NSERC is subject to the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals. However, during the 2013-14 reporting cycle, NSERC did not have any proposals requiring the approval of cabinet. Thus, NSERC has a nil report on the strategic environmental effects on the 2013-16 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goals and targets in [Theme(s) I – Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality; II – Maintaining Water Quality and Availability; III – Protecting Nature and Canadians], and the 2010-13 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goals for Theme IV – Shrinking the Environmental Footprint – Beginning with Government].
NSERC is bound by the Policy on Green Procurement but not by the Federal Sustainable Development Act.
Green Procurement Reporting for Departments and Agencies bound by the Policy on Green Procurement (PGP) but not the Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDA)
In compliance with Section 7 of the Policy on Green Procurement (PGP), it is mandatory for all departments and agencies bound by the policy to plan and report on their green procurement initiatives even if they are not bound by the Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDA).
Strategies/Comments
NSERC acquires and manages its major assets through the Common Administrative Services Directorate (CASD). The Chief Financial Officer and Vice-President of CASD has been mandated to address aspects of the Policy on Green Procurement.
i. Approach
A key element of NSERC's approach to setting and meeting green procurement targets is to continue to leverage Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) procurement instruments, which are designed to meet federal government green procurement standards. For a small agency like NSERC, it is more effective to leverage the benefits of these existing green procurement instruments.
In addition, NSERC's strategy for maximizing green procurement for fiscal year 2013-14, emphasized staff awareness and training to key personnel, and included green procurement objectives in the employee performance evaluation of key decision makers. As part of the organizational business transformation initiatives, NSERC decentralised the purchasing of office supplies and introduced an Acquisition Card Program.
ii. Management Processes and Controls
NSERC used PWGSC procurement instruments as its primary procurement mechanism.
All contracting documents included a clause addressing environmental considerations in the performance of the work required.
iii. Specific Targets
In addition, NSERC has taken the following steps toward greening government operations:
iv. Training
v. Performance Evaluation
The manager Procurement, Contracts and Materiel Management and the procurement staff have an objective included in their performance management agreement or objectives to ensure environmental considerations are taken into account in all procurement activities.
vi. Meeting Targets
Green procurement strategies will be reviewed at mid-year to ensure that they are on track for achievement by the end of fiscal year.