Departmental Performance Report 2012-13

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Green Procurement Reporting for Departments and Agencies Not Bound by the Federal Sustainable Development Act

1. Approach: The chief financial officer and vice-president, Common Administrative Services Directorate, is responsible for SSHRC’s application of the Policy on Green Procurement. SSHRC’s approach to implementing green procurement was to use Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) procurement instruments, train key personnel and include green procurement objectives in the employee performance evaluations of key decision-makers.

2. Management Processes and Controls:
1. SSHRC used PWGSC procurement instruments as its primary procurement mechanism.
2. In 2012-13, most contracting documents included a clause addressing environmental considerations in the performance of the work required.

3. Specific Targets:
1. SSHRC has continued to reduce its paper consumption by making double-sided printing mandatory and by increasing the use of online submissions.
2. Stationery and office supplies were targeted to ensure that, whenever feasible, purchases were made using PWGSC green standing offers. Environmentally preferable alternatives were identified using the standing offers in the Recycled and Environmental Considerations columns.
3. In addition, SSHRC has taken the following steps toward greening government operations:

1. promoted the use of established standing offers for goods and furniture that support the Policy on Green Procurement;
2. encouraged employees to reuse and recirculate unneeded or unused office supplies;
3. promoted the use of videoconferencing equipment as an alternative to travel, allowing SSHRC to reduce its carbon footprint; and
4. purchased fleet vehicles that consider size in relation to operational requirements, and alternative fuel options.

4. Green Procurement Training:
1. All existing indeterminate procurement and materiel management functional staff have taken the Canada School of Public Service Course 215 on green procurement as part of SSHRC’s current onboarding program. The training has been integrated into the training curriculum and is now part of the onboarding program for procurement specialists.
2. Internal awareness of green procurement was, during assessment meetings, raised with key stakeholders involved with acquisitions.
3. Management increased staff awareness of environmental practices, such as limiting the number of printed copies of documents and using two-sided printing and copying.

5. Performance Evaluation: An objective has been included in the manager of Procurement, Contracts and Materiel Management’s performance management agreement to ensure environmental considerations are taken into account in all procurement activities.

6. Progress Status: Green procurement strategies will be reviewed at mid-year to ensure that they are on track for achievement by the end of the fiscal year.