News Release

Published on June 23, 2021

The National Capital Commission (NCC) is pleased to report that it has moved forward on 33 of the 36 planned actions detailed in its Sustainable Development Strategy. Overall, the Sustainable Development Strategy 2020–2021 Annual Report demonstrates steady progress, including the construction of a zero-carbon building at Rideau Hall, an 8 percent reduction of emissions from NCC buildings and lands, and the restoration of 875 metres of shoreline.

In addition to ensuring that our planning efforts help the Capital Region mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change, the Sustainable Development Strategy aims to preserve the region’s natural environment for future generations, improve access to green spaces, support sustainable transportation and foster regional food security.

Below are highlights of the Sustainable Development Strategy’s 2020–2021 Annual Report.

Low-Carbon Government

  • In 2020–2021, the NCC began construction on a new service, maintenance and storage building, achieving the zero-carbon standard at Rideau Hall. This new building will be the Government of Canada’s first zero-carbon building in the region.
  • The NCC reduced the emissions from its buildings and lands by 51 percent in the 2019–2020 fiscal year, compared with a 2005–2006 baseline. Of this reduction, 8 percent is due to changes in NCC operations, and 43 percent reflects the decarbonization of the Ontario and Quebec energy grids.
  • In 2020–2021, 100 percent of eligible fleet vehicles purchased were zero-emission or hybrid vehicles, which accounts for 19 percent of fleet vehicles.

Pristine Lakes and Rivers

  • Over 875 metres of degraded shorelines have been restored in Ottawa. Shoreline restoration projects in 2020–2021 included Victoria Island, sites along the Rideau River and Ottawa River, the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway, the Britannia pathway wall, and the Blair Road boat launch.

Sustainably Managed Lands and Forests

  • The NCC developed its first Forest Strategy to guide the management of forests and trees on NCC-managed lands.

Healthy Wildlife Populations

  • The NCC also developed Bird-Safe Design Guidelines, which provide best practices for building, lighting and landscape design on federal lands in the National Capital Region.

Sustainable Food

  • In 2020, 67 hectares of Greenbelt farmlands were converted to food production. This brings the total area of farmlands converted to food production to 528 hectares since 2018.

The NCC will work toward a carbon neutral real property portfolio by 2050, by tracking energy use from its leased portfolio, implementing requirements for zero-carbon building construction, and developing a Net-Zero Climate-Resilient Real Property Portfolio Plan.


QUICK FACTS

  • Contributing to 10 of the 13 goals of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, the NCC’s Sustainable Development Strategy is founded on six principles: leadership, public participation, social equity, collaboration, valuing natural capital in decision making, and transparency and accountability.
  • The NCC’s Sustainable Development Strategy is supported by 36 actions, focusing on climate change action, building resilient infrastructure, protecting biodiversity and water quality, promoting sustainable agriculture and safe and healthy communities, and connecting Canadians with nature.

LINKS

Media Information:

NCC Media Relations

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