of 43,612 cycling trips were taken with the BIXI bike share program in
the Capital.
New bike lanes and recreational pathways were built.
Canada Day, Winterlude and the Rideau Canal Skateway were EcoLogo® certified
in 2012–2013.
22
The NCC undertook one major building renovation project in 2012–2013: the Rideau Hall
Foot Guard House. Although the renovation of the Foot Guard House took into account
LEED® standards, this building is ineligible for LEED® certification, because it does not
have full-time occupants.
The NCC did not construct any new buildings over 250 m2 in 2012–2013. However, a private
sector business located on NCC property, the Wakefield Mill Hotel and Spa, did construct
new facilities last year. Prior to construction, the Wakefield Mill was required to submit
plans for expansion to the NCC for approval. The proposed building was designed to include, for example, solar heating, as well as energy-efficient lighting and water systems.
The business owners are currently waiting for confirmation of a LEED® Gold Standard
certification for their newly opened guest lodge.
On November 30, 2012, the NCC was recognized as one of Hydro Ottawa’s 2012 Companies
for Conservation for outstanding energy conservation efforts. This was in large measure
a result of the NCC’s work to improve energy efficiency at the official residences.
In particular, the NCC participated in Hydro Ottawa’s saveONenergy Retrofit Program.
The NCC secured incentives that have offset a portion of the project costs for upgrading
556 light bulbs to LED lighting at the following locations: Stornoway, 7 Rideau Gate, and the
private garden and Rideau Cottage at Rideau Hall. These projects will save 329,000 kWh
and $72,000 over the life cycle of the LED bulbs.
TABLE 6: SUMMARY OF OFFICIAL RESIDENCES ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECTS
Project
Cost
SaveON
Energy
Incentive
Life Cycle
Savings
(kilowatt
hours)
Life
Cycle
Savings
4.3
3.4
$4,600
$5,600
$1,440
$1,720
97,000
55,000
$23,000
$18,000
75
1.3
$2,300
$0
106,000
$16,000
139
4.0
$2,900
$0
71,000
$15,000
556
2.8
$15,400
$3,160
329,000
$72,000
No. of
Bulbs
Simple
Payback
(years)
Stornoway
7 Rideau Gate
Rideau Hall —
Private Garden
Rideau Hall —
Rideau Cottage
184
158
Total
Official Residence
PLANNING
During 2012–2013, the strategic framework for the Capital Urban Lands Master Plan was
further elaborated. It incorporates the protection, conservation, and enhancement of both
green and blue assets and spaces. These include high-value ecosystems and habitats. This
master plan framework is expected to be finalized in 2013–2014. The sector plans will be
developed and finalized afterward, and are expected to be available in 2014–2015.
The Greenbelt Master Plan articulates a new vision in which the Greenbelt serves as an
environmental showcase for Canada’s Capital. The plan puts the natural environment
front and centre, and emphasizes the importance of sustainable agriculture.
23
The NCC will support and work with stakeholders to identify and explore ways to conserve
regional ecological corridors outside the Greenbelt that will connect to and strengthen
the Greenbelt natural environment. Transportation infrastructure projects are viewed
through a more stringent sustainability lens, taking into account the importance of
corresponding cumulative effects on sensitive natural areas and linkages. This includes a
more collaborative approach — one that will involve NCC engagement in the preliminary
plans for any transportation infrastructure planning that will have an impact on the
Greenbelt. A stricter “no net loss” perspective is also being taken. The Greenbelt Master Plan is expected to receive final approval in 2013–2104.
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
As previously noted, a joint study with the City of Ottawa took place to assess the
cumulative effects of 30 transportation infrastructure projects on the Greenbelt. The
effects of individual projects and combined effects of various projects were assessed
using a geographic information system approach. The study identified projects with
potential adverse cumulative effects. It also recommended that the City and the NCC
conduct a collaborative, project-specific review of the projects that require additional
consideration, taking into account their status within the applicable environmental
assessment approval processes and implementation status.
In addition, the NCC is finalizing the Gatineau Park Sustainable Transportation Plan.
The Park is a popular attraction, and the sheer volume of cars travelling through it can
cause environmental problems. The Gatineau Park Master Plan aims to reduce the impact
of transportation on the Park’s environment, while also allowing visitors the opportunity
to enjoy recreational activities. This plan will propose a list of measures that could help
influence the way in which people get to the Park and travel within it. Its content will
be considered in the next revision of the Gatineau Park Master Plan.
24
CYCLING
The Capital Pathway network is made up of more than 300 kilometres of multi-use pathways
that link natural areas, parks, gardens, museums and attractions across the region.
Increasingly, these pathways are used not only for recreation, but also for commuting.
This is one of the reasons that the NCC believes that cycling can play a crucial role in
reducing air pollution in the Capital. Moreover, cycling can help make the region a more
sustainable urban area.
The NCC has undertaken a range of initiatives to promote cycling in Canada’s Capital Region.
The Capital BIXI bike share program provides a convenient way to get around downtown
Ottawa and Gatineau. Users can pick up a bike at one location and return it to another
location close to their destination. In 2012, there were 25 stations where Capital BIXI bikes
could be obtained or returned. A total of 250 bikes were available. In total, the program
generated 43,612 cycling trips, stemming from 305 monthly and yearly subscribers and
8,692 distinct occasional users. This represents an average of 205 trips per day.
In 2012–2013, the NCC and the City of Ottawa worked together to improve the bicycle
commuting experience in the core of the Capital, as well as to provide safer access to
both sides of Wellington Street, at the Portage Bridge intersection. A bike box painted
onto the roadway now gives cyclists the opportunity to go to the front of the lane in
order to turn more safely onto Wellington Street. Pedestrians have also benefited from
new crosswalks at the intersection linking Wellington Street and the Portage Bridge.
Other initiatives undertaken in 2012–2013 include the following.
•
As part of the Park and Cycle program, a total of 10 parking lots in Gatineau and
Ottawa, mostly along the NCC’s parkways, were available to the public free-ofcharge, in order to facilitate active commuting to work.
•
Work was completed on an extra 1.4-kilometre section of the Greenbelt Pathway,
a planned 56-kilometre-long multi-use pathway.
•
For the second consecutive year, the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau collaborated
with the NCC to produce an Ottawa–Gatineau cycling network map which covers
the area’s off-road multi-use pathways, as well as on-road cycling infrastructure.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
The NCC continues to have many opportunities to interact with the public on topics
related to the environment. In November 2012, the Biosphere (Environment Canada),
in collaboration with the NCC, launched the Ottawa–Gatineau Urban BioKit. BioKits are
nature observation guides designed primarily for children over six years of age and their
parents. Through a series of interactive outdoor activities, families can explore biodiversity,
and learn more about the natural riches found in Canada’s Capital Region.
In Gatineau Park, a number of themed, seasonal guided activities were offered to
the public to help increase public awareness of the importance of protecting the
Park’s biodiversity. The activities also aim to increase understanding of how visitors
to the Park can enjoy recreational activities, while also respecting the environment.
At Philippe Lake alone, 93 activities were offered between June 23 and August 25, 2012.
25
In addition, the NCC offers environmental awareness activities to schools. In 2012–2013,
a new activity entitled “Gatineau Park Animals Tell It Like It Is!” was offered to a total
of 58 classes which represents more than 1,400 students.
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS
The NCC continuously works toward ensuring that environmentally sensitive practices
are reflected in its maintenance contracts. Over the course of 2012–2013, the NCC
introduced contract clauses to address the following:
•
operational requirements for recycling and compost services during NCC events
and programs;
•
adjustments to grass-cutting dates and areas in order to respect the Migratory Birds
Convention Act and the Species at Risk Act, and to better facilitate the management
of geese and invasive alien species.
At the official residences, a mulcher was purchased to allow rapid, on-site production of
high-grade garden compost to be reused on the grounds. Moreover, the NCC took action
to reduce the runoff of rock salt from the grounds of Rideau Hall into the Ottawa River.
Instead of using rock salt as an anti-icing agent, the NCC grounds maintenance crew
started using brine. This approach was recommended as a best practice by the Smart
About Salt Council. Using a newly purchased electric utility vehicle, equipped with a brine
storage tank and sprayer, the maintenance crew applied brine to walkways and entrances.
Not only is this process better for the environment, it is also more effective. Brine is better
than rock salt at preventing ice buildup across a larger range of temperatures.
26
ECOLOGO® CERTIFICATION
Canada Day, Winterlude and the Rideau Canal Skateway program were granted the
EcoLogo® certification. The EcoLogo® Program is designed to support a continuing
effort to maintain or improve environmental quality by reducing the consumption of
energy and materials and by minimizing the impact of pollution generated by the production, use and disposal associated with goods and services. EcoLogo® is a Government
of Canada official mark used under licence from Environment Canada.
Only the official NCC sites for Canada Day, Winterlude and the Skateway were certified.
The EcoLogo® standard lists a number of green practices for the event organizer to
implement, and each practice is worth a number of points. There are three categories
of practices: waste, materials and energy, and carbon and transport.
The NCC was awarded points for the following green practices, some of them having
been established a few years ago: provision of water stations, valet bike parking service,
paper products made of recycled materials, recycling and composting program for the
public, single-use tableware that is 100 percent recyclable, bus shuttle between sites,
and measuring and offsetting of carbon emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
Following the introduction of the new Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012
(CEAA 2012), the NCC developed and implemented a new interim process to evaluate
environmental effects, as required by this law. This process allows the NCC to determine
if a project will cause significant adverse environmental effects as required under
Section 67 of CEAA 2012. A formal process will be adopted in 2013, following the
implementation of the new NCC Environmental Assessment Policy.
In 2012–2013, no project evaluated under Section 67 of the new Act was deemed likely to
cause significant adverse environmental effects. Further, none of the projects proposed
on NCC lands were considered designated projects under Section 13 and Section 14 of
the new Act. However, a transitional screening was completed on July 13, 2012, with
respect to the Ottawa light rail transit system. This system will cross the downtown core,
underground, from east to west. After reviewing the screening report and taking into
account the mitigation measures that will be implemented, the federal government
(Transport Canada, Parks Canada, the NCC, and Public Works and Governmental
Services Canada) concluded that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse
environmental effects. No follow-up program is required for this project.
The NCC acted as the project manager for the joint federal–provincial (Ontario and
Quebec) environmental assessment study for future interprovincial crossings. The NCC
will not be pursuing this study but, rather, will recognize the work completed to this
point in the planning of Canada’s Capital.
27
WATERWAY RESTORATION AT PHILIPPE LAKE CAMPGROUND: AN OPPORTUNITY ARISING FROM A HOLE IN THE GROUND
A few summers ago, a camper in Gatineau Park noticed a sink
hole forming within the campground at Philippe Lake. An
examination of the hole by the NCC revealed an extensive
underground culvert system. Originally constructed in the
1970s and realigned several times to allow for development,
the culvert was clearly in need of repair. Instead of simply
replacing the ailing culvert, the NCC took the opportunity to
return the waterway to its natural state. The original drainage
pipes were removed, and a new stream bed was constructed
using natural channel design. The creek beds were reinforced
with boulders, pebbles and sand, and the creek banks were
seeded or replanted with riparian and aquatic plants. New
28
berms and upland areas were also seeded, and a new pathway
was constructed. This wider, more natural stream will be less
susceptible to erosion and flooding and will be better able to
take up and transform pollutants, thereby improving water
quality. The pebbles in the creek bed were specially chosen to
increase fish spawning habitat and the surrounding revegetated
landscape will provide more habitat for reptiles, amphibians and
other animals. The open nature of the creek will also make it
easier to monitor, a job that will be undertaken by summer
students. Campers will also enjoy the aesthetic quality of this
new habitat, which will provide opportunities for environmental
education and a chance for campers to connect with nature.
4.5. Combatting climate change
PRIORITY OBJECTIVE:
The NCC’s signature events and programs will become carbon neutral, starting
with Canada Day 2010.
Last year, the NCC took actions to reduce its carbon footprint.
CARBON NEUTRAL SIGNATURE EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
In the 2012–2013 fiscal year, Fall Rhapsody joined Canada Day, Christmas Lights Across
Canada, Winterlude and the Rideau Canal Skateway as a carbon neutral program, making
a total of five out of six NCC signature events and programs that are carbon neutral.
Calculations were completed and high-quality offsets were acquired to counterbalance
the greenhouse gases emitted during these events and programs. A total of 1,075 tonnes
of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent were purchased for the following events and programs:
Christmas Lights Across Canada 2011–2012, Rideau Canal Skateway 2012, Winterlude 2012,
Canada Day 2012 and Fall Rhapsody 2012.
The NCC worked with CarbonZero, a respected carbon offsets vendor, in order to acquire
offsets from a variety of Canada-based offset projects for energy efficiency, methane
gas recovery and tree planting. The purchased offsets respect the highest standards and
practices. Investments were made in the following projects: a landfill gas capture project
in Fredericton, New Brunswick; a landfill gas to energy project in Niagara, Ontario; a social
housing retrofit project in Montréal, Quebec; and the McPhee Creek afforestation project
in Prince George, British Columbia. These investments have a direct impact on local job
creation and environmental sustainability, while also encouraging the development of
new green technologies within Canada.
The NCC is currently calculating the carbon footprint for Christmas Lights Across Canada
2012–2013, Winterlude 2013 and the Rideau Canal Skateway 2013.
Five out of six events and programs in 2012–2013 were carbon neutral.
A total of 1,075 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions were offset by investing
in Canadian green technology projects in 2012–2013.
29
Table 7 shows the NCC’s progress toward meeting its carbon neutral goals for its signature
events and programs. It also indicates the carbon footprint for each event. It is important
to take into consideration the following factors for the variation in carbon footprint for
each event and program between years: more local/specific emission factors become
available for calculation each year; emission factors are updated as new information
becomes available; and event programming and logistics vary each year.
TABLE 7: PROGRESSION OF NCC SIGNATURE EVENTS AND PROGRAMS TOWARD CARBON NEUTRALITY1
NCC Event or
Program
Carbon Neutral
Year
2010
2011
2012
Canada Day
Calculation of
Emissions and Offset
Acquired by NCC



Carbon Footprint
(tonnes CO2 equivalent)
415
292
290
2010–2011
2011–2012
2012–2013


Under way, 2013
22
25
N/A
Rideau Canal
Skateway
2012
2013

Under way, 2013
313
N/A
Winterlude
2012
2013

Under way, 2013
285
N/A
Fall Rhapsody
2012

162
Sunday Bikedays
2013
2013
N/A
Christmas Lights
Across Canada
1. A check mark indicates that this step has been completed. A year indicates when it will be completed. N/A means not yet available.
NCC GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY
Data collection continued during 2012–2013 in order to calculate the NCC’s overall
greenhouse gas inventory. The aim of this work is to measure emissions from NCC
operations using the 2011–2012 fiscal year as a reference level. The resulting figure will serve
as a baseline for the NCC’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2017.
Following strict standards, the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and ISO 14064-1, the boundaries of
the NCC footprint were defined. Scope 1 (direct greenhouse gas emissions) and scope 2
(electricity indirect greenhouse gas emissions) were identified in the reference level.
As a result, the focus has been to collect data for scope 1 and scope 2 emissions only. The
emissions under these two scopes are as follows: electricity consumption at NCC offices; electricity, energy and wastewater consumption by NCC buildings and lands
(excluding leased buildings and lands); fuel consumption by NCC fleet vehicles and
equipment; methane emitted by contaminated sites; and staff business travel. Due to
30
data availability and reliability matters, scope 3 (other indirect greenhouse gas emissions)
may be compiled and calculated in a subsequent phase of the project. These emissions
are related to the goods and services contracted by the NCC.
The calculations of the carbon footprint for the scope 1 and 2 emissions will be completed
during 2013–2014. A greenhouse gas emissions reduction action plan will be created
in order to reach the reduction target. Once the action plan is implemented, the NCC
greenhouse gas inventory will be recalculated to evaluate progress toward the objective.
31
5. ENGAGING NCC STAFF
The NCC believes that engaging staff across the organization is fundamentally important
to achieving the objectives set out in its environmental strategy. The following are some
highlights of the activities that the NCC undertook to engage staff over the course of
2012–2013.
32
•
In order to encourage the use of bicycles as a sustainable and ecological means of
transportation for business travel, the NCC finalized its “Guidelines on safe use of
bicycles while on duty.” The objectives of these guidelines are to promote the safe
use of bicycles, to avoid injury and property/equipment damage, and to minimize
any other associated risk that employees may face.
•
On April 20, 2012, the NCC Green Team joined the Governor General and the Rideau
Hall Green Team to plant trees on the Rideau Hall property. With the participation
of Tree Canada, 30 native trees were planted for Earth Day.
•
In order to ensure a healthy and safe workplace with best environmental practices,
the NCC began using only one unscented, ecologically friendly all-purpose cleaner
for its offices. This cleaner replaces the array of scented and chemical cleaning
products that were previously used.
•
With the adoption of the NCC pesticide policy, training sessions were offered to
staff. Specialists were invited to lead discussions about the Ontario and Quebec
provincial pesticide regulations.
•
In addition to the information technology waste program launched in 2011–2012,
the NCC started to offer a writing instrument recycling station. Pens, mechanical
pencils, markers and highlighters can all be recycled. The staff now have even more
options to divert this type of waste from landfill.
6. CONCLUSION
This year, the NCC took further strides forward, making measurable environmental
progress. As detailed in this report, the NCC’s actions have been underpinned by
research, planning and collaboration.
The next fiscal year will be a particularly important one, as the environmental strategy
is updated to better reflect federal government priorities and the new structure of the
NCC. However, the NCC will continue to undertake concrete actions to reduce waste
sent to landfills from its operations; reduce the impact of invasive plant species; officially
designate the high-value ecosystems and habitats as conservation lands to protect the
Capital Region’s biodiversity; secure contaminated sites; and work toward reducing
energy consumption for NCC buildings, land maintenance and events.
Moreover, the NCC will continue to ensure compliance with government regulatory
requirements, ensure environmental conservation and continue to be at the forefront
of environmental sustainability.
The NCC also recognizes that the work to make progress on environmental issues
necessarily involves other stakeholders — as is detailed in the report, municipal governments, the private sector and even the general public have all played, and will continue
to play, an important role in creating momentum toward a greener capital.
33
7. GLOSSARY
Biodiversity: The full range of animals, plants and other living things, and the places
where they live on the planet.
Capital BIXI: A public bike share system that promotes alternative urban transportation. Bikes are available for hire, or on a subscription basis, 24 hours a day, seven days a
week, with pickup and drop-off stations located around downtown Ottawa and Gatineau.
Carbon dioxide (CO2): A greenhouse gas produced in part by human activities,
whose emissions are largely responsible for climate change.
Carbon footprint: The total set of carbon-containing emissions (mainly CO2)
caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event or product.
Carbon neutral: Having a net zero carbon footprint by balancing the greenhouse
gas emissions created with an equivalent amount sequestered or offset.
Carbon offset: An investment in a project or activity elsewhere that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, or sequesters carbon from the atmosphere, that is used to compensate for unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions created by one’s own activities.
Conservation land: Land specially designated by federal, provincial/territorial or
local bodies to protect fragile or important ecosystems, habitats and species at risk.
Contaminated site: Areas of land that contain chemical substances (e.g. heavy metals
or petroleum products) that may pose a hazard to human health or the environment, or
that exceed the levels set out in policies and regulations.
Critical habitat: The habitat that is necessary for the survival of a species at risk and
that is identified under law in a recovery strategy or action plan for that species.
EcoLogo®: North America’s most recognized environmental standard and certification
mark for products and services that demonstrate environmental leadership.
Ecosystem: A unit of interdependent organisms that share the same habitat.
Energy efficiency: Refers to how effectively energy is being used for a given purpose.
For example, performing a similar function or providing a similar (or better) level of
service with less energy consumption on a per unit basis is considered an improvement
in energy efficiency.
Green demolition: The process of dismantling a building in such a way as to ensure
that as many of its elements as possible can be recycled or reused, rather than sent
to landfills.
Greenhouse gas: Emissions of gases such as nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4)
and especially carbon dioxide (CO2) that accumulate in the atmosphere and act to retain
atmospheric heat, thus contributing to climate change.
Greenhouse Gas Protocol: The most widely used international standard, the
Greenhouse Gas Protocol is an accounting tool for understanding, quantifying and
reporting corporate greenhouse gas emissions.
34
Green procurement: An approach to business purchasing in which the environmental
impacts of goods and services, in addition to price and quality, play an important role in
purchasing decisions.
High-value ecosystem or habitat: An ecosystem or habitat that is considered
important for the maintenance of biodiversity because it has some combination of
the following characteristics: a large diversity of species, habitat for species at risk
and/or migratory species, and intact natural processes likely to support increased
genetic diversity.
IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) category:
Internationally recognized designations that classify protected areas according to their
management objectives and take into account the following aspects: wilderness level;
scientific, spiritual, educational and recreational opportunities; significant cultural,
geological or natural features; species and habitat management; and sustainable use
of natural resources.
LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): A third-party
certification program administered by the Canada Green Building Council for the design,
construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.
Recovery strategy: A detailed plan that outlines short-term objectives and long-term
goals for protecting and recovering a specific species at risk.
Renewable energy: Energy derived from sources that are either inexhaustible, such
as the sun (solar energy), wind or waves (tidal energy), or can be naturally replenished
before being exhausted, such as biomass and river flow (hydroelectric power).
Secured site: A contaminated site where all necessary study, remediation and other
risk management actions have been taken, consistent with the designated use of the site.
Species at risk: Plant and animal species with special status at the federal or provincial
levels because they are vulnerable to extinction. Species may be listed as special concern,
threatened, endangered, extirpated or extinct.
Waste diversion: The reduction, reuse and recycling of waste, leading to a reduction
of waste being sent to the landfill.
35
2012–2013 Annual Environment Report
Catalogue number: W91-4/2013E
1926-0415
APPENDIX 4
SUMMARY OF THE FEDERAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
STRATEGY FOR CANADA
Second cycle 2013-2016
This is an excerpt of the objectives of the four themes of the second cycle of the Federal
Sustainable Development Strategy. For more details, please consult the Environment Canada
website at the following address: http://www.ec.gc.ca/ddsd/default.asp?lang=En&n=CD30F295-1.
Theme 1: Addressing climate change and air quality
Why it matters? Environmental indicators related to air and climate have shown progress.
However, the indicators also show that further work is still needed to reach Canada’s GHG
reduction target of 17% below 2005 levels by 2020, as well as to reduce ammonia emissions
and formation of ground-level ozone. Climate change continues to present a significant
challenge to Canada and the world, with implications for the well-being of the environment, the
economy and society.
Goal 1: Climate Change – In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce greenhouse
gas emissions levels and adapt to unavoidable impacts (Indicator: National greenhouse gas
emissions).
Goal 2: Air Pollution – Minimize the threats to air quality so that the air Canadians breathe is
clean and supports healthy ecosystems (Indicator: ambient levels of air pollutants).
Theme 2: Maintaining Water Quality and Availability
Why it matters? The quality of water is critically important to the health and wellbeing of
Canadians. When water quality in aquatic ecosystems is compromised, social and economic
impacts can arise along with the environmental effects. While water quality in Canada is
generally good, challenges remain to maintain and improve it.
Goal 3: Water Quality and Water Quantity – Protect and enhance water so that it is clean, safe
and secure for all Canadians and supports healthy ecosystems (Indicator: water quality, water
quantity and drinking water advisories)
Theme 3: Protecting Nature
Why it matters? Conserving Canada’s natural landscapes and marine areas, as well as
protection and recovery of its wild species, are essential to Canada’s environmental, social and
economic well-being. Protecting species and their habitats helps preserve biodiversity. Also,
Canada’s natural resources are a major contributor to economic activity.
1
Goal 4: Conserving and Restoring Ecosystems, Wildlife and Habitat – Resilient ecosystems with
healthy wildlife populations so Canadian can enjoy benefits from natural spaces, resources and
services for generations to come (Indicator: protected areas and other effective area-based
conservation measures; general status of species).
Goal 5: Biological Resources – Efficient economic and ecological use of resources –
sustainable production and consumption of biological resources are within ecosystems limits
(indicator: status of major fish stocks).
Theme 4: Shrinking the Environmental Footprint – Beginning with Governement
Why it matters? The federal government has an extensive operational presence with more than
28 000 buildings owned or leased, more than 16 000 on-road vehicles, and upwards of 200 000
employees. The federal government also procures significant levels of goods and services
annually. The federal government is conscious that Canadians expect their government to
manage its operations in an environmentally responsible manner. Sound stewardship of
government assets is supported by greening of government operations.
Goal 6: GHG Emissions and Energy – Reduce the carbon footprint and energy consumption of
federal operations (Indicator: Government-wide GHG emissions reductions from buildings and
fleets relative to fiscal year 2005-2006).
Goal 7: Waste and Asset Management – Reduce waste generated and minimize the
environmental impacts of assets throughout their life-cycle (Indicator: number of real property
projects and existing building achieving a high level of environmental performance; number and
percentage of FSDS departments that have established three SMART green procurement
targets from the identified commodity categories; number and percentage of FSDS departments
that have developed an approach to maintain and improve the sustainability of workplace
policies and practices; number of departments that have set a target to reduce the
environmental impact of their services to clients).
Goal 8: Water Management – Improve water management in federal operations (Indicator:
number and percentage of custodial departments that have included an approach to improve
water management in their Departmental Sustainable Buildings Strategic Framework).
Reference: Environment Canada (online), Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, june
2013 (consulted on July 9, 2013). On web : < http://www.ec.gc.ca/ddsd/default.asp?lang=En&n=CD30F295-1>.
2
Protected A
Protégé A
Excerpt of the Minutes of the
Extrait du procès-verbal du
Advisory Committee
on Planning, Design and Realty
Comité consultatif
de l’urbanisme, du design et de l’immobilier
Meeting of October 3 and 4, 2013
Séance des 3 et 4 octobre 2013
2013-P12e - Review of NCC Environmental
Strategy (C)
2013-P12f - Révision de la stratégie
environnementale de la CCN (C)
The committee has not approved these minutes yet.
Le comité n’a pas encore approuvé ce procès-verbal.
Members received a presentation on the review
of the NCC’s environmental strategy.
Les membres reçoivent une présentation de la
révision de la stratégie environnementale de la
CCN.
Members are supportive of the document. They
advised the NCC to find a way to express its own
aspirations that might exceed the Federal
Sustainable
Development
Strategy
requirements. The NCC should aspire to best
environmental practices and go beyond these
requirements.
Les membres appuient le document. Ils
conseillent à la CCN de trouver un moyen
d’exprimer ses propres aspirations qui pourraient
aller au-delà des exigences de la Stratégie
fédérale de développement durable. La CCN
devrait aspirer aux meilleures pratiques en
matière d’environnement et aller au-delà de ces
exigences.
The NCC should find a way to bring incentives
into performance, i.e. free bus passes, etc. A
Transportation Demand Management analysis
should be done.
La CCN devrait trouver un moyen d’introduire des
mesures incitatives dans la performance, comme
des laisser-passer d’autobus gratuits, etc. On
devrait procéder à une analyse de la gestion de la
demande en transport.
The document should articulate the way
corrective actions are taken when the goals are
not reached.
Le document devrait énoncer de quelle façon on
a recourt aux mesures correctrices quand les buts
ne sont pas atteints.
In order to know where to put energy,
objectives should be assigned a sense of
urgency, or priority.
Afin de savoir où canaliser l’énergie, on devrait
assigner aux objectifs une notion d’urgence ou de
priorité.
In addition to LEED, the NCC should look at
other green buildings performance systems.
Some progress is needed for small buildings.
There should be a policy that errs on the side of
not demolishing unless it is to renaturalize an
area.
En plus du LEED, la CCN devrait examiner d’autres
systèmes de performance des bâtiments
écologiques. Un progrès est nécessaire en ce qui
concerne les bâtiments de petite taille. Il devrait
y avoir une politique qui penche du côté de
l’absence de démolition, à moins que ce ne soit
pour renaturaliser un endroit.
The NCC should have a policy on onsite
La CCN devrait avoir une politique sur les
ACPDR 2013-10-03/04
1/2
CCUDI 2013-10-03/04
Protected A
Protégé A
2013-P12e - Review of NCC Environmental
Strategy (C)
2013-P12f - Révision de la stratégie
environnementale de la CCN (C)
opportunities to generate energy and add to the
network of the distribution system.
opportunités de générer de l’énergie sur place et
de contribuer au réseau de distribution d’énergie.
A section on complete communities should be
added.
On devrait ajouter un paragraphe sur les
collectivités complètes.
The global quality of the urban environment will
contribute to a sustainable capital. Actions
taken toward protecting the biodiversity on NCC
lands are important.
La qualité globale du milieu urbain va contribuer
à une capitale durable. Les actions dans le sens
de la protection de la biodiversité sur les terrains
de la CCN sont importantes.
The 24 Sussex should appear in the “summary of
official residences energy efficiency projects”,
hopefully in the next edition of the
environmental strategy.
Il faut espérer que le 24, promenade Sussex
apparaisse dans le « résumé des projets
d’efficacité
énergétique
des
résidences
officielles » dans la prochaine édition de la
stratégie environnementale.
Committee Secretary
Secrétaire du comité
Caroline Bied
2013-10-16
ACPDR 2013-10-03/04
2/2
CCUDI 2013-10-03/04
Board of Directors, November 2013
Lucie Bureau: Chief, Planning and Transportation Geneviève Mercier: Senior Environmental Strategy Officer
Mid‐point review of the NCC Environmental Strategy
• To obtain approval for the NCC Environmental Strategy
• Reflect the NCC’s renewed mandate and priorities of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy
2
NCC Environmental Strategy
• Eight‐year plan (2009‐2017) with five areas for action and priority and secondary objectives
• Goals of the strategy:
– Put the environment at the top of the organization’s priorities
– Provide clear direction and deliver concrete and measurable results
– Demonstrate long‐term commitment
3
Context of mid‐point review
• NCC’s renewed mandate
– Transfer of the organization, leadership and promotion of enriching public activities and events for Canadians in the National Capital Region
– Continue to exercise responsible and effective environmental management
• Federal Sustainable Development Strategy
– Second cycle with four priority themes
4
Proposed changes
• Six objectives affected in three areas for action:
1) Reducing waste – one objective revised
2) Leading in environmental practices – two objectives revised
3) Combatting climate change – one objective withdrawn, one gained importance and one revised
• Title of the area for action Enhancing Biodiversity revised for Protect Biodiversity
5
Proposed changes: objective 1 (revised)
• By 2013, the NCC will have achieved and will maintain a 50 percent reduction, in comparison with the 2009‐2010 level, in waste sent to landfill sites from activities associated with the Rideau Canal Skateway.
– Removal of Canada Day and Winterlude which will be subject to the secondary objective governing events held on NCC land by NCC partners
– Focus more on the secondary objective of reducing waste in all activity areas of the NCC
6
• The NCC will implement best practices for water quality management in projects and activities taking place on NCC land, and will encourage its partners and stakeholders in doing the same.
– Better reflects the NCC’s mandate as a landowner and the Agency responsible for approving projects on federal land
7
• In carrying out its planning mandate, the NCC will give priority to sustainable development approaches.
– Encompasses all plans that come under the NCC’s mandate
8
Proposed changes: objective 4 (withdrawn)
• The NCC’s signature events and programs will become carbon neutral, starting with Canada Day 2010.
– Removal of greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories to acquire carbon offsets for its signature events and programs
– Alignment with the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy
9
Proposed changes: objective 5 (enhanced)
• The NCC will reduce its overall carbon footprint by 30 percent by 2017, based on a 2011‐2012 baseline.
– Alignment with the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy
10
• The NCC will continue to broaden its knowledge of the effects of climate change on its operations.
– Reworded to better reflect the NCC’s mandate and responsibilities
11
Next steps
• 2013‐2014: Internal communications to staff and publication of the Annual Environment Report 2013‐2014
• 2015‐2016: Development of second version of the strategy
• 2017: Approval of the second version of the strategy, 2017‐2027
12
Conclusion
• NCC’s renewed mandate has only minor repercussions on the NCC Environmental Strategy, 2009‐2017
• Priorities of the NCC Environmental Strategy accurately reflect the priority themes of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy
13
Recommendation
• That the NCC Environmental Strategy be approved.
14

Review of NCC Environmental Strategy

Transcription

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