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Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development Strategy 1997

Safeguarding our Assets, Securing our Future

Goal 4 – Establishing NRCan as
a leader in the federal government in managing its operations in line
with the principles of sustainable development

OBJECTIVE 4.2 – Reducing wastes from NRCan operations
Date target reported	Target	Date target reported	How this target advances sustainable development	Future directions
4.2.1	By 1998, work with Environment Canada and Industry Canada to promote the participation in the ARET program.	Mar 31/99	Accelerates the reduction/elimination of toxics.	The Accelerated Reduction and Elimination of Toxics Program (ARET) challenge came to an end in 2000. The goal of the program was to achieve a 90% reduction in the emission of persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic substances and a 50% reduction in the emission of other toxic substances. The analysis of the data for the year 2000 is on-going and a final report will be prepared shortly.
4.2.2	By 2000, safely destroy all remaining Departmental PCB wastes.	Mar 31/99	Ensures that contamination of the environment does not occur.	In *SDS- Now and for the Future*, NRCan will manage hazardous and non-hazardous waste produced by NRCan operations, to demonstrate that it is taking concrete steps to lessen the impacts of its internal operations on the environment.
4.2.3	Over the period of 1998 to 2000, survey one laboratory facility per year for wastewater compliance.	Mar 31/01	As a part of ongoing operations, verifying compliance helps protect the environment and promote best practices among NRCan employees.	NRCan has developed a methodological framework for conducting wastewater evaluations at key facilities. This framework will be used to verify, on an ongoing basis, NRCan's compliance with applicable waste water quality laws and regulations.
4.2.4	By 1999, evaluate and report on ozone depleting substances maintenance and performance.	Mar 31/00	Contributes to good environmental management practices and reduce potential emissions of ozone-depleting substances.	NRCan will continue to reduce its remaining inventory of ozone- depleting substances and verify compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
	By 1999, convert one of three remaining large halon- containing fire extinguishing systems to non-ozone depleting and non-global warming potential one	Mar 31/00	Proper disposal of NRCan's remaining halon-containing equipment is in line with current standards and best practices that are intended to protect the Earth's ozone layer.
	By 2000, convert one of the six remaining large chiller system containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) to a non-ozone depleting potential system. This will reduce NRCan's CFC inventory to 1 tonne.	Mar 31/01
	By 2000, dismantle and appropriately dispose of the two remaining large halon-containing fire extinguishing systems.	Mar 31/01
4.2.5	By 1999, expand the employee-managed waste system from a pilot phase to full implementation at two larger facilities.	Mar 31/99	Reduces the amount of garbage sent to landfills, which reduces the production of greenhouse gases.	For *SDS- Now and for the Future*, NRCan will maintain, expand and promote the department's waste-free program.

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