Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy 2020 to 2023
Canada Border Services Agency

June 2020

Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy 2020 to 2023 (PDF, 1.5 MB)
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Minister's message

The Honourable Bill Sterling Blair, P.C., C.O.M., M.P. Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Bill Blair
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is proud to present the 2020 to 2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy of the CBSA. As part of our obligations to national and international strategies and goals, we have created an ambitious and aspiring plan.

In the following pages, you will find that the CBSA’s plan proposes significant investments in clean energy, waste reduction, and climate change resilience.

But the CBSA has not stopped there. The CBSA also plans to:

As part of our mandate and operations, the CBSA will strive to prevent the introduction of invasive species and harmful food, plants and animals that pose a significant threat to Canada’s wildlife, food production, fisheries and forestry industries. In addition, the CBSA is committed to providing safe and healthy environments for its employees, and aims to mitigate contamination of the environment.

The CBSA’s Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy outlines how we will respect the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS), the Greening Government Strategy (GGS) and the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF).

It takes into account the Government of Canada’s commitment to renewing the relationship with Indigenous Peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership. On the international front, the plan reflects Canada’s dedication to the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, adopted by 193 Member States of the United Nations.

Although the CBSA’s mandate is to support national security and public safety priorities, as well as to facilitate the free flow of persons, goods and services, over the next three years we will do our part to contribute to healthier citizens and a greener, more prosperous Canada.

President’s and Executive Vice President’s message

John Ossowski

President of the Canada Border Services Agency

Paul MacKinnon

Executive Vice-President of the Canada Border Services Agency

In September 2015, Canada joined 192 United Nations (UN) Member States and adopted the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. In support of the UN and Canada’s Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS), CBSA is proud to present its 2020 to 2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS).

The CBSA DSDS commits the Agency to:

How we will achieve our goals

CBSA will make investments in clean energy and modernize its infrastructure and fleet to achieve its goals.

The benefits associated with these investments will result in:

In presenting CBSA’s strategy, senior management understands its responsibility and obligation to Canadians. This includes ensuring that our Agency’s DSDS is aligned with objectives set out in the FSDS, is funded, and continues to explore innovative ways to reduce our environmental footprint.

On behalf of CBSA employees, I am pleased to present this strategy. It demonstrates our commitment to and stewardship of the environment.

Table of contents

1. Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

The 2019 to 2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) presents the Government of Canada’s sustainable development goals and targets, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. The Act provides the legal framework for developing and implementing a Federal Sustainable Development Strategy that will make environmental decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), herein referred to as the Agency, supports the goals laid out in the FSDS through the activities described in this Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS).

The FSDS is the Government of Canada’s primary vehicle for sustainable development planning and reporting. It is divided into 13 aspirational goals that support the United Nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) supports the following goals laid out in the FSDS, where it is listed as a responsible department/agency for:

The Government of Canada has made it a priority to manage its activities with environmental sustainability in mind. Moving forward, the CBSA has developed an ambitious DSDS for 2020 to 2023. This Strategy will serve as the guiding document for the CBSA’s sustainable development endeavours throughout the next three fiscal years. It captures all environmental aspects of the CBSA’s operations and ensures that the Agency remains committed to reducing its environmental impacts and ensure stewardship in support of the mandate.

2. Integrating sustainable development

Canada is a leader in promoting and adopting sustainable development commitments, such as the UN 2030 agenda, for which it develops supporting policies and strategies. The CBSA contributes to and facilitates the implementation of these commitments through various initiatives and engagements, as presented below.

2.1. United Nations 2030 agenda

In September 2015, Canada and all other 192 United Nations member States adopted the 2030 agenda for sustainable development at the UN general assembly. The 2030 agenda is a global framework of action which integrates social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development, as well as peace, governance, and justice elements. Key to this agenda is an ambitious set of 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The government of Canada is committed to implementing the 2030 agenda through concrete actions on the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). All federal ministers, departments, agencies, and crown corporations are accountable for implementing SDGs relevant to their operations and supporting the development of the FSDS through their departmental programs, policies, and strategies, such as the DSDS.

The CBSA’s actions and commitments put forth in this 2020 to 2023 DSDS will contribute directly to seven (7) of the UN SDGs as presented in the Table of commitments in section 4 of this document.

2.2. Strategic environmental assessment

The strategic environmental assessment (SEA) process supports the CBSA’s commitment to sustainable development by integrating environmental considerations into its decision-making. Under the Guidelines for implementing the Cabinet directive on the environmental assessment of policy, plan and program proposals, the CBSA completes a strategic environmental assessment at the earliest planning stages of a CBSA-led policy, plan, or program in order to identify any environmental issues as well as to mitigate negative environmental impacts prior to submission to a minister or to the Cabinet for consideration. To facilitate this process, the CBSA has published an internal guidance document for completing SEAs in 2015. This internal guidance document includes an assessment form where project proponents identify any environmental impacts the proposal may have on the environment or on the relevant DSDS goals and targets established by CBSA under the FSDS. Once reviewed and approved by the Agency's senior management and environmental Operations, the project proposal and its SEA are submitted as a Memorandum to Cabinet or Treasury Board Submission.

2.3. Engagement of Indigenous Peoples

Empowered by the government’s commitment to First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples in Canada, the CBSA has undertaken a comprehensive and transformative approach to its indigenous affairs. This approach is aligned with government of Canada direction and the findings and recommendations of various committees and reports examining Indigenous matters. It upholds legal and treaty obligations.

Recognizing that Indigenous affairs vary significantly based on many factors including geography, culture, traditions, economies and demographics, the CBSA is committed to appropriate engagement and, where required, consultation with Indigenous governments and communities within a nation-to-nation context. With regard to the Land Border Crossing Project - an infrastructure renewal project - the Agency is respectful of the interests of Indigenous Peoples concerning real estate and construction projects, and is taking a proactive approach to engaging Indigenous partners. The Agency is also conscious of meeting its modern treaty obligations and keeping indigenous governments and organizations informed about the disposal of surplus property.

The CBSA honours the unique relationship that Indigenous Peoples have with the land, and commits to effective engagement regarding environmental issues. Indigenous affairs are analyzed within the GBA+ framework, with corresponding mandatory annexes to Cabinet documentation such as Memoranda to Cabinet or Treasury Board Submissions.

3. Implementing sustainable development at the CBSA

3.1. A portrait of the CBSA

The CBSA is responsible for providing integrated border services that support national security and public safety priorities as well as facilitate the free flow of legitimate persons and goods, including animal and plant products and derivatives, which meet all requirements under the program legislation. The Agency enforces more than 90 acts and regulations, some of which concern environmental compliance that keeps Canadians safe. The Canada-United States (US) land border is the longest in the world at almost 9,000 km. In order to provide the utmost efficiency and security, the CBSA operates with a workforce of approximately 14,000 employees, including over 7,700 uniformed border service officers (BSOs) who enforce laws and regulations that touch nearly every sector of Canadian society at approximately 1,100 points of service across Canada and at 39 international locations. As of 2019, the CBSA has one of the larger custodial (owned by the CBSA) portfolios of all federal departments/agencies, which includes:

The diversity of the CBSA’s custodial portfolio is essential to maintaining strong and effective border services. Yet, moving towards larger and more modern facilities to accommodate increasing global commercial and traveller traffic may pose challenges. The CBSA must therefore be more innovative when moving towards more sustainable and energy-efficient operations.

3.2. Greening government

In support of the FSDS goal for greening government, the CBSA’s 2020 to 2023 DSDS includes several measures, detailed in section 4, to reduce its carbon footprint, such as:

The CBSA is the Twelfth largest contributor within the federal government of greenhouse gas emissions from its facilities and fleet. Since the onset of the Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDA), the CBSA has made significant progress towards greening its operations. However, GHG emissions have risen above the 2005 baseline levels. Therefore, for the next three years the CBSA will make targeted investments towards greener, more sustainable operations through initiatives and programs elaborated on below. The CBSA has a bold plan to reduce its GHG emissions by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030.

CBSA Facilities

Custodial ports of entry (POEs) and supporting infrastructure account for 70% of the CBSA’s GHG emissions. Since 2003, the CBSA has been expanding its operations through the construction of several larger buildings, such as new immigration holding centres in Quebec and British Columbia, necessary to accommodate the Agency’s growing commercial and traveller operations. In fact, as of 2019 the floor area of CBSA's custodial facilities has increased by 60%, thereby causing an increase of 9.5% in GHG emissions since 2005. Despite the recent increase in floor area at custodial facilities, the CBSA has successfully managed to reduce its GHG emission intensity per square metre (m2) by 30% through the implementation of various measures.

While investments have been made in the last decade to update the CBSA’s larger full service POEs, custodial infrastructure investments at the smaller POEs have not been undertaken at the same rate, causing some infrastructure to deteriorate. Of the total custodial assets, 36% are over 50 years old. This represents a significant opportunity for modernization.

To address this, the Agency has developed a 30-year real property strategy ― the Land Border Crossing Project (LBCP) ― to modernize its custodial facilities. The CBSA will also integrate climate change resilience into the design, construction, and operational aspects of the project. This initiative alone is anticipated to reduce CBSA’s global GHG emissions by approximately 5%.

For existing infrastructure, the CBSA has leveraged Natural Resources Canada’s Federal Buildings Initiative (FBI), which facilitates energy efficiency retrofit projects in buildings owned and managed by the Government of Canada. The mechanism called energy performance contracts (EPCs) allows federal departments to undertake retrofits with no upfront capital costs, and take advantage of private sector funding. The private investment is paid back by future energy savings. For example, the Rigaud Learning Centre, the CBSA’s largest facility representing 20% of CBSA facilities’ GHG emissions, is currently undergoing energy efficiency retrofits under an EPC. It is estimated that, when complete, the Rigaud facility will reduce its energy consumption by approximately 44%. Over the next five years, additional EPCs are planned for various other regions and facilities, to achieve additional energy savings.

The CBSA is moving towards clean electricity for all of its facilities. While the majority of facilities use electricity for heating, 46 facilities still rely on traditional fuels such as natural gas or oil for heating. Therefore, the CBSA aims to convert some of these facilities to electric heating, particularly in Quebec, British Columbia and Manitoba, where there is a clean supply of electricity from renewable sources such as hydro-electricity. Currently, over 86% of CBSA facilities obtain electricity from clean energy sources. In provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick, where electricity is produced mainly using coal, renewable energy certificates will be purchased in order to offset emissions and support a green economy, as per the Pan-Canadian Framework on clean growth and climate change (PCF). The CBSA is continually seeking low-carbon energy sources, such as renewable natural gas or biogas, to power facilities where possible.

The CBSA is also moving towards green leases in buildings where the Agency is a rent-paying tenant occupying 70% or more of the office space. In an effort to reduce leased space, the CBSA will be piloting a GCworkplace design in a number of its offices nationally, including two floors of headquarters buildings in Ottawa. This consists of condensing and optimizing the use of leased spaces, as well as giving employees the option to work from home, which will reduce environmental impacts associated with commuting to work. In addition, the CBSA is working in partnership with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) on a pilot of GCcoworking, an initiative to provide alternative workspaces for government of Canada (GC) employees throughout the national capital region (NCR) to allow employees to work closer to home and reduce commute times.

Fleet

The CBSA manages a fleet of nearly 1,100 operational and administrative vehicles that serve in the Agency’s day-to-day operations. Approximately 10% of vehicles are general administrative, with the remaining 90% of vehicles being law enforcement and specialty vehicles (such as detector dog unit transport). In 2005, fleet emissions were responsible for 33% of the CBSA’s total GHG emissions.

The CBSA is continuously renewing its fleet for more fuel-efficient vehicles. Since 2005, fleet renewal initiatives have accounted for an 8.3% reduction in GHG emissions from the CBSA’s light-duty vehicles. In 2019, the CBSA began procuring plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles. To meet its targets, 75% of the CBSA’s new light-duty unmodified administrative fleet vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) or hybrids. This includes adding the required electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The CBSA is also actively testing alternative fuel technologies, such as the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, currently leased and utilized at the Jean-Lesage Airport in Quebec City.

A portion of fleet vehicles serve CBSA employees located in service points outside of CBSA custodial facilities, such as airports, marine ports, railways, mail centres, etc. For the vehicles located outside of custodial facilities, the Agency will seek opportunities to engage with local authorities to access and use their available infrastructure, such as charging stations, for CBSA electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

Figure 1, below, depicts how the CBSA will not only reduce its GHG emissions by 40% below its 2005 to 2006 baseline as per the government of Canada’s target, but also surpass it with a 57% reduction. More information on the targets and actions to achieve them can be found in section 4: Table of commitments for the CBSA.

GHG Reduction Measures
Figure 1. CBSA’s GHG reductions to be achieved through the implementation of various initiatives from 2020 to 2030. The 2005 GHG baseline and 2018 to 2019 emissions are presented as starting points.

Image description

GHG Reduction Measures

In the 2005 to 2006 baseline year, the CBSA’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions footprint was at 13,075 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. By 2018 to 2019, the CBSA’s GHG emissions had increased lightly to 13,533 tonnes of CO2 equivalent due to an increase in its real property footprint by 60%. The FSDS target is set to achieve a 40% GHG emissions reduction (by 7,857 tonnes of CO2 equivalent) from 2005 levels through a number of important reductions measures. Through its actions, the Agency will aim to reduce its emissions by 57%. By 2030, it is anticipated that the net GHG emissions will be 5,563 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

Operational waste

With over 14,000 employees working at the CBSA, daily activities may generate significant non-hazardous operational waste. Non-hazardous operational waste includes waste generated on a typical work day, such as paper, plastics and food. Waste audits will be conducted in key facilities across the portfolio during the winter of 2020 to identify opportunities for waste reduction.

Paper is a significant contributor to the CBSA’s operational waste. For security reasons, many transactions at the Agency are not and cannot be digitized. Forms continue to be printed, mailed, and archived. Currently, the CBSA uses over 900 forms, ranging from declaration cards at the border to security forms in the regional offices. The CBSA is currently conducting an assessment of all forms with the objective of removing redundant forms and identifying forms which can be digitized. Digital signatures have and continue to be implemented where possible to reduce the need for printing. In addition, duplex (both sides) printing has been implemented as a default function for all CBSA printers.

All CBSA employees contribute to waste and have an integral role to play in terms of waste reduction. Through the Agency’s employee mobilization and awareness initiatives, significant gains in non-hazardous operational waste reductions can be achieved.

Construction waste

According to Statistics Canada data, construction, renovation and demolition (CRD) waste accounts for about 12% of all solid waste generated in Canada. Currently, 84% of CRD waste is disposed of even though almost all is reusable or recyclable. With the onset of the Agency’s LBCP, which will see the replacement of its facilities over the coming years, the CBSA has an opportunity to create significant CRD waste. For new construction, the CBSA will make every effort to ensure contractual requirements are in place, and to reuse, recycle, and minimize construction waste. For renovation and demolition projects, the Agency will explore opportunities to reuse and divert the construction waste generated.

Water consumption

In support of the federal greening government strategy, the CBSA will work towards reducing both water consumption in its custodial buildings and its load on municipal water systems. All new construction will include best-in-class practices, such as incorporating low-flow toilets and faucets as well as water meters to monitor water consumption. For existing construction, the CBSA will create an inventory of water meters within its custodial facilities with municipally-supplied water.

Climate change adaptation

The CBSA recognizes the importance of investing in climate change adaptation measures in order to keep Canada’s ports of entry secure. Increased immigration and refugee claims, risk of food and water-borne diseases, migration of invasive species, the rise in sea levels, and increased frequency of extreme weather events will have a direct and indirect impact on CBSA’s operations.

The CBSA is working to understand the wide range of climate change impacts that could potentially affect assets, services, and operations across the country. The CBSA will incorporate climate change considerations into risk-based business planning and explore how climate change adaptation can be integrated into its projects and operations. As such, the CBSA will conduct an Agency-wide risk assessment to determine the vulnerability of CBSA assets, services and operations to climate change impacts.

Business travel and commuting

The CBSA is the fourth largest contributor to business travel emissions (from aircraft and rail) of all federal departments. Given the geographic dispersion of POEs across Canada, site visits are required for routine maintenance, new infrastructure initiatives, or as part of inspections for regulatory compliance.

For business meetings, the CBSA continues to encourage its employees to consider and use teleconferencing and videoconferencing where feasible to minimize emissions from business travel. To facilitate videoconferencing, 85 new video conference hardware solutions have been added across the country within the last year.

The Agency also works to encourage greener commuting options through carpooling, biking and bike sharing, public transit, and multiple-use opportunities. For example, a shuttle service is providing employees in Ottawa with the ability to commute between headquarters buildings. It is estimated that this initiative will save 20 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) in its first year of operation.

Green procurement

Green procurement is the integration of environmental performance considerations into the purchase decision-making process. In accordance with the Treasury Board Secretariat’s (TBS) Policy on Green Procurement, the Agency will procure, operate, and dispose of its assets in a manner that protects the environment while meeting its operational objectives.

The CBSA is working in partnership with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) to pilot GCcoworking, an initiative to provide alternative workspaces for government of Canada (GC) employees, allowing them to work closer to home and reduce commuting. GCcoworking sites are open in Ottawa, Gatineau and Toronto, with additional sites to become available nationally in 2020. The Agency is also working to reduce its office footprint by modernizing floors to GCworkplace standards, which encourages the Agency to support flexible work arrangements. By participating in GCcoworking and adopting GCworkplace standards, the Agency contributes to the Government of Canada’s sustainability goals by reducing commute times and optimizing office accommodations.

The Agency is also taking steps to modernize its information technology (IT) infrastructure, which will be more energy efficient and improve services. The Agency is moving to close its main legacy data center, decommission certain legacy commercial applications, and migrate the entire digital workload to more modern solutions. The Agency will continue to procure laptops, which consume up to 75% less energy, to replace desktop computers. The desktop computers will either be reused through programs such as computers for schools or recycled if not supported or operational. This modernization will also facilitate the implementation of other initiatives such as GCworkplace, working from home, and greener meetings as printing needs are reduced.

Employee mobilization

Employee mobilization is an integral part of any organization's transition towards greening operations. While significant gains, particularly regarding GHG emission reductions, waste management and consumption, can be made through corporate programs and projects, employee participation is key to implementing the greening government initiatives in the CBSA’s custodial facilities and offices across Canada.

The CBSA is currently developing the green employee mobilization strategy (GEMS), which aims to support sustainable workplaces through the education and awareness of CBSA employees. The GEMS is a grassroots effort to develop a culture where workplace activities integrate sustainable practices.

An integral part of the GEMS is the development of Green Teams throughout the CBSA. With the support of senior management, green teams will:

3.3. Healthy wildlife populations

Increasingly, travel, trade, and tourism have amplified the potential for the spread of plant and animal diseases and invasive alien species beyond natural bio-geographical borders. The CBSA plays an integral role in the protection of Canadian biodiversity and wildlife populations. Through the inspection and interception of food, plants and animals coming into Canada, the CBSA’s border services officers prevent the introduction of diseases and pests that could pose a risk to Canada’s wildlife, forests, lakes, rivers and oceans, as well as to various industries, including forestry and agriculture.

The CBSA enforces the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) Plant Protection Act, as well as the Health of Animals Act to prevent the introduction of plant and animal diseases, invasive plants, and plant pests, including wood-boring pests in shipments with wood packaging materials and diseases that may be present in goods contaminated with soil. The CBSA also works with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Canadian provinces and territories to prevent aquatic invasive species, such as Asian carp and zebra mussels, from entering Canada. The CBSA also collaborates with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to prevent the introduction into Canada of invasive terrestrial animals and animal diseases, such as the salamander chytrid fungus that threatens Canada’s native salamanders.

Public cooperation plays a significant role in preventing invasive species. As a result, the CBSA plans to also develop awareness initiatives to help travellers better understand what is prohibited and why.

3.4. Sustainable food

Through its role in keeping our borders safe, the CBSA contributes to the safety and long term sustainability of food grown and produced in Canada. Animals and plants coming into Canada are monitored and inspected to prevent the introduction of diseases and pests that could pose a risk to the country's livestock, crops, and agricultural production.

The CBSA works in partnership with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which administers and enforces 13 federal acts dedicated to safeguarding food, animals and plants. Legislation such as the Food and Drugs Act, and the Safe Food for Canadians Act, are key to preventing food that may be harmful to Canadian agriculture or unfit for human consumption from entering the country.

3.5. Safe and healthy communities

In its commitments to clean and healthy communities and in accordance with the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, the Canada Labour Code, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, and Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada guidelines, the CBSA continues to ensure that all custodial facilities meet compliance requirements for drinking water quality, petroleum storage tank systems, and minimizing impacts from environmental contaminants used for operations.

Contaminated sites

The CBSA is committed to the identification, assessment and remediation of any contaminated site within its real property portfolio. As an active contributing department of the federal contaminated sites action plan, the CBSA is committed to investing and participating in over $1.5 million in remediation activities and monitoring over the next 5 years.

Storage tanks

Spills and leaks from storage tanks with petroleum fuels can result in environmental contamination to soil and groundwater. The CBSA will continue to repair or replace non-compliant storage tanks, which will allow the CBSA to meet compliance requirements for the majority of its 114 storage tanks, and reduce the risk of spills at CBSA facilities.

Potable water

Under the Canada Labour Code, the CBSA is legally responsible for providing safe, clean and potable water for employees’ consumption. Many of the CBSA custodial ports of entry are in remote locations and therefore rely on well water, which may contain impurities that are otherwise eliminated in municipally supplied water. The CBSA regularly samples and monitors water quality to ensure employee safety. In the case of adverse sampling results, the CBSA will immediately supply bottled water and issue a drinking water advisory until the issue is resolved. The CBSA will ensure that appropriate measures are taken in order to resolve the issue and remain compliant with Health Canada’s Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.

Wastewater

Wastewater effluents are the largest source of pollution by volume to surface water in Canada. The majority of the CBSA’s ports of entry are small and rely on septic tanks for waste. However, at larger facilities, the Agency is responsible for managing water treatment systems and ensuring that the release of wastewater effluent is environmentally compliant. The CBSA continues to modernize its wastewater infrastructure and septic systems in compliance with the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999).

Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring carcinogenic gas that is emitted from the ground and can accumulate to unsafe levels inside buildings. The CBSA follows Health Canada guidelines on maximum indoor concentrations of radon. The Agency has begun testing for radon in CBSA facilities, and is exploring opportunities to test for radon presence at all other sites where CBSA employees work.

Halocarbon management

Halocarbons are a group of synthetic chemical compounds used as refrigerants, which can lead to ozone depletion and contribute to climate change. The CBSA has moved towards replacing any air conditioning and refrigeration systems that contain halocarbons. Units containing halocarbons will be replaced with non-halocarbon containing equipment based on their lifecycle. The CBSA ensures that annual leak tests are conducted in compliance with the Federal Halocarbon Regulations.

Asbestos

All CBSA-owned facilities have been inspected for the presence of asbestos; results are published on the National inventory of asbestos in federal buildings. Facilities that have asbestos-containing materials on site have asbestos management plans in place. Asbestos assessments are updated on an annual basis, providing inspection and updates on the condition of the asbestos-containing materials, allowing for the identification of any deteriorated substances and early detection of required remediation.

4. CBSA commitmentsFootnote 1

4.1. Greening government

The government of Canada will transition to low-carbon, climate resilient, and green operations

Responsible minister: All ministers
This goal captures commitments from the greening government strategy, as well as reporting requirements under the Policy on Green Procurement.

Greening government communities: Federal Sustainable Development Strategy target 1

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 by 80% below 2005 levels by 2050 (with an aspiration to be carbon neutral).

FSDS contributing action(s)

  1. All new buildings and major building retrofits will prioritize low-carbon investments based on integrated design principles and lifecycle and total-cost-of ownership assessments which incorporate shadow carbon pricing.
  2. Fleet management will be optimized, including by applying telematics to collect and analyze vehicle usage data on vehicles scheduled to be replaced

Corresponding departmental action(s)

  1. All new buildings will be constructed to be net-zero carbon unless a lifecycle cost-benefit analysis indicates net-zero carbon ready construction.

    Starting in 2020, all newly constructed ports of entry will include infrastructure for charging stations, and a minimum of two charging stations per year will be installed in existing key locations, where feasible.

    Existing buildings will undergo the following energy efficiency retrofits:

    • initiate energy performance contract (EPC) upgrades
    • replace inefficient lighting fixtures
    • implement heat recovery and recommissioning measures
    • complete fuel conversion from fossil fuels to non emitting sources

  2. 75% of new light-duty unmodified administrative fleet vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids.

    All new executive vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids.

    The use of telematics analysis to right-size fleet―vehicles, vessels and aircraft―will be used.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

  1. Replacing CBSA-owned facilities in poor condition with new net-zero carbon (or net-zero carbon ready) construction will reduce energy consumption and lead to reduced GHG emissions from building operations.

    SDG 7 (Affordable and clean energy), SDG 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable cities and communities), SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (Climate action)

  2. All new executive vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids.

    The use of telematics analysis to right-size fleet―vehicles, vessels and aircraft―will be used.

Starting point

13.1 KT CO2 eq

Performance indicator

Facilities:

Fleet:

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

Greening government communities: Federal Sustainable Development Strategy target 2

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

FSDS contributing actions

Other

Corresponding departmental actions

Track and disclose our waste diversion rates by 2022.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Tracking and disclosing our waste is the first step in identifying waste reduction opportunities. Reducing the generation of waste will help to reduce Scope 3 emissions from the production, transport and disposal of materials. Diverting waste from landfills reduces landfill gas and transport waste hauling emissions. Material recovery via recycling reduces emissions from the extraction and production of virgin materials.

SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action)

Starting point

No waste data is available at this time.

Performance indicators

Divert at least 75% (by weight) of plastic waste from landfills by 2030.

From fiscal year 2020 to 2021:

Target

75% diversion (by weight) by 2030

Programs in which the departmental actions will occur

National Real Property and Accommodations Directorate

Greening government communities: Federal Sustainable Development Strategy target 3

Divert at least 75% (by weight) of plastic waste from landfills by 2030.

FSDS contributing actions

Other

Corresponding departmental actions

Eliminate the unnecessary use of single-use plastics in government operations, events and meetings.

When procuring products that contain plastics, promote the procurement of sustainable plastic products and the reduction of associated plastic packaging waste.

The CBSA will track and disclose their waste diversion rates by 2022.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Tracking and disclosing our waste is the first step in identifying waste reduction opportunities. Reducing the generation of plastic waste will help to reduce Scope 3 emissions from the production, transport and disposal of materials. Diverting waste from landfills reduces landfill gas and transport waste hauling emissions. Material recovery via recycling reduces emissions from the extraction and production of virgin materials.

SDG 11 (Sustainable cities and communities), SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (Climate action)

Starting point

No waste data is available at this time.

From fiscal year 2020 to 2021:

Target

75% diversion (by weight) by 2030

Programs in which the departmental actions will occur

National Real Property and Accommodations Directorate

Greening government communities: Federal Sustainable Development Strategy target 4

Divert at least 90% (by weight) of all construction and demolition waste from landfills (striving to achieve 100% by 2030).

FSDS contributing actions

Other

Corresponding departmental actions

Track and disclose our waste diversion rates by 2022.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Tracking and disclosing our waste is the first step in identifying waste reduction opportunities. Reducing the generation of waste will help to reduce Scope 3 emissions from the production, transport and disposal of materials. Diverting waste from landfills reduces landfill gas and transport waste hauling emissions. Material recovery via recycling reduces emissions from the extraction and production of virgin materials.

SDG 11 (Sustainable cities and communities), SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (Climate action)

Starting point

No waste data is available at this time.

From fiscal year 2020 to 2021:

Target

90% diversion (by weight) by 2030

Programs in which the departmental actions will occur

National Real Property and Accommodations Directorate

Greening government communities: Federal Sustainable Development Strategy target 5

Track and disclose our potable water consumption and waste diversion rates by 2022.

FSDS contributing actions

Other

Corresponding departmental actions

Reduce water consumption and the demand on municipal water systems at CBSA-owned facilities, by using best-in-class water-use practices in new construction and major renovations, as well as designing all new buildings to effectively manage storm water.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Reducing the CBSA’s water consumption will support water conservation and lower demands on municipal water systems.

SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production)

Starting point

Percentage of CBSA-owned facilities on municipal water systems with water meters installed as of 2020

Performance indicator

Target

Track and disclose potable water consumption at 75% of CBSA-owned facilities on municipal water systems by 2022

Programs in which the departmental actions will occur

National Real Property and Accommodations Directorate

Greening government communities: Federal Sustainable Development Strategy target 6

The CBSA’s administrative fleet will be comprised of at least 80% zero-emission vehicles by 2030.

FSDS contributing actions

Fleet management will be optimized, including by applying telematics to collect and analyze vehicle usage data on vehicles scheduled to be replaced.

Corresponding departmental actions

75% of new light-duty unmodified administrative fleet vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids.

All new executive vehicle purchases will be zero-emission vehicles or hybrids.

The use of telematics analysis to right-size fleet―vehicles, vessels and aircraft―will be used.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

As conventional vehicles are replaced over their lifetimes with zero emissions or hybrid vehicles, the Agency’s fleet will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

SDG 7 (Affordable and clean energy), 11 (Sustainable cities and communities), SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (Climate action)

Starting point

75%

Performance indicators

Target

75%

Programs in which the departmental actions will occur

National Real Property and Accommodations Directorate

Greening government communities: Federal Sustainable Development Strategy target 7

By 2022, departments will have developed measures to reduce climate change risks to assets, services and operations.

FSDS contributing actions

  1. Increase training on and support with assessing climate change impacts, undertaking climate change risk assessments and developing adaptation actions to public service employees, and facilitate sharing of best practices and lessons learned.
  2. By 2021, adopt climate-resilient building codes being developed by National Research Council Canada.

Corresponding departmental actions

  1. Undertake an agency-wide climate change risk assessment to understand the wide range of climate change impacts that could potentially affect CBSA assets, services and operations across the country.

  2. All major real property projects will integrate climate change adaptation into the design, construction and operation aspects.

    Starting in 2020, integrate climate change resilience considerations into 100% of all new buildings and retrofit projects.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

  1. Factoring climate variability and change into policy, programs, and operations is one of the most important ways to adapt to a changing climate and ensure long-term resilience.

    SDG 13 (Climate action)

  2. Early adoption of the climate-resilient building code in the construction of buildings demonstrates federal leadership in climate resilient buildings.

    SDG 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (Climate action)

Starting point

  1. New initiative as of 2020 to 2021
  2. 0 new buildings have been built in 2019 to 2020

Performance indicators

    • Departmental climate risk assessment completed
    • Measures developed to reduce climate change risks to assets, services and operations
  2. Percentage of buildings constructed in the reporting year that conform to the NRC climate-resilient building codes

Target

  1. Complete climate change risk assessment by 2023
  2. 100%

Programs in which the departmental actions will occur

  1. National Real Property and Accommodations Directorate
  2. National Real Property and Accommodations Directorate

Greening government communities: Federal Sustainable Development Strategy target 8

Use 100% clean electricity by 2025.

FSDS contributing actions

Other

Corresponding departmental actions

Procure 100% of all electricity at CBSA’s custodial ports of entry and training facilities from clean electricity sources by 2025. Purchase megawatt hours of renewable electricity equivalent to that produced by the high-carbon portion of the electricity grid in regions with carbon emitting electricity generation.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

The use of clean electricity eliminates GHG emissions in jurisdictions where electricity generation is not from clean renewable sources.

Renewable energy certificates are purchased to offset carbon grid emissions and support the use of renewable energy sources having low environmental impacts, such as wind, solar, water, and biomass.

SDG 7 (Affordable and clean energy), SDG 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure), SDG 13 (Climate action)

Starting Point

86%

Performance indicators

From fiscal year 2020 to 2021:

Target

100%

Programs in which the departmental actions will occur

National Real Property and Accommodations Directorate

Greening government communities: Federal Sustainable Development Strategy target 9

Actions supporting the goal: Greening government

FSDS contributing actions

  1. Minimize embodied carbon and the use of harmful materials in construction and renovation
  2. Support for green procurement will be strengthened by including guidance, and tools and training for public service employees
  3. Departments will use environmental criteria to reduce the environmental impact and ensure best value in government procurement decisions
  4. Other

Corresponding departmental actions

  1. Specification of low embodied carbon materials in construction and construction contracts

  2. Ensure specialists in procurement have the necessary training and awareness to support green procurement.

    Develop an onboarding package on green procurement for all new procurement officers and functional authorities.

    Starting in 2020, require all managers to complete the Canada School of Public Service course on Green Procurement as part of mandatory financial delegation authority training.

  3. Reduce the use of physical paperwork by means of optimizing the number of forms used, as well as increase the digitization of paper-based processes
  4. Ensure that all new installations of closed circuit television (CCTV) technologies in CBSA-operated facilities are energy efficient
  5. Purchase laptops for employees in lieu of traditional desktop computers where feasible
  6. Encourage employees to adopt sustainable work place practises and engage in greener initiatives through green teams, education and awareness

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

  1. The use of low embodied carbon materials expands the market and encourages industries to adopt low carbon extraction, production and disposal practises. This will reduce Scope 3 emissions and other harmful environmental impacts.

    SDG 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable cities and communities), SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (Climate action)

  2. Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and is expected to motivate suppliers to reduce the environmental impacts of their goods, services and supply chain.

    SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (Climate action)

  3. Digitization and optimization of operational forms will reduce paper consumption.

    SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production)

  4. Energy efficient systems will reduce energy consumption in facilities.

    SDG 7 (Affordable and clean energy), SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (Climate action)

  5. By providing laptops to employees rather than desktops, the CBSA will contribute to reducing its energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This will enable employees to bring laptops to meetings and reduce printing, as well as reduce scope 3 emissions when employees choose to work from home.

    SDG 7 (Affordable and clean energy), SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (Climate action)

  6. Employee mobilization supports the FSDS targets of waste and energy reduction through employee engagement and behavioural change towards workplace activities.

    12 (Responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (Climate action)

Starting point

  1. new initiative as of 2020 to 2021
  2. 50%
  3. as of 2019 to 2020, the CBSA uses 642 different forms
  4. 0 new installations in 2019 to 2020
  5. 34%
  6. development of an employee mobilization strategy in 2019 to 2020

Performance indicator

  1. percentage of major construction projects in which embodied carbon in building materials was minimized
  2. percentage of specialists in procurement who have completed training on green procurement
  3. percentage reduction in the amount of physical paper forms
  4. number of sites with energy efficient CCTV technology installed
  5. percentage of employees with a work laptop
    • national engagement through the creation of green teams and green initiatives
    • implementation of a zero waste meeting and event policy

Target

  1. by 2023, 100% of construction contracts will include specification of low embodied carbon materials.
  2. 80%
  3. new installations in 25 facilities by 2025
  4. 10% reduction by 2023
  5. 65% of employees will have a work laptop by 2023
  6. widespread implementation of employee mobilization

Programs in which the departmental actions will occur

  1. National Real Property and Accommodations Directorate
  2. Agency Comptroller
  3. National Real Property and Accommodations Directorate
  4. National Real Property and Accommodations Directorate
  5. Information, Science and Technology Branch
  6. National Real Property and Accommodations Directorate

4.2. Healthy wildlife populations: All species have healthy and viable populations

Responsible minister: Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Healthy wildlife populations: FSDS target(s)

Actions supporting the goal: Healthy wildlife populations

FSDS contributing action(s)

Healthy wildlife populations

Corresponding departmental action(s)

Develop and deliver a training module to border service officers regarding aquatic watercraft inspections to intercept invasive aquatic species at the border.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

FSDS: Intercepting invasive and prohibited species at the border will protect Canadian biodiversity as well as ensure ecosystems can continue to function and provide the services we depend on. In developing and delivering this training module, border services officers will be able to better detect and intercept invasive aquatic species at the border.

SDG 14 (life below water), SDG 15 (life on land)

Starting point: New initiative as of 2020

Performance indicator: Progress on development and implementation

Target: Full implementation by May 2020

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

Commercial Program Directorate

4.3. Sustainable food: Innovation and ingenuity contribute to a world-leading agricultural sector and food economy for the benefit of all Canadians

Responsible minister: Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food; Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

Sustainable food: FSDS target(s)

Actions supporting the goal: Sustainable food

FSDS contributing action(s)

Sustainable food

Corresponding departmental action(s)

Develop and deliver a training module to border service officers regarding aquatic watercraft inspections to intercept invasive aquatic species at the border.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

FSDS: Intercepting invasive and prohibited species at the border will protect Canada’s environment and ensure food systems continue to feed Canadians and create jobs over the long term. In developing and delivering this training module, border services officers will be able to better detect and intercept invasive aquatic species at the border.

SDG 2 (Zero hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production), SDG 14 (Life below water), SDG 15 (Life on land)

Starting point(s): New initiative as of 2020 to 2021

Performance indicator(s): Progress on development and implementation

Target(s): Full implementation by May 2020

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

Commercial Program Directorate

4.4. Safe and healthy communities: All Canadians live in clean, sustainable communities that contribute to their health and well being

Responsible minister: Minister of Environment and Climate Change; Minister of Health

Safe and healthy communities: FSDS target(s)

Actions supporting the goal: Safe and healthy communities

FSDS contributing action(s)

Demonstrate leadership on assessing and remediating contaminated sites.

Safe and healthy communities

Corresponding departmental action(s)

Continue to identify, remediate and monitor contaminated sites at all CBSA-owned facilities to prevent negative environmental impacts.

Continue to monitor storage tank compliance through audits and correct deficiencies in all CBSA-owned facilities in accordance with the Canadian Environmental Protection Act – Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations.

Continue to ensure compliance with Health Canada’s Guidelines for Canadian drinking water quality through the National Potable Water Monitoring Program by means of regular sampling and corrective actions where assessments deem it necessary.

Reduce risk of employee and public exposure to radon gas through continued monitoring and remediation as per Health Canada guidelines.

Track halocarbon-containing equipment in all CBSA-owned facilities and take measures to reduce environmentalimpacts in accordance with the Federal Halocarbon Regulations.

Continue to monitor and manage the presence of asbestos in any CBSA-owned facilities in abidance with the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.

Contribution by each departmental action to the FSDS goal and target

Providing clean drinking water in all CBSA- owned facilities ensures the health and safety of all CBSA employees.

SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)

Managing harmful substances protects human health and the environment, and benefits Canada’s economy.

SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)

Managing harmful substances protects human health and the environment, and benefits Canada’s economy.

SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 15 (Life on Land)

Managing harmful substances protects human health and the environment, and benefits Canada’s economy.

SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)

Starting point(s)

Performance indicator(s)

Target(s)

Program(s) in which the departmental actions will occur

National Real Property and Accommodations Directorate

Fun facts

The CBSA fleet now includes a hydrogen vehicle

The CBSA is proud to be the first federal department/agency in Canada to add a hydrogen car to its fleet. This investment will not only help to reduce emissions from the CBSA’s fleet but also set a precedent for the Agency’s commitment to innovative sustainable development solutions.

The United Nations’ sustainable development goals

The CBSA’s contributing actions towards the government of Canada’s Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) will support the sustainable development goals (SDG) presented in the United Nations’ 2030 agenda. Canada is one of 193 signatory nations to the agreement.

The 2019 to 2022 federal sustainable development strategy

The CBSA’s Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS) was developed in accordance with the 2019 to 2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS), narrowing in on the four goals of greening government, healthy wildlife populations, sustainable food, and safe and healthy communities.

An innovative design to build in remote areas

As part of the land border crossing project (LCPB), the CBSA is investing in innovative modular building technology that will be used at smaller installations and in isolated regions. These units integrate northern climate resilience considerations, off-grid capabilities and further improved energy efficiencies into the building design. In addition, these buildings can be repurposed, repaired, relocated and/or expanded so they can be modified for future technologies and use.

Canada’s changing climate

With Canada’s changing climate, adaptation and resilience measures will be vital for all CBSA operations now and in the future. As a result, the CBSA will incorporate these considerations along with risk assessments into the development, design and implementation of all facility retrofits and/or rebuilds.

The fight against invasive species

Invasive species, such as zebra mussels, threaten Canada’s ecosystems and biodiversity, as well as various economic sectors. As a result, the CBSA remains diligent in its responsibility to monitor and intercept the movement of harmful invasive species across the border.

Innovative workplaces

The CBSA is working to optimize and innovate the spaces in which CBSA employees work through pilots of GCworkplace and GCcoworking designs. These sites will provide employees with a modern, flexible workplace that will drive collaboration among users as well as enable employees to work remotely and reduce travel-related emissions.

The CBSA’s detector dog program

The detector dog service (DDS) contributes to maintaining healthy wildlife populations and sustainable food in Canada. The CBSA generally employs retrievers to detect drugs, guns and currency, and beagles to detect food, plant and animal products. The teams are strategically located at ports of entry (POEs) across Canada, serving both traveller and commercial operations in order to protect Canada’s borders.

The CBSA’s electrifying fleet

The CBSA has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the purchase and incorporation of hybrid and zero emission vehicles into the Agency’s fleet. These vehicles, along with charging stations, are being deployed to key operational facilities across Canada.

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