Corporate Smog Action Plan
Government Actions
Smog is a serious environmental health problem, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Actions taken by individuals and corporations are required to minimize impacts on human health and to clean up the air.
As a good corporate citizen, the Government of Canada is doing its part to alleviate smog by implementing a Corporate Smog Action Plan.
The intent of the Corporate Smog Action Plan (CSAP) is for federal government departments to govern their day-to-day operations with actions that will contribute to cleaner air. The idea is to lead by example, thereby encouraging others to also adopt corporate practices that reduce smog.
The Corporate Smog Action Plan has four components:
1. An e-mail notification procedure to advise federal government employees of impending smog alert days
2. A response plan with actions that can be taken immediately by employees on smog alert days to reduce emissions of smog-causing air pollutants
3. Longer-term strategies for federal government operations that lead to air quality improvements during smog season and throughout the year
4. An information and education component that provides federal government employees with information and options for reducing smog in the workplace and at home
During a smog alert day and during the smog season, the following response actions are encouraged:
- Teleworking/e-commuting, flexible working hours and teleconferencing
- Using alternative travel modes (ride sharing, carpooling, public transit)
- Refueling essential vehicles before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m.
- Setting air conditioning temperatures higher and allowing staff to dress casually to compensate for warmer office temperatures.
- Suspending the use of small gasoline or diesel-powered engines where possible (e.g. lawnmowers)
Longer-term strategies to improve air quality include the following:
- Encouraging/promoting bicycling or walking to work and provide facilities for bicycles, showers
- Initiating a program to replace fleet vehicles with alternative fuel, zero emission vehicles
- Adopting an anti-idling policy for all fleet vehicles
- Where the use of vehicles and equipment is essential, ensuring that those units that rely on alternative fuels (e.g. natural gas) will be used first
- Retrofitting existing buildings for energy and hot water efficiency and promoting energy efficiency in new design and construction
- Avoiding the use of solvent-containing products (e.g. cleaners and paints)
Environment Canada has developed a federal response guide and smog kit to assist all CSAP coordinators with program implementation. A CSAP information package and poster were developed for distribution to all federal departments in southern Ontario as educational and awareness tools.
The CSAP is being promoted jointly by Environment Canada, Health Canada and Public Works and Government Services Canada to all 28 federal government departments and agencies with operations in Ontario.
