Other Environmental Initiatives

Above and beyond the targets formally retained for the 2015-2018 SDS cycle, other environmental initiatives will also be considered and communicated. As described below, among the main environmental aspects toward which efforts will be invested, it may be noted, the reduction of CSC's liability on contaminated sites, the use of alternative fuels for vehicle fleet, the implementation of energy and water conservation measures and the improvement to wastewater treatment plants.

Contaminated Sites

Each year through the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FSCAP), CSC will provide a status report on the contaminated sites located on our properties undergoing a remediation project or those being risk managed as per the implementation strategy 3.11.1 of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy 2013 to 2016- “Federal custodians complete remediation/risk management activities at federal contaminated sites for which they are responsible in order to reduce human health and ecological risks at higher priority sites”. In addition, NHQ-EPP will continue to assess any potentially contaminated sites by conducting Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) as required.

Vehicle Fleet

During the SDS cycle 2015-2018, CSC will explore the opportunities relating to alternative fuels for its vehicle fleet. CSC intends to implement at least one electric vehicle pilot-project. This initiative will involve the acquisition of several electric and pluggable hybrid vehicles (to replace conventional cars) as well as the installation of electric charging stations at selected sites. Based on the results of this demonstration project, expansion to other institutions will be evaluated and considered. Nevertheless, CSC will continue to assess the possibilities relating to alternative fuels for its vehicles and capitalize on the best options based on operational needs and budget availabilities.

Natural Resources Conservation

In addition to the environmental commitments listed in the previous section, CSC will also continue to further the conservation of natural resources by implementing more sustainable practices in the area of energy and water conservation measures, solid waste reduction initiatives (enhancement to recycling programs), renewable energy applications (namely solar), and wastewater treatment improvements.

With the completion of SDS 2012-2015 achievements, CSC is now in a position to capitalize on its previous accomplishments. Based on the findings (that have been shared with all regions/sites) from the energy audits, each institution has developed a customized energy conservation plan as well as a water conservation plan. Specific energy and water efficiency measures, and additional energy audits at targeted sites, will continue to be supported as per budget availabilities and implementation capacities. Some of these capital investments may be in the area of renewable/clean energy projects, such as solar walls, solar hot water and/or photovoltaic (PV) panels.

Wastewater Treatment

To further improve the quality of its wastewater effluents over the forthcoming years and to efficiently address the additional flow requirements, CSC will also invest significant capital funding in the upgrading of its wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), namely at the following sites:

  • New lagoons at Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines complex, Quebec
  • Improvements to the WWTP at Springhill institution, Nova Scotia
  • Improvements to the WWTP at Atlantic institution, New Brunswick
  • New lagoon system at Stony Mountain institution, Manitoba
  • New WWTP at Mountain/Kent complex, British Columbia.