Coordinating the Fourth Round of Departmental Sustainable Development Strategies

Environment Canada led the development of a new, coordinated and more accountable approach for the fourth round of sustainable development strategies.

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This new approach focuses on the achievement of tangible and measurable outcomes by strengthening coherence and accountability across the SDS process.

For the first time, departments and agencies will be working together to support the achievement of six government-wide sustainable development goals – clean air, clean water, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable communities, sustainable development and use of natural resources, and governance for sustainable development.

The goals also include a focus on environmental stewardship in the government's own operations. Public Works and Government Services Canada, the Treasury Board Secretariat and Environment Canada worked to establish government-wide targets for all departments in three key areas – building energy, vehicle fleets, and green procurement. More information is available on Greening Government Operations.

These efforts respond to past recommendations from the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development which have called for leadership, clear priorities, meaningful commitments, and improved reporting.

The fourth round of strategies will help achieve real results for Canadians by advancing initiatives that protect our health, preserve our natural heritage, foster vibrant communities, and enhance our economic prosperity.