Defence Climate and Sustainability Strategy 2023-2024 Results Report
This progress report supports the Department of National Defence's (DND) commitment to make sustainable development decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament. It also contributes to an integrated, whole-of-government view of activities supporting environmental sustainability.
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1. Introduction
The 2022 to 2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) presents the Government of Canada's (GC) sustainable development goals and targets, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. This is the first FSDS to be framed using the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and provides a balanced view of the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainable development.
In keeping with the purpose of the Act, to make decision-making related to sustainable development more transparent and accountable to Parliament, Defence supports the goals laid out in the FSDS through the activities described in Defence's Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS), namely, the Defence Climate and Sustainability Strategy (DCSS) 2023-2027.
As an integrated climate and sustainability strategy, the DCSS 2023-27 allows Defence to support the GC to meet the commitments set out in the 2022-26 FSDS, and implement changes outlined in Canada's Defence Policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged (SSE). The targets in the 2023-27 DCSS contribute to SDGs; Reduced Inequalities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, and Life on Land.
Previous years' reports are posted on the National Defence website.
The Federal Sustainable Development Act also sets out seven principles that must be considered in the development of the FSDS as well as the DCSS. These basic principles have been considered in Defence's DCSS.
To promote coordinated action on sustainable development across the GC, Defence's DCSS contributes to Canada's progress towards implementing the 2030 Agenda and advancing the SDGs, supported by the Global Indicator Framework and Canadian Indicator Framework targets and indicators.
Context: Greening Government
As the largest user of energy and the single largest emitter of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) in the federal government, Defence has a key role to play in helping the GC reach its net-zero targets. The Defence team considers energy and environmental factors in all areas of our business and is committed to reducing GHG emissions from its infrastructure and conventional light-duty vehicle fleets. The real property portfolio is facing a considerable range of new and evolving pressures. According to the Horizontal Fixed Asset Review (HFAR) led by Treasury Board Secretariat, all custodial departments face similar pressures brought on by an accumulation of deferred maintenance. Improvements are needed to comply with health and safety, workplace risk mitigation and environmental sustainability standards while addressing the demand for infrastructure to support operational requirements in the Arctic, for continental defence, to avoid climate change impacts, and to support the GC's Indigenous Reconciliation agenda.
The affordability and market availability of technological solutions remain a challenge for reducing emissions from real property and military equipment. The HFAR has identified funding sustainability as an impediment for implementing policy-related premiums such as greening. DND, like many other custodial departments, has an older real property portfolio that requires significant investments in order to improve its environmental performance. Without targeted funding, greening is competing for the same funds as program delivery.
DND is relying on various GC initiatives to meet our 40% reduction in GHG emissions from infrastructure and conventional light-duty fleet by 2025. For example, we are working with TBS and PSPC on their procurement of clean power and renewable energy credits.
2. FSDS Commitments for Defence
Goal 10: advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and take action on inequality
To support FSDS Goal 10, the Defence Team is committed to renewing and strengthening our relationships with Indigenous peoples across Canada in the communities where we operate. We regularly engage First Nations, Inuit and Métis governing bodies and organizations on planned projects, training exercises and military activities, particularly when they could affect Indigenous rights, lands and water.
Target theme: Advancing reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis communities
Target: We have included our departmental actions toward reconciliation in the.
Goal 12: Reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles
Defence is actively aligning its operations with FSDS Target 12, which aims for net-zero emissions in government procurement by 2050 to support the transition to a circular economy. Through initiatives such as reducing waste and diverting recyclables from landfills, adopting a greener light-duty vehicle fleet, and implementing net-zero and green procurement practices, Defence is minimizing its environmental impact. These efforts are further supported by the commitment to updating procurement standards, encouraging suppliers to disclose GHG emissions, and ensuring that all acquisitions contribute to a sustainable, low-carbon future.
The global microchip shortage has severely impacted auto production, leading to delays and unavailability of green vehicles for DND. Despite being listed in the Government Motor Vehicle Ordering Guide, these vehicles were not available, forcing DND to purchase internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles instead. This resulted in barriers to acquiring zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and hybrids. Nonetheless, DND remains committed to replacing its fleet with greener options and meeting the GC's Greening Government targets.
Target theme: Federal Leadership on Responsible Consumption
Target: By 2030, the GC will divert from landfill at least 90% by weight of all construction and demolition waste (All Ministers)
Implementation strategy |
Departmental action |
Performance indicator starting point target |
How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 agenda national strategy and SDGS |
Results achieved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Maximize diversion of waste from landfills |
Develop waste management policies |
Performance indicator: Percentage completion against milestones Starting point: 0%, New indicator Target: Develop policies and procedures to increase construction, renovation and demolition waste diversion by 2027 |
Relevant targets or ambitions: Developing departmental policies and procedures for waste management will reduce waste and increase waste diversion which contributes to: FSDS Target 12: By 2030, the GC will divert from landfill at least 75% by weight of non-hazardous operational waste By 2030, the GC will divert from landfill at least 90% by weight of all construction, renovation, and demolition waste FSDS Milestone: Characterize the waste stream UN SDG 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse |
Indicator result: 5% completed in 2023-2024. As a first step, DND Green Building Directive construction, renovation and demolition waste reporting procedures were reviewed against reporting requirements. |
Target: The GC's procurement of goods and services will be net-zero emissions by 2050, to aid the transition to a net-zero, circular economy (All Ministers)
Implementation strategy |
Departmental action |
Performance indicator starting point target |
How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 agenda national strategy and SDGS |
Results achieved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Transform the federal |
Procure ZEV and hybrid vehicles for the conventional light-duty fleet |
Performance indicator: Percent available vehicles that meet operational requirements purchased that are ZEVs or hybrid Starting point: ZEV procurement: 29% ZEV and hybrid procurement 86% Target: 100% of National Defence's conventional light-duty vehicle fleet purchases will be ZEVs or hybrid when available, with a ZEV procurement target of 50% by 2027. |
Relevant targets or ambitions: Procuring ZEV and hybrid vehicles will reduce fossil fuel consumption leading to reduced GHG emissions from the conventional light-duty fleet which contributes to: FSDS Target 12: The GC's procurement of goods and services will be net-zero emissions by 2050, to aid the transition to a net-zero, circular economy FSDS Milestone: Purchase ZEVs UN SDG Target 12.7: Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities |
Indicator result: In 2023-24, 64% of conventional light-duty vehicles purchased were ZEVs or hybrid (limited by availability). 13% of purchases were ZEVs. Note: In response to Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development 2023 Report 7 - Departmental Progress in Implementing Sustainable Development Strategies - ZEVs beginning in 2024/25, DND will report, annually, the number and percentages of zero-emissions, hybrid electric, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles within the conventional light-duty fleet. DND will continue reporting, annually, the procurement totals of zero-emission, hybrid electric, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in the conventional light-duty fleet. ICE - internal combustion engine 36% of eligible vehicle purchases were ICE; 70/192 eligible vehicle purchases were ICE 51% of eligible vehicle purchases were hybrid electric vehicles (HEV); 97/192 eligible vehicle purchases were HEV 11% of eligible vehicle purchases were PHEV; 21/192 eligible vehicle purchases were PHEV 2% of eligible vehicle purchases were battery electric vehicles (BEV); 4/192 eligible vehicle purchases were BEV 13% of eligible vehicle purchases were ZEV; 25/192 eligible vehicle purchases were ZEV (PHEV + BEV) 64% of eligible vehicle purchases were EV; 122/192 eligible vehicle purchases were EV (HEV + PHEV + BEV) 85% of total fleet are ICE; 5282/6184 of total fleet are ICE 9% of total fleet are HEV; 576/6184 of total fleet are HEV 4% of total fleet are PHEV; 276/6184 of total fleet are PHEV 1% of total fleet are BEV; 50/6184 of total fleet are BEV 5% of total fleet are ZEV; 326/6184 of total fleet are ZEV (PHEV + BEV) 15% of total fleet are EV; 902/6184 of total fleet are EV (HEV + PHEV + BEV) |
Strengthen green procurement criteria |
Strengthen Defence green procurement criteria and processes in military fleet procurements |
Performance indicator: Percent complete (tracking against milestones) Starting point: Existing Defence green procurement policies, including the Defence Administrative Order and Directive 3015-series (last updated Feb 2020), internal processes and practices Target: Strengthen National Defence green procurement criteria and processes for military fleet procurement by 2027 to improve fleet energy, emissions and environmental performance |
Relevant targets or ambitions: Strengthening green procurement criteria will reduce environmental impact and ensure best value in government procurement decision-making which contributes to: FSDS Target 12: The GC's procurement of goods and services will be net-zero emissions by 2050, to aid the transition to a net-zero, circular economy UN SDG Target 12.7: Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities |
Indicator result: 10% completed in 2023-24. |
Implementation strategies supporting the goal
This section is for implementation strategies that support the goal "Reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles" but not a specific FSDS target
Implementation strategy |
Departmental action |
Performance indicator starting point target |
How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 agenda national strategy and SDGS |
Results achieved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Remediate high-priority contaminated sites |
Continue to reduce liability related to contaminated sites |
Performance indicator: % of reduction in contaminated sites liability based on the closing liability of the previous year Starting point: Target: Reduce National Defence's contaminated sites liability by 10% per year to 2027 |
Relevant targets or ambitions: By managing contaminated sites in a manner that is consistent with TB Policy, Defence is reducing risks to human health and the environment which contributes to: FSDS Target 12: Reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles FSDS Milestone: By March 31, 2025, 60% of Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan eligible sites are closed or in long-term monitoring UN SDG 12.4: Achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle |
Indicator result: 10.3% of reduction in contaminated sites liability in 2023-24 based on the closing liability of the previous year. |
Goal 13: Take action on climate change and its impacts
DND is committed to addressing climate change by enhancing resilience and reducing environmental impacts, aligning with global sustainability goals. By doing so DND aims to build capacity to operate in areas impacted by climate change, while maintaining our military's operational capabilities and effectiveness, and remaining interoperable with our allies and partners around the world. Efforts include increasing climate awareness through data collection, research, and training, conducting risk assessments on infrastructure and operations, and targeting a 40% reduction in GHG emissions by 2025, with a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Additionally, DND is pursuing sustainable infrastructure, equipment, and fuel sources to maintain operational effectiveness while minimizing environmental impact. Collaboration with allies, government departments, Indigenous communities, and academia is central to guiding these climate actions and promoting resilience within defence and security.
Target theme: Federal Leadership on GHG Emissions Reductions and Climate Resilience
Target: The GC will transition to net-zero carbon operations for facilities and conventional fleets by 2050 (All Ministers)
Implementation strategy |
Departmental action |
Performance indicator starting point target |
How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 agenda national strategy and SDGS |
Results achieved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Implement the Greening Government Strategy through measures that reduce GHG emissions, improve climate resilience, and green the government's overall operations |
Departmental actions are the DCSS targets which support GHG reductions related to real property and conventional light-duty vehicle fleets |
Performance indicator: % GHG emissions reduction from real property and conventional light-duty vehicle fleet relative to a 2005/2006 baseline Starting point: 744,238 tCO2eq (2005/06 baseline) Target: Reduce GHG emissions by 40% below 2005 levels by 2025 from real property and the conventional light-duty fleet, and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 |
Relevant targets or ambitions: GHG reductions from the Defence real property and conventional light-duty vehicle portfolio are critical to achieving the GC's FSDS goal which contributes to: FSDS Target 13: The GC will transition to net-zero carbon operations for facilities and conventional fleets by 2050 FSDS Milestone: Reduce GHG emissions in federal real property and conventional fleet UN SDG Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Indicator result: 38.4% reduction in GHG emissions from real property and conventional light-duty vehicle fleet relative to a 2005 baseline in 2023-24. |
Implement the Greening Government Strategy through measures that reduce GHG emissions, improve climate resilience, and green the government's overall operations (Aligned with NATO Climate and Security Action Plan) |
Train deployed Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members on energy efficiency |
Performance indicator: % Military Engineering Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers that received the CJOC Joint Engineer Environmental Brief Starting point: 0%, Will be applied to CAF members to be employed in future rotations. Target: Provide energy efficiency training to deployed CAF members |
Relevant targets or ambitions: UN SDG Target: 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning |
Indicator result: 15% of deployed Military Engineering Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers have completed energy efficiency training in 2023-24. |
Implement the Greening Government Strategy through measures that reduce GHG emissions, improve climate resilience, and green the government's overall operations |
Develop net-zero emissions plans for bases and wings |
Performance indicator: % of eligible bases and wings with net-zero emissions plans Starting point: 0%, New initiative Target: 50% of bases and wings will have a net-zero emissions plan by 2027 to support infrastructure planning and investment decisions |
Relevant targets or ambitions: Developing detailed and tactical net-zero emissions plans at the base/wing level will provide a path forward to reduce GHG emissions from building operations, which contributes to: FSDS Target 13: The GC will transition to net-zero carbon operations for facilities and conventional fleets by 2050 FSDS Milestone: Reduce GHG emissions in federal real property and conventional fleet UN SDG Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Indicator result: 0% of eligible bases and wings with net-zero emissions plans in 2023-24. Planning activities began in 2023-2024, including the creation of a national contract to deliver on net-zero emissions plans. |
Implement the Greening Government Strategy through measures that reduce GHG emissions, improve climate resilience, and green the government's overall operations |
Continue to work with PSPC and TBS to secure sources of clean electricity |
Performance indicator: % of clean electricity consumption Starting point: 81% of electricity consumed Target: Use 100% clean electricity, where available, by producing or purchasing renewable electricity by 2025 |
Relevant targets or ambitions: Using clean electricity eliminates GHG emissions from the grid in jurisdictions with emitting generation sources, which contributes to: FSDS Target 12: The GC's procurement of goods and services will be net-zero emissions by 2050, to aid the transition to a net-zero, circular economy FSDS Milestone: Achieve total clean electricity use in federal real property UN SDG Target 12.7: Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities |
Indicator result: 83.2% of clean electricity consumption in 2023-24. |
Implement the Greening Government Strategy through measures that reduce GHG emissions, improve climate resilience, and green the government's overall operations |
Continue implementing energy performance contracts at our bases and wings |
Performance indicator: % of eligible bases and wings assessed; % of energy performance contracts moved to the implementation phase Starting point: 75% of eligible bases and wings assessed; 50% in the implementation stage Target: Assess 100% of eligible bases and wings for an EPC and move 75% to the implementation phase by 2027 |
Relevant targets or ambitions: Implementation of energy performance contracts will reduce energy consumption leading to reduced GHG emissions from building operations, which contributes to: FSDS Target 13: The GC will transition to net-zero carbon operations for facilities and conventional fleets by 2050 FSDS Milestone: Reduce GHG emissions in federal real property and conventional fleet UN SDG Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Indicator results: 97% of eligible bases have been assessed for EPC implementation in 2023-24. 72% of eligible bases have moved to implementation phase in 2023-24. |
Implement the Greening Government Strategy through measures that reduce GHG emissions, improve climate resilience, and green the government's overall operations |
Install electric vehicle supply equipment. |
Performance indicator: EVSE's installed xx/500 Starting point: 120 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment units Target: 500 electric vehicle chargers will be installed to support National Defence's conventional light-duty fleet by 2027 |
Relevant targets or ambitions: Installing electric vehicle supply equipment will reduce fossil fuel consumption leading to reduced GHG emissions from the conventional light-duty fleet which contributes to: FSDS Target 12: The GC's procurement of goods and services will be net-zero emissions by 2050, to aid the transition to a net-zero, circular economy FSDS Milestone: Purchase ZEVs UN SDG Target 12.7: Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities |
Indicator results: 292/500 EVSEs installed by 2023-24. |
Modernize through net-zero carbon buildings |
Build energy efficient residential buildings |
Performance indicator: % of completed new construction buildings meeting Tier 4 of the National Building Code 2020 Starting point: New initiative, 0% Target: All new residential construction will be net-zero emissions, or net-zero-emissions-ready and at least 40% less energy intensive than buildings constructed to current code requirements |
Relevant targets or ambitions: Building net-zero or net-zero carbon ready residential buildings will reduce energy consumption, leading to reduced GHG emissions from building operations which contributes to: FSDS Target 13: The GC will transition to net-zero carbon operations for facilities and conventional fleets by 2050; FSDS Milestone: Reduce GHG emissions in federal real property and conventional fleet; UN SDG Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Indicator result: 0% of completed new construction buildings meeting Tier 4 of National Building Code in 2023-24. A contract was awarded in 2023-24 to construct the first two net zero emissions ready 6-plex apartment buildings in Edmonton. Construction will begin in 2024/25. |
Target: The GC will transition to net-zero carbon national safety and security (NSS) fleet operations by 2050 (Ministers with NSS fleets)
Implementation strategy |
Departmental action |
Performance indicator starting point target |
How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 agenda national strategy and SDGS |
Results achieved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Improve environmental performance of NSS fleets |
Departmental actions are the DCSS targets related to GHG reductions from the NSS fleets |
Performance indicator: % GHG emissions reduction from the NSS fleet relative to a 2005/2006 baseline Starting point: 644,032 tCO2eq (2005/06 baseline) Target: Support the GC commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 from the NSS fleet considering availability, affordability, compatibility and operational feasibility |
Relevant targets or ambitions: Implementing NSS fleet decarbonization plans will reduce fossil fuel consumption leading to reduced GHG emissions from the NSS fleet which contributes to: FSDS Target 13: The GC will transition to net-zero carbon NSS fleet operations by 2050 FSDS Milestone: Develop NSS operational fleet decarbonization plans UN SDG Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Indicator result: 15.1% reduction in GHG emissions from NSS fleet relative to a 2005/2006 baseline in 2023-24. |
Improve environmental performance of NSS fleets |
Implement NSS fleet decarbonization plans |
Performance indicator: Number of vessels assessed for optimum propulsion efficiency through trial of biofouling reducing hull coatings or in water cleaning Starting point: New initiative, 0 Target: Complete energy use evaluations for 3 types of vessels in the legacy and new Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) fleet to assess the impact of innovative hull coatings and in-water cleaning techniques by 2027 |
Relevant targets or ambitions: Implementing NSS fleet decarbonization plans will reduce fossil fuel consumption leading to reduced GHG emissions from the NSS fleet which contributes to: FSDS Target 13: - The GC will transition to net-zero carbon NSS fleet operations by 2050 FSDS Milestone: Develop NSS operational fleet decarbonization plans UNSDG Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Indicator result: 0 vessels assessed for optimum propulsion efficiency in 2023-24. Innovative hull coating was applied to 2 vessels and innovative in-water hull cleaning procedures were applied to 2 other vessels in 2023-24. Data analysis to evaluate impact has begun with additional vessels to be tested. |
Improve environmental performance of NSS fleets |
Develop a land operational fleet decarbonization plan |
Performance indicator: Percent complete (tracking against milestones) Starting point: 0%, New Initiative Target: Draft the Land Operational Fleet Decarbonization Plan by 2025 and finalize it by 2027 |
Relevant targets or ambitions: Developing a NSS fleet decarbonization plan will chart the course to reduce fossil fuel consumption and GHG emissions from the NSS land fleet which contributes to: FSDS Target 13: The GC will transition to net-zero carbon NSS fleet operations by 2050 FSDS Milestone: Develop NSS operational fleet decarbonization plans UN SDG Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Indicator results: 20% completed in 2023-24. Working group has been established, Terms of Reference established, and Lines of Efforts identified to meet key requirements in the Land Operational Fleet Decarbonization Plan. |
Improve environmental performance of NSS fleets |
Implement NSS fleet decarbonization plans |
Performance Indicators: Percentage of Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) fleets that have completed an operational efficiency review Starting points: 0%, New initiative Target: While maintaining operational effectiveness, review operational procedures to identify efficiencies that would reduce GHG emissions, for a select number of aircraft in the RCAF NSS fleets by 2027 |
Relevant targets or ambitions: Implementing NSS fleet decarbonization plans will reduce fossil fuel consumption leading to reduced GHG emissions from the NSS fleet which contributes to: FSDS Target 13: The GC will transition to net-zero carbon NSS fleet operations by 2050 FSDS Milestone: Develop NSS operational fleet decarbonization plans UN SDG Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Indicator results: 33% of RCAF fleets that have completed an operational efficiency review in 2023-24. Research study completed in 2023-24 assessing carbon emissions associated with transport fleet at 8 Wing Trenton. Study will guide the wider military aviation sector in integrating sustainable practices by optimizing operations in taxiing, de-icing, ground support equipment and mission fuel loads. |
Improve environmental performance of NSS fleets |
Implement NSS fleet decarbonization plans |
Performance Indicators: Starting points: 0%, New initiative Target: While maintaining operational effectiveness, review operational procedures to identify efficiencies that would reduce GHG emissions, for a select number of aircraft in the RCAF NSS fleets by 2027 |
Relevant targets or ambitions: Implementing NSS fleet decarbonization plans will reduce fossil fuel consumption leading to reduced GHG emissions from the NSS fleet which contributes to: FSDS Target 13: The GC will transition to net-zero carbon NSS fleet operations by 2050 FSDS Milestone: Develop NSS operational fleet decarbonization plans UN SDG Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Indicator results: 0% of RCAF fleets have completed a simulator and virtual training device utilization study in 2023-24. In 2023-2024 the need for flight simulators was added to the draft RCAF operational decarbonization plan. |
Improve environmental performance of NSS fleets |
Implement NSS fleet decarbonization plans |
Performance Indicators: Starting points: 0%, New initiative Target: While maintaining operational effectiveness, review operational procedures to identify efficiencies that would reduce GHG emissions, for a select number of aircraft in the RCAF NSS fleets by 2027 |
Relevant targets or ambitions: Implementing NSS fleet decarbonization plans will reduce fossil fuel consumption leading to reduced GHG emissions from the NSS fleet which contributes to: FSDS Target 13: The GC will transition to net-zero carbon NSS fleet operations by 2050 FSDS Milestone: Develop NSS operational fleet decarbonization plans UN SDG Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Indicator results: 0% reduction in annual RCAF GHG emissions resulting from additional investment in simulators and training devices in 2023-24. Project planning and scoping of the reporting methodology began. Delivery of the first flight simulator is not expected until 2025-26. |
Improve environmental performance of NSS fleets |
Implement NSS fleet decarbonization plans |
Performance Indicators: Annual percentage of low-carbon fuels, purchased for Defence through the Low-Carbon Fuel Procurement Program, that replace total fuel volume Starting point: 0%, New initiative Target: Introduce low carbon fuels in the RCN and RCAF NSS fleets where available, affordable, compatible, and operationally feasible by 2027 |
Relevant targets or ambitions: Implementing NSS fleet decarbonization plans will reduce fossil fuel consumption leading to reduced GHG emissions from the NSS fleet which contributes to: FSDS Target 13: The GC will transition to net-zero carbon NSS fleet operations by 2050 FSDS Milestone: Develop NSS operational fleet decarbonization plans UN SDG Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Indicator results: Less than 1% of low carbon fuel was purchased for Defence through the Low-Carbon Fuel Procurement Program (LCFPP) in 2023-24. RCAF procured 12,643 L of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in 2023-24 through the LCFPP. RCN procured 2,006,522 L of low carbon renewable F76 fuel in 2023-24 without the help of the LCFPP. This replaces 4.95% of the RCN's total fuel volume. |
Improve environmental performance of NSS fleets |
Study climate policies, understand constraints and opportunities, and engage stakeholders, including the defence industry, to develop a net-zero strategy for materiel acquisition and support |
Performance indicator: Number of measures completed per year Starting point: New initiative, 0 Target: Develop a net-zero 2050 strategy for materiel acquisition and support and implement at least two other high priority measures by 2027 |
Relevant targets or ambitions: This action contributes to the achievement of net-zero GHG emissions by the year 2050 which contributes to: FSDS Target 13: The GC will transition to net-zero carbon NSS fleet operations by 2050 FSDS Milestone: Develop NSS operational fleet decarbonization plans UN SDG Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Indicator results: 0 measures completed in 2023-24. A net-zero 2050 strategy for material acquisition and support was drafted and is awaiting finalization. Work began on the development of a GHG projection tool. |
Target: The GC will transition to climate resilient operations by 2050 (All Ministers)
Implementation strategy |
Departmental action |
Performance indicator starting point target |
How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 agenda national strategy and SDGS |
Results achieved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Reduce risks posed by climate change to federal assets, services and operations |
Assess critical assets for resilience to climate change. |
Performance indicator: Percentage of critical real property assets assessed for climate change risks Starting point: 0% of critical real property assets have been assessed in detail for climate change risks Target: Complete climate change risk assessments for 20% of critical real property assets by 2027 |
Relevant targets or ambitions: FSDS Target 13: The GC will transition to climate resilient operations by 2050 FSDS Milestone: Identify and incorporate awareness of climate-change-related risks into federal planning; and develop a zero-carbon, climate-resilient office leasing federal portfolio plan UN SDG Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries |
Indicator result: 0% of critical real property assets assessed for climate change risks in 2023-24. Various methodologies are being explored to determine the most cost-effective pathway to assess critical assets including using the results of the Business Continuity Plan update. |
Reduce risks posed by climate change to federal assets, services and operations |
Study the likely effects of the changing global climate on the readiness of equipment, including vehicles, ships, and aircraft |
Performance indicator: Number of measures complete per year Starting point: 0%, New initiative Target: Develop a climate adaptation framework for military equipment and implement at least two other high-priority adaptation measures by 2027 |
Relevant targets or ambitions: Assessing the climate change risk to military equipment will chart a path for increasing resilience and readiness which contributes to: FSDS Target 13: The GC will transition to climate resilient operations by 2050 FSDS Milestone: Identify and incorporate awareness of climate-change-related risks into federal planning UN SDG Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries |
Indicator result: 0 measures completed in 2023-24. Work began to develop scope of the climate adaptation framework for military equipment. |
Reduce risks posed by climate change to federal assets, services and operations |
Implement NSS fleet decarbonization plans |
Performance indicator: Percent completion of the first phase Starting point:0%, New initiative Target: Implement smart fuel dispensers as the first phase of an enterprise fuel management system to automatically capture and record fuel consumption from bulk fuel installations on bases by 2027 |
Relevant targets or ambitions: An Enterprise Fuel Management System (EFMS) supports accurate monitoring of fuel consumption and emissions. Its implementation will occur in two phases. The first phase includes updating strategic direction and policy and installing smart pumps. FSDS Target 13: The GC will transition to net-zero carbon NSS fleet operations by 2050 FSDS Milestone: Develop NSS operational fleet decarbonization plans UN SDG Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning |
Indicator results: 30% completion of the first phase in 2023-2024. Draft Statement of Work completed. |
Goal 15: Protect and recover species, conserve Canadian biodiversity
Protecting biodiversity is vital to safeguarding a clean, safe and sustainable environment. At National Defence we manage large parcels of land rich in biodiversity.
Canada has set ambitious targets to support FSDS Goal 15 and the goal to conserve 25% of terrestrial, coastal and marine areas by 2025, and 30% by 2030. To help meet these targets, the Defence Team assessed and recognized part of Base Shilo as an Other Effective Conservation Measure (OECM) area. An OECM is a geographically defined area, other than a protected area, that is governed and managed to achieve positive, long-term outcomes to conserve biodiversity. We will continue to assess the compatibility of our other Defence properties for OECM recognition.
Target theme: Conservation of Land and Fresh Water
Target: Conserve 25% of Canada's land and inland waters by 2025, working toward 30% by 2030, from 12.5% recognized as conserved as of the end of 2020, in support of the commitment to work to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030 in Canada, and achieve a full recovery for nature by 2050 (Minister of Environment and Climate Change)
Implementation strategy |
Departmental action |
Performance indicator starting point target |
How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 agenda national strategy and SDGS |
Results achieved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Conserve natural spaces |
Assess lands for suitability as OECM |
Performance indicator: % of lands assessed for OECM suitability Starting point: 0%, New initiative Target: National Defence will assess 70% of its custodial lands (representing approximately 450,000 hectares) to determine their suitability for OECM recognition by 2027. |
Relevant targets or ambitions: Assessing lands for suitability as OECMs contributes to: FSDS Target 15: Conserve 25% of Canada's land and inland waters by 2025, working toward 30% by 2030, from 12.5% recognized as conserved as of the end of 2020, in support of the commitment to work to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030 in Canada, and achieve a full recovery for nature by 2050 FSDS Milestone: Make progress on Canada's commitment to area-based conservation UN SDG Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services |
Indicator result: DND has assessed approximately 49% or 300,000 hectares of its custodial lands to determine their suitability for OECM recognition in 2023-24 |
3. Integrating Sustainable Development
DND will continue to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets through its Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process. An SEA for a policy, plan or program proposal includes an analysis of the impacts of the given proposal on the environment, including on relevant FSDS goals and targets.
Public statements on the results of DND's assessments are made public when an initiative has undergone a detailed SEA. The purpose of the public statement is to demonstrate that the environmental effects, including the impacts on achieving the FSDS goals and targets, of the approved policy, plan or program have been considered during proposal development and decision-making.
DND did not complete any detailed SEAs in 2023-24.
In addition, DND has integrated environmental considerations into decision-making at multiple levels through the implementation of the Impact Assessment Act, project planning and management steps, and departmental business processes.
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