Natural Resources Canada’s 2021-22 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report

By 2030, reduce Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions by 30%, relative to 2005 emission levels.

Provide support and funding for climate resilience

Build capacity for decision-making on climate resilience

Performance Indicator:

Percentage of target stakeholders reporting they have capacity to apply climate change adaptation tools and information for adaptation decision-making

Communities

Starting Point : 15% in 2018

Target: 25% by fall 2023

Businesses

Starting Point: 51% in 2018

Target: 55% by fall 2023⁵

Result:

On track to meet targets.
Work is on track and believed to be achieving the desired results based on surveys and reporting from partners; performance indicator re-measurement to be completed for 2023.

FSDS:

NRCan advances climate change adaptation and resilience across Canada by synthesizing and disseminating multidisciplinary knowledge on climate change impacts and adaptation, identifying and addressing gaps in knowledge, fostering collaboration among business, communities and government, and supporting a wide variety of projects that increase the capacity of decision-makers to take action, including to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Division at NRCan delivers:

• Canada in a Changing Climate, a series of reports on climate change impacts in Canada and how communities are adapting;
• Canada’s Climate Change Adaptation Platform, that connects partners and stakeholders to collaborate on shared and emerging adaptation priorities; and
• Building Regional Adaptation Capacity and Expertise (BRACE) program that supports the development and delivery of training for professionals and communities.

Each of these activities increases the capacity of Canadians to implement adaptation actions, reduce risk, and take advantage of climate change adaptation opportunities.

UN SDG:

SDG 13 – Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

Increase uptake and use of climate change mitigation, resilience and adaptation tools and information by decision-makers

Performance Indicator:

Number of times stakeholders acknowledge using NRCan’s scientific and technical products in making their decisions

Starting Point: 4394 in 2017-18

Target: 7000 in 2021-22

Result:

Target met.

In 2021-22, over 10,100 citations from publications acknowledged having used NRCan’s scientific and technical products, specifically in publications related to the Forest Climate Change Program. This demonstrates that NRCan’s climate change information is helping to fill knowledge gaps and strengthen sound decision-making on climate actions.

FSDS:

Ensuring the usefulness of and access to NRCan’s climate change tools and information helps to fill knowledge gaps and strengthen sound decision-making. Increasing the uptake of climate change mitigation and adaptation information means decision-makers can better decide how to build the resilience of Canada’s forests and forest sector, which contributes to meeting Canada’s GHG emissions reduction targets.

UN SDG:

SDG 13 – Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

Work with partners on climate change

Advance clean growth and energy innovation research, development and demonstration (RD&D) in Canada’s natural resources and other sectors, particularly the built environment, industry, transportation and electricity

Performance Indicator:

Reduction in GHG emissions in megatonnes resulting from NRCan-funded clean growth and energy innovation demonstrations

Starting Points: Clean Growth Program: N/A – new program, projects are not yet reporting on GHG reductions

Energy Innovation Program: 1.32 megatonnes in direct annual reductions in 2018-19

Targets: Clean Growth Program: 0.3 to 0.7 megatonnes reduction in annual GHG emissions by 2027
Energy Innovation Program: 4.25 megatonnes in direct annual reductions in GHG emissions by 2030

Result:

This departmental action has two targets. Both are on track.

Demonstration projects funded through the Clean Growth Program resulted in 14,131 tonnes (0.014 megatonnes) direct annual GHG emission reductions in 2021-22 and are projected to achieve 0.267 Mt reduction by 2023 and surpass the target by 2027.

In 2021-22, demonstration projects funded under the suite of Energy Innovation Program streams resulted in 2.21 megatonnes direct annual GHG emission.

As GHG reductions for demonstration projects are only realized from the implementation, operation, replication of technologies or solutions, it may take several years for environmental outcomes to accrue. 

FSDS:

The Clean Growth Program is advancing emerging clean technologies towards commercial readiness for Canada’s energy, mining and forestry sectors. Once commercialized, these clean technologies have the potential to contribute significantly to reductions in GHG emissions.

Supporting new projects through the Energy Innovation Program helps to address key gaps in clean energy technologies. The development and commercialization of new technological advances can also contribute to significant reductions in GHG emission.

UN SDG:

SDG 9 – Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending.

SDG 13 –Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

Develop a solid base of scientific research and analysis on climate change

Enhance logistical support through the Polar Continental Shelf Program (PCSP) for scientific research conducted in the Canadian Arctic

Performance Indicator:

Number of scientific publications acknowledging Polar Continental Shelf Program support

Starting Point: PCSP support was acknowledged in 125 publications in 2019-20

Target: 125 annually

Result:

Target met.

In 2021-22, 148 publications acknowledged support from the Polar Continental Shelf Program.

FSDS:

PCSP’s field equipment and logistics support enables innovative and cutting-edge research to be conducted in the Canadian Arctic. This research leads to scientific publications that can be used to inform decision-making and improve human and institutional capacities to address climate change mitigation, adaptation, and impact reduction efforts through early warning, thereby contributing to Canada’s efforts to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions.

UN SDG:

SDG 13 –Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

Support the development of technologies to reduce energy consumption and a reliance on diesel in mining and milling operations

Performance Indicator:

Percentage of innovative mining technologies developed by NRCan that move towards being ready for commercial use⁶

Starting Point: 0% in 2020-21

Target: 25% by March 31, 2022

Result:

Target met.

In 2021-22, CanmetMINING worked on 11 technologies that aim to reduce energy consumption and reliance on diesel. Three of those technologies have progressed towards commercialization.

This represents a target met of over 27% by March 2022.

FSDS:

CanmetMINING is committed to the reduction of the potential environmental effects related to mining.  It advances scientific research to reduce the consumption of energy used for mineral processing activities, including comminution, mineral separation, and the production of metal concentrates. CanmetMINING also develops technologies that can improve the production of the raw materials required for the transition to a low- carbon economy such as critical minerals.  The adoption of green mining and transformative technologies is expected to have both direct and indirect impacts on the reduction of GHG emissions, contributing to this target.

UN SDG:

SDG 9 – Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities.

SDG 12 –Target 12.6: Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle.

Develop datasets of key national and regional environmental indicators from Earth observation data

Performance Indicator:

Number of products developed

Starting Point: 3 products in 2019-20

Targets: 7 regional products by 2022-23

Result:

On track to meet target.
In 2021-22, 0 regional outputs were developed. Regional outputs were adjusted and in some cases delayed due to COVID-19. These products are still under development and the program is on track to meet the target in 2023.

FSDS:

Providing baseline data, time series and change datasets of key environmental variables (e.g., land cover, snow and ice, vegetation, permafrost, water storage) will greatly improve the scientific base for monitoring climate change and inform environmental assessments, including those for major resource and development projects
Space-based maps of environmental indicators provide critical information to inform the monitoring and reporting of key environmental indices for SDGs and will improve the scientific base for monitoring climate change. The regional products enable informed decision-making for progress towards the 2030 greenhouse gas emission reduction target.

UN SDG:

SDG 13 – Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

Provide access to data and science with Canadian agencies and circumpolar countries to address a changing Arctic

Performance Indicator:

Number of relevant and validated Arctic datasets available through the Geoportal

Starting Point: 148 map layers provided collaboratively by key and authoritative Arctic data providers (May 2019)

Target: The same or increased map layers in 2022-23

Result:

Target met.

In 2021-22, 181 relevant and validated Arctic map layers were made available through the Arctic Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) Geoportal.

• 27 relevant and validated reference datasets from the 8 Arctic National Mapping Agencies are available through the Artic SDI Geoportal.
• 154 relevant and validated thematic and reference datasets from key Arctic data providers are available through the Artic SDI Geoportal.

FSDS:

The Arctic SDI and data assist climate change research nationally and internationally. This collaborative platform provides authoritative, standardized data to support climate change monitoring as Canada works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% relative to 2005 levels. The data also supports sound decision-making as Canada continues to transfer to a lower-carbon economy.

UN SDG:

SDG 13 – Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

Provide access to, archive and disseminate authoritative geospatial data to support climate change action and decision-making

Performance Indicator:

Number of images downloaded by federal departments from the Earth Observation Data Management System to support climate change decision-making

Starting Point: Starting point to be determined 2020-21⁷

Target: The same or increased downloads in 2021-22

Result:

Target met.

In 2021-22, federal departments downloaded over 112,638 images from the Earth Observation Data Management System (EODMS).
This is an increase of 220% from the 2020-21 figure of 51,000.

FSDS:

Authoritative, accessible and timely geospatial data is key to developing effective scientific research and analysis in climate change, as it provides key information about land, water, and societies. The infrastructure and enabling actions that provide this geospatial data are a key driver of climate action globally, including mitigation and adaptation measures. Support for science, technology and innovation continuously improves this capability.

The data from EODMS supports Government of Canada programs that study resilience and adaptive capacity to climate change. The infrastructure and enabling actions that provide geospatial data are a key driver of climate action globally, including mitigation and adaptation measures, contributing to Canada’s 2030 target.

UN SDG:

SDG 13 – Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

Reduce GHG emissions from federal government facilities and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 (with an aspiration to achieve this target by 2025) and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050 (with an aspiration to be carbon neutral)⁸

All new buildings and major building retrofits will prioritize low-carbon investments based on integrated design principles, and life-cycle and total-cost-of ownership assessments which incorporate shadow carbon pricing⁹

Provide training, advice and technical support to other federal organizations for greening their buildings and fleets

Performance Indicator:

Energy saved in terajoules (TJ) per year for all federal organization projects that received support from NRCan

Starting Point: Energy consumption reduced by 14.37 TJ in 2018-19

Target: 750 TJ saved annually by 2030

Result:

On track to meet target based on available information.

Between 2005-06 and 2020-21, federal organizations have saved 5139TJ of energy and 729 kilotonnes of emissions within buildings, as well as 1114TJ of energy and 74 kilotonnes of emissions in fleets through activities such as deep retrofits, energy performance contracts, fleet right-sizing, and zero-emission vehicle procurement.

These performance improvements represent a 40.6% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

As of March 2022:

• 17 client organizations were receiving services representing 11 of the 15 largest government fleets.
• Over 4000 light-duty unmodified vehicles logged
• Over 3,400 vehicles fully assessed and recommendations made
  • Over 2.6 Kt of potential CO2 reductions annually
  • Over $8.7M/7 yrs in potential savings
• 9 sites assessed for EV readiness across 4 federal departments and agencies

FSDS:

NRCan supports the Treasury Board Secretariat Center for Greening Government by providing an enhanced suite of technical services to support capacity building, benchmarking, strategic planning, project implementation, and performance tracking throughout federal operations.

This support helps federal organizations design and implement energy saving and GHG reduction projects in their facilities and deploy low-emission vehicles and charging stations. This work also  supports the Center for Greening Government in developing a centralized GHG inventory for reporting, monitoring and public disclosure of federal GHG emissions.

UN SDG:

SDG 13 – Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

Continue to support the implementation of a federal action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from federal buildings and fleets¹⁰

Performance Indicator:

Percentage change in greenhouse gas emissions annually from facilities and fleets

Starting Point: Baseline from facilities and fleets from 2005-06 (32.04 ktCO2eq)

Target: 40% reduction by 2030

Result:

On track to meet target.
As of 2020-21, NRCan’s GHG emissions from both facilities and fleet were reduced by 43.1% from 2005 levels. Although the 2020-21 results surpass the target, emissions fluctuate every year. 

Results for 2021-22 are not yet available but are expected to be on track.

FSDS:

By reducing energy use through efficiency measures in its building and fleets, NRCan contributes to the FSDS target to reduce GHG emissions from federal government buildings and fleet by 40% below its 2005 levels by 2030 (with an aspiration to achieve it by 2025) and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050 (with an aspiration to be carbon neutral).

UN SDG:

SDG 13 – Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

Divert at least 75% (by weight) of non-hazardous operational waste from landfills by 2030

Other¹¹

Improve management of the use and disposal of non-hazardous operational waste in NRCan’s operations

Performance Indicator:

Percentage diversion of non-hazardous operational waste from landfills

Starting Point: TBD after baseline audit

Target: 75% by March 31, 2030

Result:

Results for 2021-22 are not available.
In 2021-22, baseline audits were not completed due to COVID-19 but are expected to be conducted in 2022-23.

FSDS:

Improve management of the use and disposal of non-hazardous operational waste in NRCan’s operations by doing audits and building occupant awareness/communication to maximize NRCan’s non-hazardous solid waste management program (i.e., increased communication and awareness of existing waste diversion programs and current performance status will be an important part of promoting waste reduction and diversion).

UN SDG:

SDG 13 – Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

Improve management of the use and disposal of plastics in NRCan’s operations

Performance Indicator:

Percentage diversion of plastic from landfills

Starting Point: TBD after baseline audit

Target: 75% by March 31, 2030

Result:

Results for 2021-22 are not available.
In 2021-22, baseline audits were not completed due to COVID-19 but are expected to be conducted in 2022-23.

FSDS:

Improve management of the use and disposal of plastic in NRCan’s operations by doing audits and building occupant awareness/communication to maximize existing program use will help the Government of Canada to transition toward greener operations.

UN SDG:

SDG 13 – Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

Use 100% clean electricity by
2025¹²

Other¹³

Increase the use of clean electricity in all NRCan buildings

Performance Indicator:

Percentage of NRCan buildings that are using clean electricity

Starting Point: 80% in 2018-19

Target: 100% by March 31, 2025

Result:

Results for 2021-22 are not yet available.

As of 2020-21, results from TBS indicated that 84.4% of NRCan’s buildings used clean electricity. In addition, in 2020-21, a Clean Electricity National Service Level Agreement was signed between NRCan and Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC).

FSDS:

By adopting clean electricity in NRCan’s buildings through Public Services and Procurement Canada’s (PSPC) upcoming Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), NRCan will contribute to the Government of Canada’s objective to green its procurement, lower its emissions, and encourage the transition to the clean economy.

PSPC’s PPA is expected to be in place before 2025. PSPC is coordinating the whole-of- government clean electricity purchase (the Power Purchase Agreement).

UN SDG:

SDG 13 – Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

Implement our Mission Innovation pledge to double federal government investments in clean energy research, development and demonstration from 2015 levels of $387 million to $775 million by 2020

Invest in clean technologies

Invest in initiatives on clean energy research, development and demonstration (RD&D) through Mission Innovation, in collaboration with partners

Performance Indicator:

Federal investments in clean energy RD&D

Starting Point: $387 million in 2014-15

Target: $775 million by March 31, 2020

Result:

Target met.

At the sixth Mission Innovation Ministerial in June 2021, Minister O’Regan announced that Canada had exceeded its target, with total federal investments of $786.8 million in 2019-20.

FSDS:

NRCan tracked clean energy RD&D investments across departments to report on the Government of Canada’s commitment to double total federal investments under Mission Innovation. These investments in Canadian clean energy RD&D are strengthening Canada’s contributions to reducing negative environmental impacts like GHG emissions.

UN SDG:

SDG 17 – Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources, to support the achievement of the sustainable development goals in all countries, in particular developing countries.

Continue to implement the Clean Growth Hub’s mandate to help clean technology stakeholders navigate federal innovation programs and services

Performance indicator:

Percentage of surveyed Clean Growth Hub clients satisfied with the quality of the Clean Growth Hub’s service

Starting point: 64% in 2018-19

Target: 70% in 2021-22

Result:

Target not met.
In 2021-22, 77% of surveyed “program-ready” Hub clients, those with established plans who are more likely to qualify for federal support, were satisfied with the quality of service. In the same year, 65% of Hub clients surveyed were satisfied with the quality of service provided by the Hub.

The 2021-22 survey had applied a new methodology. This modification resulted in lower results.

The COVID-19 pandemic, may have had an impact on businesses’ ability to apply to programs due to the uncertainty of the economic environment. Client satisfaction of the Hub’s services is often influenced by the ability of businesses’ to obtain program funding based on recommendations.

The Hub uses survey results to identify which actions we can take to improve services. The Hub continued to refine self-serve options for clients in 2021-22, notably online program inventory, tools and resources. The Hub also undertook operational improvements to support program-ready firms.

In 2022-23, to improve quality of overall and aftercare services, the Hub will focus on delivering targeted and relevant communications, and will hold more touch points with existing clients.

FSDS:

Together, NRCan and ISED co-lead the Clean Growth Hub to provide a single point of contact for clean technology producers and adopters, streamlining services and access to government knowledge and expertise and improving information sharing between federal departments. By helping clean technology stakeholders understand the federal system of supports and services available to them through collaborations, engagements, and consultation activities, the Clean Growth Hub helps take their technologies from the laboratory to foreign markets, and supports Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

UN SDG:

SDG 9 – Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending.

Performance indicator:

Percentage of surveyed Clean Growth Hub clients that acted on the advice or information provided by the Clean Growth Hub (such as applied to government programs)

Starting point: 65% in 2018-19

Target: 70% in 2021-22

Result:

Target not met. 
In 2021-22, 65% of surveyed “program-ready” Hub clients, those with established plans who are more likely to qualify for federal support, acted on the advice or information provided. In the same year, 59% of all surveyed Hub clients, acted on the advice or info provided by the Hub.

The COVID-19 pandemic, may have had an impact on businesses’ ability to apply to programs due to the uncertainty of the economic environment. Client satisfaction of the Hub’s services is often influenced by the ability of businesses’ to obtain program funding based on recommendations.

In 2022-23, to improve quality of overall and aftercare services, the Hub will focus on delivering targeted and relevant communications, and will hold more touch points with existing clients.

FSDS:

NRCan and ISED co-lead the Clean Growth Hub to provide a single point of contact for clean technology producers and adopters, streamlining services and access to government knowledge and expertise and improving information sharing between federal departments. By helping clean technology stakeholders understand the federal system of supports and services available to them through collaborations, engagements, and consultation activities, the Clean Growth Hub supports Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

UN SDG:

SDG 9 – Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending.

Develop our understanding of the clean technology landscape in Canada

Advance the Clean Technology Data Strategy, including the collection and analysis of clean technology program data, and the public dissemination of clean technology sector data

Performance indicator:

Percentage of clean technology programs whose data is consolidated into a Government of Canada database on clean technology

Starting point: No baseline available

Target: 100% by 2023-24

Result:

Target met.
In 2021-22, 100% of clean technology programs within scope participated in the data collection and consolidation process. Clean Tech Data Guidance was also revised and updated.

FSDS:

The Clean Technology Data Strategy aims to ensure data is available to understand the economic and environmental contribution of clean technologies in Canada. The 9 data collection guidance (protocols) helps federal programs to strengthen the evidence-base for decisions related to clean technology investment, improves Canadian’s understanding of Canada’s clean technology landscape, and helps to ensure that policies and programs support Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

UN SDG:

SDG 9 – Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending.

Performance indicator:

Total number of website visits from related Statistics Canada, ISED, and Government of Canada webpages on clean technology data

Starting Point: No baseline available

Target: 10,000 website visits in 2021-22

Result:

Target met.

In 2021-22, there was a total of 20,470 website visits from related Clean Technology Data Strategy webpages.

FSDS:

This performance indicator measures the program’s dissemination efforts on clean technology data. While the Clean Technology Data Strategy does not directly contribute to SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, it provides essential information and data for measuring Canada’s contribution in the cleantech sector and informs government decision-making to support its commitment on clean growth. The Clean Technology Data Strategy serves as a reliable and authoritative evidence-base, critical to understanding the cleantech landscape in Canada and monitoring the progress and outcomes vis-à-vis the Government’s mandate and priorities.

UN SDG:

SDG 9 – Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending.

By the end of the 2027-2028 fiscal year, invest $26.9 billion in funding for green infrastructure initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve climate resilience and environment quality

Support low-carbon, resilient infrastructure

Install additional charging and refueling stations along Canada’s highly travelled routes

Performance Indicator:

Number of low-carbon recharging and refueling stations under development and completed along major highways, and in rural and urban areas across Canada

Starting Point: 526 EV chargers, 12 natural gas stations, 6 hydrogen stations in 2018-19

Target: By March 31, 2024, a total of:

• 1000 EV Chargers, 22 natural gas stations; and 15 hydrogen stations completed

Result:

On track to meet target.

As of March 2022, the Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative has resulted in the development of:

• 1096 EV chargers (635 open, 461 under construction)
• 22 natural gas stations (11 open, 11 under construction)
• 15 hydrogen stations (5 open, 10 under construction)

FSDS:

The funded projects contribute to the $20 billion target in green infrastructure initiatives to reduce GHG emissions.

NRCan’s continued collaboration with partners to fund green infrastructure initiatives helps to reduce GHG emissions and improve climate resilience and environmental quality.

UN SDG:

SDG 9 – Target 9.4 : By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities.

Deploy new zero-emission vehicle infrastructure in public places, on-street, at apartment buildings, retail outlets, and the workplace, and other strategic projects

Performance Indicator:

Number of low-carbon recharging and refueling stations under development and completed in public places, on-street, at apartment buildings, retail outlets, and the workplace

Starting Point: This is a new program established in 2019-20

Target: 20,000 chargers completed by March 31, 2026

Result:

On track to meet target.

As of March 31, 2022, under the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program, 24,227 chargers and 4 hydrogen stations were under development or completed.
Additional proposals are under evaluation (from the last request for proposal in fiscal year 2021-22) that will result in additional chargers.

FSDS:

Improving the availability of charging and refueling stations helps reduce barriers for Canadians in using clean transportation options like low emissions vehicles. NRCan’s investment in this green infrastructure supports clean economic growth and contributes to lowering total GHG emissions from vehicles. NRCan also plays a leading role in the demonstration and deployment of charging stations for electric and low emitting vehicles. This infrastructure is being installed along major highways, and in rural and urban areas across Canada.

The funded projects contribute to the $20 billion target in green infrastructure initiatives to reduce GHG emissions. NRCan’s continued collaboration with partners to fund green infrastructure initiatives helps to reduce GHG emissions and improve climate resilience and environmental quality.

UN SDG:

SDG 9 – Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities.

Support demonstration projects in order to identify problems and create innovative solutions related to the implementation of electric and hydrogen vehicle infrastructure

Performance Indicator:

Number of demonstration projects since launch of Green Infrastructure program ¹⁴

Starting Point: 5 projects as of 2018-19

Target: 5-8 demonstration projects completed by March 31, 2024

Result:

Target met.

As of 2021-22, 6 projects were completed. An additional 14 projects are in progress. See projects here

FSDS:

NRCan is supporting the installation and demonstration of cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure that enables the use of EVs, which contributes to GHG emissions reduction and climate change resiliency.

UN SDG:

SDG 7– Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.

Support demonstration projects in order to identify problems and create innovative solutions related to the implementation of energy efficient and net-zero energy building technologies

Performance Indicator:

Number of demonstrations since launch of Green Infrastructure program

Starting Point: 5 projects as of 2018-19

Target: At least 12 high-efficiency demonstration projects by 2026¹⁵

Result:

Target met.

As of 2021-22, 18 high-efficiency demonstration projects were supported.

The projects aim to accelerate the development and adoption of net-zero-energy-ready codes and technologies for buildings. See the list of projects here.

FSDS:

NRCan contributes to reducing GHG emissions and improving climate change resiliency through work with industry partners to chart pathways to high-performance buildings. Our projects demonstrate best-in-class energy-efficient and net-zero energy building technologies by applying a strenuous focus on real-world performance and cost-effective construction.

UN SDG:

SDG 7– Target 7.3 By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.

By 2030, 90% and in the long term 100% of Canada’s electricity is generated from renewable and non-emitting sources

Promote collaboration and work with partners on clean energy infrastructure

Support the use of renewable and non-emitting energy sources for electrification of upstream gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) production to displace higher-emitting fuels in Canada and abroad

Performance Indicator:

Number of electrification projects built or under construction

Starting Point: 1 in 2019

Target: 3 by 2024

Result:

Target met.

3 electrification projects built by 2021-22.

The Peace Region Electricity Supply (PRES) project was put in service in 2021 in British Columbia (BC).  This project benefitted from $83.6 million in support from the Investing in Canada Plan. This project facilitates reductions in provincial greenhouse gas emissions by enabling electrification of natural gas production, processing, and compression.

The Groundbirch Substation and The LNG Canada Load Interconnection project are also complete.

FSDS:

These projects help transition to more sustainable energy are critical to the electrification of LNG production in the Peace region (BC) and to achieving sustained reductions in GHG emissions. Electricity demand in the Peace region is increasing as a result of natural gas exploration and development in the area.

PRES will increase the capacity of the transmission system that supplies the Peace region, and make clean BC hydropower available to support the electrification of upstream LNG production.
NRCan’s action supports the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia on Electrification of the Natural Gas Sector, to reduce GHG emissions in upstream gas and LNG.

UN SDG:

SDG 7- Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services.

Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

SDG 9 – Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities.

Advance RD&D for clean energy technologies

Performance Indicator:

Ratio of program investments in clean energy RD&D to leveraged funding from partners

Starting Point: 3:1 in 2018-19 ¹⁶

Target: 1:1 ratio annually

Result:

Target met

Results for 2021-22 show a 2.5:1 ratio of partner program investments compared to NRCan funded government spending on energy innovation projects.

FSDS:

RD&D of technologies for clean energy production is strengthening Canada’s capacity to use electricity from more sustainable, renewable and non-emitting sources of energy. These scientific advances support Canada’s progress towards the FSDS target for clean energy use by 2030.

UN SDG:

SDG 9 – Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities.

Continue to invest in the deployment of smart grid integrated systems and the demonstration of next generation smart grid technologies, in collaboration with partners

Performance Indicator:

Number of new or emerging smart grid projects supported since launch of Green Infrastructure programs

Starting Point: 26 projects supported as of 2019-20

Target: 28 projects supported by March 31, 2022

Result:

Target met.

In 2021-22, 28 projects were supported, promoting the modernization of grid infrastructure by funding the demonstration of promising, near-commercial smart grid technologies and the deployment of smart grid integrated systems. See the list of projects here.

FSDS:

Smart grids help to ensure reliable and resilient delivery of electricity to Canadians, enable increased penetration of renewables, and support affordable electricity services for customers from net-zero emissions electricity by 2035. By supporting the demonstration and deployment of enhanced grid monitoring, coordination, and response capabilities, the Smart Grid Program helps to reduce GHG emissions and optimize the utilization of both existing and future electricity assets.

The Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs) was launched in 2021, and will support smart renewable energy and electrical grid modernization projects, including smart grid projects. This program will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging the replacement of fossil-fuel generated electricity with renewables that can provide essential grid services while supporting Canada’s equitable transition to an electrified economy.

UN SDG:

SDG 7- Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

SDG 9 – Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities.

Invest in emerging renewable energy projects, such as geothermal, tidal and next generation solar

Performance Indicator:

Percentage of Canadian electricity generated from non-greenhouse gas emitting sources

Starting Point: 82%

Target: At least 90% by March 2030

Result:

On track to meet target.
On December 31, 2020, the percentage of non-emitting electricity was nearly 83%. Data for the 2021 is not yet available.

FSDS:

NRCan supports the generation of electricity from renewable sources by providing support to the development of renewable technologies that are not yet established in Canada through the Emerging Renewable Power Program (ERPP).

To reach our 2035 net-zero grid goals, NRCan has invested in several programs to deliver more clean and reliable power to Canadians.

The ERP2030 and Budget 2022 build on these investments and commit to enhance support for energy technologies to accelerate grid decarbonisation ($600 million investment to SREP and $250 million investment to the Electricity Predevelopment Program) and strengthen coordination to increase clean power generation ($2.4 million for the creation of the Pan-Canadian Grid Council and $25 million to establish Regional Strategic Initiatives).

The ERPP is supporting renewable technologies such as instream tidal power, bifacial solar power, and geothermal power with an expected 96 MW of installed emerging renewable energy capacity. These scientific advances support Canada’s progress towards the FSDS target for clean energy use by 2030.

The Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs) was launched in 2021, and will support smart renewable energy and electrical grid modernization projects, including emerging renewable projects. This program will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging the replacement of fossil-fuel generated electricity with renewables that can provide essential grid services while supporting Canada’s equitable transition to an electrified economy.

UN SDG:

SDG 7- Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

By 2030, 90% and in the long term 100% of Canada’s electricity is generated from renewable and non-emitting sources

Support voluntary action to reduce greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions through clean energy generation and consumption

Continue to advance the generation of energy from renewable sources in rural and remote communities

Performance Indicator:

Number of renewable energy projects supported in rural and remote communities and off-grid industrial operations

Starting Point: 33 projects supported as of 2018-19

Target: 65 to 95 by 2030

Result:

Target met.

After two rounds of intake, 112 renewable electricity, bioheat, and capacity building projects are being supported, with 115 contribution agreements signed.

FSDS:

Through the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program, funding the deployment and demonstration of renewable energy projects contributes to reductions in diesel dependency in these communities. These community-led projects support the transition to clean energy generation, contributing over the long-term to the sustainability of Canada’s natural resources.
The 112 projects contribute to the FSDS target of 90% of electricity in Canada that is generated from renewable and non-emitting sources by 2030.

UN SDG:

SDG 7- Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

By 2030, 600 petajoules of total annual energy savings will be achieved as a result of adoption of energy efficiency codes, standards and practices from a baseline savings of 20.0¹⁷ petajoules in 2017-2018

Reduce energy costs and work with partners to increase energy efficiency

Improve energy efficiency in the industrial sector using energy management systems such as ISO 50001, the Superior Energy Performance^® program, and the ENERGY STAR® or other industry programs

Performance Indicator:

Energy savings (petajoules) from industrial energy efficiency programs

Starting Point: 3.5 petajoules saved in 2018-19

Target: 117 petajoules saved annually in 2030

Result:

On track to meet target.

NRCan’s Industrial Energy Management Program (IEMP) achieved 16.3 petajoules of cumulative annual energy savings in 2021-22.

Through the Canadian Industrial Partnership for Energy Conservation (CIPEC), NRCan delivered webinars, case studies, newsletters, energy saving guides, toolkits, networking and data sharing that encouraged and supported industry leaders to take action. NRCan also continued to collaborate with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to expand the ENERGY STAR for Industry Program in Canada.

31 industrial facilities were registered in the ENERGY STAR for Industry Challenge, with two facilities achieving an energy intensity reduction of 10% over a five-year period.

In addition, Energy Performance Indicator benchmarking tools became available across 8 industrial sectors, supporting the ENERGY STAR Certification component.
All of these actions contribute to achieving the target by 2030.

FSDS:

The Industrial Energy Management Program (IEMP), helps industrial facilities track, analyze, and take action to improve competitiveness, energy performance, and GHG emission reduction through the adoption of energy management systems and energy efficiency solutions.

The IEMP includes:

• energy management systems (e.g., Energy Management Information Systems, ISO 50001 and Superior Energy Performance^®)
• energy benchmarking solutions (e.g., ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry, ENERGY STAR for Industry certification)
• technical studies and other special projects that support industrial energy efficiency

Energy efficiency, a measure of how effectively energy is used for a given purpose, provides multiple benefits to many different stakeholders. For example, energy efficiency:

• cuts energy waste and helps reduce energy poverty
• lowers energy bills for customers
• reduces the impact of energy price fluctuations on households
• supports affordable housing
• helps reduce reliance on diesel in remote communities
• eases pressure on energy infrastructure

UN SDG:

SDG 7- Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.

Improve energy efficiency in new and existing buildings by enhancing the National Energy Code for Buildings by 2020 to include net zero-energy-ready tiers through 2030 and extending the application of the Code to existing buildings; as well as certifying high-performing commercial and institutional buildings through the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager

Performance Indicator:

Energy savings (petajoules) from building codes

Starting Point: 3.8 petajoules saved in 2018-19

Target: 132.6 petajoules saved annually in 2030

Result:

On track to meet target.

Building codes and benchmarking tools achieved 7.8 petajoules of cumulative annual energy savings in 2021-22. This represents an increase from the previous year.

The new net-zero energy ready building code (NECB 2020) was published in March 2022. It includes tiered energy performance targets for new construction, for provinces and territories to adopt by 2030.

NRCan continued to collaborate with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to expand the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager benchmarking tool:

• The ENERGY STAR score-rating feature and the certification program are now available for 11 building types.
• Over 29,000 buildings are captured in the tool. As well, 183 buildings were ENERGY STAR certified in 2021.

Since launching the ISO 50001 for Buildings program in 2018, NRCan has invested in sixteen projects, including four involving Indigenous communities.

All of these actions contribute to achieving the target by 2030.

FSDS:

Improved Building codes requirements for the building sector in Canada leads to enhanced energy efficient building practices and technologies. These Codes contribute to the target of net zero-energy-ready building code by 2030.

Benchmarking tools allow building owners to compare their energy use and can prompt them to make improvements. Certification programs recognize higher energy performing buildings.

These activities, support the work to build energy labelling and disclosure frameworks, and more stringent model building energy codes for new and existing buildings.

Energy efficiency, a measure of how effectively energy is used for a given purpose, provides multiple benefits to many different stakeholders. For example, energy efficiency:

• cuts energy waste and helps reduce energy poverty
• lowers energy bills for customers
• reduces the impact of energy price fluctuations on households
• supports affordable housing
• helps reduce reliance on diesel in remote communities
• eases pressure on energy infrastructure

UN SDG:

SDG 7- Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.

Improve the energy efficiency of Canadian homes (through the EnerGuide, ENERGY STAR® and R-2000 home labelling initiatives)

Performance Indicator:

Energy savings (petajoules) from energy efficiency programs in housing

Starting Point: 3.19 petajoules in 2018-19

Target: 133.7 petajoules saved annually in 2030

Result:

On track to meet target.

The EnerGuide, ENERGY STAR and R-2000 home labelling initiatives achieved 14.73 petajoules of cumulative annual energy savings in 2021-22. This represents an increase from the previous year.

Fifty partners across Canada use Natural Resources Canada’s EnerGuide energy rating system for homes and its premium standards. In 2021-22, 153,000, existing and nearly 16,000 new homes were labelled using the EnerGuide system.

As of June 8, 2022, the Canada Greener Homes Initiative has issued $38 million in grants to 10,300 homeowners. Over 171,000 applications have been received through the national portal, and over 50,000 additional applications have been received by co-delivery partners in Quebec and Nova Scotia.

A $10-million call for proposals was announced in May 2021 to train up to an additional 2,000 energy advisors. Since the program’s launch in May 2021, 446 new energy advisors have been trained and added to the roster, which now totals 1,400 advisors across the country.

All of these actions contribute to achieving the target by 2030.

FSDS:

Improved energy efficiency of the housing sector in Canada is achieved through the regulation of mandatory labelling and disclosure of energy use, by the provinces and territories, and the adoption and implementation of energy efficient technologies and practices.
Promoting highly energy efficient new construction reduces the energy demand of the new building stock and sets Canada on the road to a net-zero energy future.

Through this activity, NRCan emphasizes building energy labelling and disclosure frameworks. Training and facilitating readiness in the buildings and trades sectors is also emphasized. The energy efficiency of the existing housing stock is addressed in part by the Canada Greener Homes Initiative. This initiative helps homeowners undertake energy-efficient improvements to their homes guided by EnerGuide evaluations. Helping Canadians make their homes more energy efficient reduces energy demand and supports Canadian environmental objectives while making homes more comfortable and more affordable to maintain, as well as creating good, middle-class jobs in communities.

UN SDG:

SDG 7- Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.

Enhance energy efficiency with increasingly stringent minimum energy performance standards under the Energy Efficiency Regulations and promote increased energy efficiency through the voluntary Energy Star appliances program.

Performance Indicator:

Energy savings (petajoules) from regulated products and market transformation

Starting Point: 16.25 petajoules saved in 2018-19

Target: 219.5 petajoules saved annually in 2030

Result:

On track to meet target.
In 2021-22, regulated products achieved an estimated 12.42 petajoules of cumulative annual energy savings and the ENERGY STAR for Products program achieved an estimated 28.76 petajoules of cumulative annual energy savings. The combined energy savings represent an increase from the previous year of 24.9%.

The current results come from Amendments 13 to 16 to Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations which introduced or updated energy performance standards of products used in homes and businesses, and set leading standards in North America for heating products. In 2021-22, Amendment 17 which is proposing to update energy efficiency and or testing standards for air conditioners and heat pumps was approved for prepublication and the 2022-24 forward regulatory plan was also published. These Amendments and the forward regulatory plan will support energy efficiency improvement of residential, commercial and industrial products over the next several years.

NRCan also continued to administer the ENERGY STAR for Products program, which encourages and promotes consumer purchases of high-efficiency products. In 2021, the Government of Canada updated six ENERGY STAR product specifications including, Heat-Energy-Recovery Ventilators, Pool Pumps, Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment, Imaging Equipment, Commercial Dishwashers and Residential Refrigerators and freezers.

All of these actions contribute to achieving the target by 2030.

FSDS:

By setting energy efficiency standards, NRCan improves the energy performance of appliances and equipment sold for homes, buildings, and industries across Canada and contributes to improved energy efficiency.

In addition, through the administration of the ENERGY STAR for Products program, consumers are encouraged to purchase high-efficiency products.

In support of these activities NRCan sets ambitious energy efficiency targets for appliances and equipment.

Energy efficiency, a measure of how effectively energy is used for a given purpose, provides multiple benefits to many different stakeholders. For example, energy efficiency:

• cuts energy waste and helps reduce energy poverty
• lowers energy bills for customers
• reduces the impact of energy price fluctuations on households
• supports affordable housing
• helps reduce reliance on diesel in remote communities
• eases pressure on energy infrastructure

UN SDG:

SDG 7- Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.

By 2020, 10% of coastal and marine areas are conserved through networks of marine protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures

Work with partners to protect and restore coastal ecosystems

Conduct science to improve the knowledge of diluted bitumen fate, behaviour, and natural degradation end-points when spilled into aqueous environments as part of the Oceans Protection Plan

Performance Indicator:

Number of publications and conference presentations

Starting Point: 0 in 2020-21

Target: 4 by 2021-22

Result:

Target met.

In 2021-22, 2 publications produced and 2 conference presentations delivered for a total of 4.

In addition, 10 internal reports were completed in 2021-22.

FSDS:

Coastal and marine conservation areas are established to protect key areas of the marine environment from the environmental, social and economic risks posed by activities such as development, resource exploitation and transportation.

NRCan’s oil spill program and support toward regulation development, Indigenous engagements, and environmental assessments affecting coastal and marine environments, contribute to the protection of Canadian oceans and coasts and establishing area-based conservation measures.

Developing knowledge of diluted bitumen fate, behaviour and natural degradation end-points informs environmental assessments as well as clean-up methods and evidence-based decision-making in the event of spills to ensure Canada’s coastal ecosystems are protected, restored and remain healthy for generations to come.

UN SDG:

SDG 14- Target 14.5: By 2020, conserve at least 10 percent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information.

Advance marine geoscience information to support marine spatial planning with federal, provincial and territorial partners

Performance Indicator:

Number of new, openly accessible, marine geoscience data products to be used by stakeholders for effective management of marine areas.

Starting Point: 0 in 2020-21

Target: 16 by 2023-24

Result:

Target met.

In 2021-22, 22 openly accessible Geoscience Data Products were released:

• 8 Journal Articles
• 2 Book Chapters
• 9 Open File Reports
• 1 Dataset
• 2 Conference Abstracts

FSDS:

Geoscientific data and maps provide decision makers with the information they need to make informed decisions on which coastal and marine areas should be conserved.

Developing new maps and analyses of seafloor geology and active seabed processes informs evidence-based marine spatial planning.

This work supports regional environmental assessments and the Regional Environmental and Cumulative Effects Assessment processes.

UN SDG:

SDG 14- Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.

Conserve 25% of coastal and marine areas through networks of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures

Performance Indicator:

Number of completed resource and economic assessments for areas proposed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Parks Canada to help Canada achieve its goal of protecting 10% of Canada’s coastal and marine area (as a percentage of total marine territory) by 2020 and 25% by 2025¹⁸

Starting point: By 2020, at end of original Marine Conservation Targets, NRCan had delivered 14 resource or economic assessments to help meet the government target of 10% conservation by 2020. The reported achievement for 2020 conservation was 13.5% of marine and coastal areas.

Target: 17 qualitative or quantitative resource and economic assessments released over 3 years, by the end of 2023-24.

Result:

On track to meet target.

In 2021-22, the 3 area assessments were completed and are on track for release as Open Files.

Data collection and analysis was started in several northern areas, in anticipation of where further work will be required. With some sites now identified, new resource assessments are underway.

More site identifications are expected in 2022-23.

FSDS:

Marine protected areas are established taking into account resource assessment being performed. NRCan assessment reports cover the areas of proposed marine conservation areas and inform and support the Federal Government to proceed with the process to establish conservation areas and meet its targets.

NRCan’s resource and economic assessments help to establish marine protected areas under the Marine Conservation Target initiative.

UN SDG:

SDG 14- Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.

Continue to undertake science activities to support Canada’s continental shelf submissions in the Atlantic Ocean and Arctic Ocean beyond 200 nautical miles and advise Global Affairs Canada on scientific and technical issues.

Performance Indicator:

Post-submission NRCan science activities that aim at securing international recognition of Canada’s outer limits beyond the 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

Starting Point: Canada has met its obligation as a party to United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to define its continental shelf by filling its Atlantic Ocean (2013) and Arctic Ocean (2019) submissions

Target: International recognition of Canada’s outer limits, which will become our last international boundaries

Result:

On track to meet target.

Milestones achieved in 2021-22 include:

• preparation or publication of eight scientific manuscripts with international collaborators
• four presentations/keynote lectures at virtual conferences
• data contribution to an international overview publication for the Arctic region
• collaboration with international scientists advising on data acquisition in the Arctic Ocean
• collection of data in the Atlantic Ocean supporting the submission
• IM/IT safeguarding of data and information; ongoing organization and back-ups of submission documents and datasets
• scientific and technical advice to Global Affairs Canada on continental shelf issues in the Arctic Ocean

FSDS:

Publication of scientific results are of critical importance in supporting Canada’s submissions as they validate NRCan’s data and interpretations by the international scientific community.

International recognition of Canada’s outer limits before the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf will support progress towards FSDS targets for marine conservation and protection in the Atlantic Ocean and Arctic Ocean beyond Canada’s EEZ.

In addition, international recognition of Canada’s outer limits in the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans gives sovereign rights over the living and non-living natural resources on the seafloor and subsoil, supporting conservation and marine protection beyond the 200 nautical mile EEZ.

UN SDG:

SDG 14- Target 14.c: Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources.

N/A¹⁹

Better understand lake and river ecosystems

Support addressing research gaps in water mapping, measurement and modelling

Performance Indicator:

Percentage of annual improvement of foundation geospatial data that includes water maps in Canada, which is measured as the sum of geometry improvements, attribute improvements, and geographical coverage increases

Starting Point: National Hydro Network footprint in 2019-20

Target: 10% average annual improvement

Result:

Target not met.

No improvement reported in 2021-22, because the National Hydro Network is being replaced by a more robust system and services.

Specifically, the National Hydro Network (NHN) product was not updated in 2021-22 and will be deprecated and replaced in 2022-23 by the Canadian Hydrospatial Network (CHN). This new product will be based on more accurate data and will be built to provide a much greater analytical capability. The first datasets representing Canadian watersheds will be produced by the CHN in the fall of 2022, and will provide a new starting point and target for 2022-23.

FSDS:

Increased access to surface water data to advance scientific research and improve the sound management of Canada’s freshwater resources to keep them clean and healthy.  In particular, defining watersheds allow for better understanding of water ecosystems, including flow, and the impacts water use in any part of the watershed can have on water quality.

UN SDG:

SDG 13- Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

Advance knowledge in groundwater availability, flow dynamic and its overall water cycle to inform provinces and territories and contribute to sustainable water management and protection efforts

Performance Indicator:

Number of scientific publications that address Canadian groundwater knowledge gap

Starting Point: 21 annual publications in the groundwater geoscience program 2019-20

Target: 15 publications on groundwater in 2021-22

Result:

Target met.

In 2021-22, 45 scientific publications that address Canadian groundwater knowledge gaps were produced.

Papers (5) and Open File (6) information pertaining to the Groundwater Geoscience Program (GGP) are included in GEOSCAN.

For a list of the scientific publications, please refer to the GEOSCAN Basic Search website.

FSDS:

Research and publication data on groundwater aquifers and their links with surface water systems contributes to the knowledge of water systems and sound, comprehensive water management by the provinces and territories to keep our lakes, rivers, and groundwater reserves healthy.

UN SDG:

SDG 13- Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

Between now and 2022, maintain Canada’s annual timber harvest at or below sustainable wood supply levels

Better understand lands and forests

Develop innovative forest products and decision tools that strengthen knowledge of forest ecosystems and contribute to the environmental sustainability of Canada’s forests

Performance Indicator:

Percentage of innovative forest products and decision tools informed by NRCan research that contributes to the Environmental Sustainability of Canada’s forests

Starting Point: 100%

Target: 90% annually

Result:

Target met.

In 2021-22, the participating programs fostered innovation in the forest sector by ensuring that 100% of the NRCan products, tools, and knowledge informed the development of new forest-based products by stakeholders that contribute to the environmental sustainability of Canada’s forests.  Innovative forest products and decision tools are maturing and these advancements are aligning with national initiatives that incorporate stakeholder needs and stakeholder participation.

FSDS:

NRCan develops scientific knowledge products and decision making tools about Canada’s forests that are used by forest decision makers (e.g., provinces, territories, Canadian industry, private land owners, etc.) to enable sustainable forest management. NRCan products and tools contribute to a better understanding of forest conditions and changes in response to natural disturbance, climate change and forest management practices.

The innovative products and decision tools developed by participating programs strengthen knowledge of forest ecosystems and contribute to the environmental sustainability of Canada’s forests. These innovations support the forest sector to maximize the value of Canada’s forests while maintaining healthy forest ecosystems by reducing existing and potential environmental impacts.  New products and decision tools support sustainable forest management in Canada’s forests and maintaining harvest levels below sustainable wood supply levels.

UN SDG:

SDG 15- Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.

Advance science and technology on forest health protection

Performance Indicator:

Number of NRCan publications pertaining to forest pests and related risks, surveillance solutions, and response solutions that are developed annually

Starting Point: 52 in 2018-19

Target: 52 publications or more annually

Result:

Target met.

In 2021-22, NRCan released 56 publications pertaining to forest pests and related risks, surveillance solutions and response solutions, contributing to advancing science and technology on forest health protection.

FSDS:

Sustainable forest management is contingent upon healthy forests. Outbreaks of native forest insects and diseases, and the introduction of invasive alien species result in tree growth reduction and mortality, which may negatively affect the ecological integrity of forests.

Climate change could amplify these impacts. Advancing pest risk management science and technology to prevent, prepare for, and respond to pests supports the protection of forest health across Canada and contribute to maintaining Canada’s annual timber harvest at or below sustainable wood supply level. Scientific publications are one of the primary forms of disseminating research results.

UN SDG:

SDG 15- Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.

Target 15.8 By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems and control or eradicate the priority species.

Between now and 2022, maintain Canada’s annual timber harvest at or below wood supply levels

Work with domestic and international partners

Support sustainable management of Canada’s forests, in collaboration with provinces and territories

Performance Indicator:

Amount in cubic meter (m3) of wood harvested annually compared to sustainable wood supply

Starting Point: 155 million m3 total harvest versus 223 million m3 in wood supply in 2016 (SoF, 2018)

Target: Annual timber harvest is at or below sustainable wood supply levels

Result:

Target met.

Annual timber harvest data, as reported in the State of Canada’s Forest Report 2021, stated that in 2019, Canada harvested 139.8 million m3 of industrial roundwood.

This is well below the sustainable wood supply level of 218.1 million m3.

FSDS:

Sustainable forest management is a shared responsibility across all governments, the private sector and civil society for using and caring for forests to maintain their environmental, social and economic value and benefits over time. NRCan promotes responsible and transparent practices in the forest sector and supports provinces and territories in their role as forest managers to help ensure Canada’s forests are sustainable for years to come.

Supporting sustainable forest management in Canada directly contributes to the goal of sustainably managed land and forests and help maintaining Canada’s annual timber harvest at or below sustainable wood supply levels.

UN SDG:

SDG 15- Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.

By 2022, take risk management actions in a timely manner for 100% of substances found to be a risk to the environment or human health

Prevent environmental emergencies or mitigate their impact

Integrate new data streams from the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) into production of emergency river ice and flood maps through new automated tools

Performance Indicator:

Percentage of flood tools used in Emergency Geomatics Service (EGS) workflows transmitted are automated to cloud infrastructure

Starting Point: EGS image processing system is 100% desktop based

Target: 100% of operations running in the Cloud

Result:

Target not met.

0% of operations were running in the Cloud in 2021-22 because resources were shifted to support flooding emergencies; 194 days were spent on active emergency monitoring and analysis. NRCan anticipates 100% of operations will be running in the Cloud by 2022-23.

2022 steps toward this goal:

• Working to procure further services to maintain and develop our cloud operations environment.
• Team members accessing the cloud environment and working to integrate our operations into the cloud. All work, thus far, has been done on a sandbox account.

FSDS:

Emergency river ice and flood maps support operations and decision-making for climate change action and emergency response. Automated tools will lead to EGS products being produced more frequently and at higher accuracy which will enhance situational awareness and enable emergency responders to act faster and better allocate resources to minimize damage during crises, contributing to safe and healthy communities.

2021 proved a record year for EGS.  The team analyzed more than 675 images, spent 194 days providing operational planning centres and flood responders with 209 map products describing the state of river ice, the extent of flooding in cities and surrounding areas, and ground deformation analysis.

UN SDG:

SDG 13- Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

Facilitate provision of geospatial data to support national and international emergency management efforts

Performance Indicator:

Percentage of responses to International Charter: Space and Major Disasters requests

Starting Point: 100% in 2019-20

Target: Respond to 100% of Charter requests in 2022-23

Result:

Target met.

In 2021-22, NRCan successfully responded to 100% of Charter requests through 48 activations of the disaster’s charter with downlink and dissemination of both RCM and RADARSAT-2 data.

FSDS:

The near real-time downlink of satellite imagery directly supports community relief from natural disasters around the world. The utility of RADARSAT data is uniquely positioned to support relief for water related events (e.g. floods, tsunami. etc.), given its effectiveness at night and through cloud cover. With respect to protecting people in vulnerable situations, in 2021, NRCan directly supported disaster events in vulnerable areas in Togo, Sudan, Somalia, Haiti, Guyana, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from the RADARSAT program delivered under the charter directly support natural disasters in all countries by informing decision makers charged with community resilience and follow-on adaptations.

UN SDG:

SDG 11 – Target 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations.

SDG 13- Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.