Feds set new targets to achieve net-zero, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050
The Government of Canada takes action to fight climate change and grow the economy— OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 26, 2020 – Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, President of the Treasury Board, announced the publication of the updated Greening Government Strategy, setting new targets for net-zero, green and climate-resilient government operations.
Under the updated Greening Government Strategy, the Government of Canada has committed to reduce its own operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net zero by 2050. This means taking assertive action to lower these emissions from its buildings, conventional fleet, national safety and security operations and its procurement, as well as ensuring its operations and assets are resilient to a changing climate.
” By adopting low-carbon solutions for our buildings and fleets, using sustainable products, reducing the unnecessary use of single-use plastics and purchasing greener power, the Government of Canada is taking more assertive action and demonstrating real and measurable results. Our goal of a green government within a green and resilient economy will benefit Canadians now and in the future,” said Jean-Yves Duclos, President of the Treasury Board.
The new strategy includes, for the first time, commitments to achieve net-zero emissions from national safety and security (NSS) fleet, green procurement and employee commuting. In addition, Crown Corporations are being encouraged to adopt the Greening Government Strategy or an equivalent strategy of their own that includes a net-zero by 2050 target.
The President of the Treasury Board also shared an update of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory that tracks GHG emissions from federal operations. With it, the government is ensuring accountability for its environmental targets and is committed to the principles of transparency and open data. The new data demonstrates that emissions in government operations from its real property and conventional fleet have decreased by over 34% from 2005 levels and that the government is on track to meet reductions of 40% by 2025.
With the updated Strategy, and as evidenced by the Inventory, the government says it is leading by example by taking more assertive action and demonstrating real and measurable results in its efforts to tackle climate change.
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