Improving Energy Performance in Canada – Report to Parliament Under the Energy Efficiency Act For the Fiscal Year 2006-2007

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Chapter 8: Federal House in Order

INTRODUCTION

The Government of Canada is the country's largest single enterprise. It is working to get its house in order by setting a target of a 31 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its own operations by 2010.

Since 1990, through building retrofits, better fleet management, strategic "green power" purchases and the downsizing of operations, the Government of Canada has already achieved an emissions reduction of 27 percent. The Government of Canada plans to reduce its net emissions by an additional 6 percent by 2010 (see Figure 8-1).

The Government of Canada will achieve its goal through additional building retrofits, fuel switching, improved fleet management, energy-efficient procurement and increased use of renewable energy within government operations. Also, the Government of Canada can help "create the market" for certain new technologies that are on the verge of becoming viable. The departments that create 95 percent of government GHG emissions were assigned target shares for emission reduction. The level of progress of each department against their target shares is combined into one figure for the Government of Canada.

The task of target sharing entails assigning targets to the 11 organizations that produce the most emissions. The targets are based on the emission-reduction opportunities identified within each organization. Between 2001 and 2006, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) had the lead role in managing this task and provided programs and support to departments and agencies to help them achieve their targets. In 2006, the responsibility was transferred to the Office of Greening Government Operations in Public Works and Government Services Canada. The leadership component of the Federal House in Order initiative encourages the reduction of all federal emissions by encouraging the participation of the departments, agencies and Crown corporations that were not designated with a target.

FEDERAL HOUSE IN ORDER LEADERSHIP MEASURES – BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Objective: To help Government of Canada organizations implement energy efficiency improvements that lead to reduced energy use, GHG emissions and operating costs.

The Federal House in Order Leadership Measures program develops and delivers products and services to federal organizations that demonstrate an interest in improving the efficiency of their building energy use. Products may include case studies, workshops, technical information, model procurement documents and a list of qualified private-sector energy management firms that can provide energy performance contracting services. Services may include facilitation such as energy management technical advice, program policy advice and procurement services to assist organizations at implementing energy efficiency improvements.

Key 2006-2007 Achievements

• Canadian Forces Base Kingston in Kingston, Ontario, is proceeding with an energy efficiency retrofit project. The project is expected to save $2.4 million in energy costs annually. The private sector is investing $21 million.
• The private sector made new and incremental investments of $30 million in Federal Building Initiative (FBI) projects.
• The FBI awarded energy efficiency projects that will reduce the federal government's annual utility bills by $3.7 million.

For more information:
oee.nrcan.gc.ca/fbi/home_page.cfm

FEDERAL FLEET INITIATIVE

Objective: To help federal government organizations increase the energy efficiency of their fleets and reduce the environmental impact of federal vehicle operations and to promote the Alternative Fuels Act within the federal fleet.

The Federal Fleet Initiative provided tools and information to federal fleet managers and drivers to help them respond to climate change and to improve the overall efficiency of their fleets. NRCan administered this initiative through an interdepartmental committee that includes the 11 largest emitting federal organizations. This committee discusses fleet management and operational issues and activities.

Key 2006-2007 Achievements

• Increased the penetration of ethanol-85 (E85) fuel across the federal fleet by subsidizing 471 599 litres (L) of E85 fuel to federal fleets (as of April 2007).
• Trained 1208 federal vehicle operators in fuel efficient driving techniques at workshops and on-line.
• Assisted in purchasing 51 Leadership Vehicles (E85 and hybrid vehicles).
• Increased the penetration of biodiesel fuel across the federal fleet by subsidizing 5100 L of B-100 fuel to federal fleets (as of April 2007).

For more information:
oee.nrcan.gc.ca/communities-government/transportation/federal/mandate.cfm

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