The Government of Canada manages over 50,000 buildings. By minimizing energy consumption through design and operational practices, the federal government can save money and natural resources, reduce emissions (particularly greenhouse gases) and maintain healthy buildings.
Energy management in federal facilities also relates to the management of ozone depleting substances (ODS) and the disposal of polychorinated biphenyls (PCBs), as these substances are associated with electrical and energy consuming equipment.
Energy
There are two main options to move towards sustainable energy: reduce the consumption in the Government of Canada facilities, and increase the use of renewable energy.
Under the Sustainable Development in Government Operations initiative, all 25 departments and agencies that are required to prepare Sustainable Development Strategies (SDSs), and three organizations that voluntarily submit SDSs, are encouraged to reduce their greenhouse gases.
The Federal House in Order (FHIO) initiative is the government's plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) within its own operations. The FHIO initiative is aimed at eleven federal government departments which account for 95% of greenhouse gas emissions. The FHIO initiative is also challenging other federal entities to take action to reduce GHGs through the Leadership Challenge. Please consult the Federal House in Order web site for more information on the reduction of greenhouse gases in government operations.
The procurement of renewable energy or green power (e.g. wind power) for federal facilities, as well as the development and expansion of green power in the market will also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Air emissions
The Government of Canada occupies over 25 million square metres (m2) of floor space, and emits a significant amount of air pollution from its operations.
For example, boilers and incinerators not only produce greenhouse gases, they also produce other types of emissions such as nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide.
One of the Government of Canada's roles in air quality issues, along with the development of national guidelines, codes of practice, monitoring networks and air quality prediction, is the promotion of best practices in all federal departments.
Ozone depleting substances
The management of ozone depleting substances (ODS) is addressed in this section since they are typically used in building equipment such as: air conditioning units, dehumidifiers, commercial building cooling systems (chillers, roof-top units), refrigerators/freezers, heat pumps and fire-extinguishing equipment.
The objective of managing ozone depleting substances is to eliminate releases of ODS through the following practices:
- decrease inventories of ODS;
- manage inventories to prevent releases of ODS (and comply with regulations);
- increase conversion/replacement with alternative substances or alternative technologies.
Buildings/Real property
From their construction until their operation, buildings are chief consumers of natural resources.
Federal building property and facility managers can play a significant role in helping the federal government meet its environmental stewardship objectives in the area of energy efficiency. When designing a new construction or a renovation, goals have to be established for the overall energy consumption of the building or renovated area. It is necessary to explore ways of reducing energy consumption in the design of the renovation and verify if implementation is feasible. Energy efficiency improvements may be achieved regarding heating, cooling, pumps and fans or lighting.
The Environmentally Responsible Construction and Renovation Handbook is a Technical Guidebook designed with Federal construction employees in mind. The handbook addresses the requirements which must be taken into consideration in all renovations, recapitalization and fit-up projects. The demolition of a facility can also be approached in a pollution prevention and energy efficient manner, with plans for dismantling the building materials and identifying materials that can be reused for renovation, recycled or sold.
Polychlorinated biphenyls
The use and storage of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is addressed in this section because PCBs are typically used in building equipment such as: electrical transformers as well as cooling and insulating fluids.
The objectives of managing PCBs are to minimize their impact on human health and the environment. Scientists know little about the long-term impacts of PCBs on human health; however, small amounts of PCBs can be found in the environment all over the world. There are also traces of PCBs in our food and in our own bodies.
By 1977, concern over the impacts of PCBs on the environment led to a North American ban on manufacturing and importing PCBs. However, the ban did not cover existing PCBs that were used in electrical applications. Those are being phased out now, and the federal government has set strict guidelines for the storage and disposal of PCBs. Health Canada and Environment Canada have taken strong and effective steps to control every aspect of PCBs, including how they are used, stored and destroyed. The long-term solution to the problem is to destroy the remaining stores of PCBs. This process is underway using proven methods that do not threaten the environment.
