2023 to 2024 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report

From: Communications Security Establishment Canada

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Introduction to the 2023 to 2024 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report

The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) presents the Government of Canada’s sustainable development goals and targets, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. This is the first FSDS to be framed using the 17 Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ) of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda and provides a balanced view of the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainable development.

In keeping with the purpose of the Act, to make decision-making related to sustainable development more transparent and accountable to Parliament, the Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSE) supports the goals laid out in the FSDS through the activities described in the Communications Security Establishment Canada’s 2023 to 2027 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS). This report, the 2023 to 2024 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report (the Report), provides an update on progress related to CSE’s DSDS for the fiscal year 2023 to 2024.

The Federal Sustainable Development Act also sets out 7 principles that must be considered in the development of the FSDS as well as DSDS . These basic principles have been considered and incorporated in CSE’s DSDS .

To promote coordinated action on sustainable development across the Government of Canada, CSE’s departmental strategy reports on Canada’s progress towards implementing the 2030 Agenda and advancing the SDGs , supported by the Global Indicator Framework (GIF) and Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) targets and indicators. The Report also now captures progress on SDG initiatives that fall outside the scope of the FSDS . From 2023 to 2027 CSE will contribute to the following FSDS goals:

  1. Goal 10: Advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and take action to reduce inequality
  2. Goal 12: Reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles
  3. Goal 13: Take action on climate change and its impacts

CSE commits to undertake the activities described in this DSDS over the next three years to ensure that the organization is doing its part in supporting Canada’s and the United Nations’ environmental sustainability goals. Furthermore, CSE will strive to consistently greening its own operations and better integrating sustainable development considerations in policies, programs, and decision-making.

Commitments for the Communications Security Establishment Canada

 
  • Goal 10: Advance Reconciliation With Indigenous Peoples and Take Action on InequalityGoal 10: Reduced inequalities
  • Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
  • Goal 13: Climate action
 
Goal 10: Reduced inequalities

Goal 10:
Advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and take action on inequality

 

FSDS context

In support of goal 10 of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, CSE will:

  • participate in Indigenous network events with international partners to learn from their initiatives and best practices
  • launch internal sponsorship programs for Indigenous students, engage in open dialogue with Indigenous employees, and participate in relevant conferences
  • explore effective ways to promote and deliver cyber security services to Indigenous communities
  • continue to promote and support Indigenous learning and cultural activities across the organization

CSE’s values and ethics foster a culture that allows for safe spaces for discussions and learning. We promote transparency of our efforts and understand that there is always room for improvement. This has set the stage for innovation and experimentation across the whole organization. For example, to create more equitable career progression processes, CSE has launched a sponsorship pilot program for Indigenous and racialized employees. This program aims to break down systemic barriers affecting career progression and personal development. Participants (protégés) in this program are guided by a senior leader (sponsor) at CSE and they work together to ensure participants are actively considered for developmental opportunities and career advancement.

Moreover, CSE’s 2022-25 Accessibility Plan ensures accessible conditions for day-to-day work, life and career progression, because having a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to the challenging work we do. The plan accommodates employee and visitor needs by improving the physical space in our facilities, such as adding accessible parking spaces, scooters, ergonomic monitors, hands-free accessibility buttons, etc. Our goal is to maintain a barrier-free, equitable, diverse and inclusive workplace.

 

Target theme: Advancing reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis communities

Target: Between 2023 and 2026, and every year on an ongoing basis, develop and table annual progress reports on implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada)

Implementation strategy

Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

Departmental action
  • CSE will implement its Indigenous Procurement Strategy that will direct more procurement activities toward Indigenous-owned and-operated businesses.
  • Program: Internal Services
Performance indicator, starting point and target
  • Performance indicator: Percentage of procurement contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses.
  • Starting point: 2% in the 2022-2023 fiscal year.
  • Target: 5% of CSE’s total procurement awarded to Indigenous-owned businesses annually.
How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target, and to Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs
  • CSE's Asset, Material, and Contract Management Division will implement CSE’s Indigenous Procurement Strategy that will direct more procurement activities towards Indigenous owned businesses in alignment with Treasury Board Secretariat policy (TBS) on Mandatory Procedures for Contracts Awarded to Indigenous Businesses.
  • CSE is part of Phase 3 of the Government-wide Indigenous Procurement plan. CSE has developed its own Indigenous Procurement Strategy to ensure both the planning and reporting of procurement activities with Indigenous-owned business at CSE reaches a minimum of 5% of the organization’s total procurement in FY 2024-2025.
  • Relevant targets or ambitions:
    CIF ambition: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced.
  • GIF target – 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
  • GIF target – 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices, and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard.
Results achieved
  • Indicator result: 6.3% in 2023-2024.
  • Notes: CSE was successful in identifying key requirements toward Indigenous businesses in order to attain and surpass the 5% annual goal.
 

Target theme: Taking action on inequality

Target: Each year, the federal public service meets or surpasses the workforce availability for women, Indigenous persons, persons with a disability, and members of a visible minority (President of the Treasury Board)

Implementation strategy

Foster diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in the federal public service.

Departmental action
  • CSE will implement measures to improve accessibility and inclusivity in our office building and office spaces.
  • Program: Internal Services
Performance indicator, starting point and target
  • Performance indicator: Number of door operators installed in CSE’s Edward Drake Building.
  • Starting point: Ten door operators in CSE buildings in the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
  • Target: Install an additional 22 door operators by the 2026-2027 fiscal year, for a total 32.
How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target, and to Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs
  • CSE acknowledges the importance of an inclusive physical environment for everyone's benefit. Our office building may comply with building codes, but this does not automatically ensure accessible, inclusive and welcoming office spaces. To address this, we are implementing measures aimed at fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment.
  • Relevant targets or ambitions:
    GIF target – 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
Results achieved
  • Indicator result: 31 door operators were installed by 2023-24 in the Edward Drake Building.
  • Notes: The original plan was to install ten door operators in the fiscal year 2023-2024. However, due to lower-than-anticipated cost estimates, CSE was able to exceed expectations by installing an additional 21 door operators in 2023-2024.
 

Initiatives advancing Canada’s implementation of SDG 10 – Reduced inequalities

The following initiatives demonstrate how CSE programming supports the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs , supplementing the information outlined above

Planned initiatives

Participate in Indigenous network events with international partners to learn from their initiatives and best practices.

Associated domestic targets or ambitions and/or global targets

CSE contributes to advancing:

  • The FSDS target: Between 2023 and 2026, and every year on an ongoing basis, develop and table annual progress reports on implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
  • The Global Indicator Framework target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
Results achieved

By way of international partnerships, we have become a member of the New Zealand-sponsored Five Eyes, Indigenous Engagement Network. Through this network we have developed a strong relationship with the Chief Māori, Advisor for New Zealand’s intelligence agencies.

Planned initiatives
  • Launch internal sponsorship programs for Indigenous students, engage in open dialogue with Indigenous employees, and participate in relevant conferences.
  • Continue to promote and support Indigenous learning and cultural activities across the organization.
Associated domestic targets or ambitions and/or global targets

CSE contributes to advancing:

  • The FSDS target: Between 2023 and 2026, and every year on an ongoing basis, develop and table annual progress reports on implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
  • The Global Indicator Framework target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
Results achieved
  • In 2023, CSE introduced its first sponsorship pilot program for racialized and Indigenous employees. Out of 56 applicants, 15 were selected and paired with Assistant Deputy Minister-level sponsors, leading to 10 of these individuals gaining advancement opportunities. Following a positive evaluation, the program will become permanent in 2024.
Planned initiatives
  • Continue to promote and support Indigenous learning and cultural activities across the organization.
Associated domestic targets or ambitions and/or global targets

CSE contributes to advancing:

  • The FSDS target: Between 2023 and 2026, and every year on an ongoing basis, develop and table annual progress reports on implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
  • The Global Indicator Framework target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
Results achieved
  • We continued to promote and support Indigenous learning and cultural activities across the organization. Six pieces of Indigenous art and a permanent land acknowledgment were installed in collaboration with Indigenous employees.
  • CSE commemorated the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by hosting a special event for its employees. In addition, to further promote learning, we showcased a memorial exhibit where employees were encouraged to pause and reflect on the lives lost and the suffering caused by Canada's residential school system.
 
Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production

Goal 12:
Reduce waste and transition to zero-emission vehicles

 

FSDS context

In support of goal 12 of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, CSE will:

  • transition to zero-emission vehicles
  • promote sustainable practices

For instance, the Greener CSE initiative focuses on waste diversion and recycling. CSE is collaborating with a non-profit organization to repurpose and recycle used business consumables to divert them away from landfills, such as the keyboard and mouse re-use program.

CSE promotes reducing the use of printers and other business consumables by providing alternate methods of working like electronic signatures, screen sharing during presentations, and teleconferencing.

 

Target theme: Federal Leadership on Responsible Consumption

Target: The Government of Canada’s procurement of goods and services will be net-zero emissions by 2050, to aid the transition to a net-zero, circular economy (all ministers)

Implementation strategy 1

Transform the federal light-duty fleet.

Departmental action
  • In the long term, as permitted by the life cycling guidelines, CSE will replace our current vehicles with zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) or hybrid vehicles based on availability.
  • Program: Internal Services
Performance indicator, starting point and target
  • Performance indicator: Number of vehicles replaced by a hybrid vehicle and/or an electric vehicle.
  • Starting point: In 2022-2023, hybrid vehicles constituted 14% of CSE's light-fleet vehicles.
  • Target: By the end of 2023-2024, CSE will have 42% of its light fleet as hybrid or ZEV (28% as hybrid vehicles and 14% will be ZEV ).
How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target, and to Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs
  • Switching to ZEV or hybrid vehicles reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from conventional fleet operations and enhances sustainable consumption.
  • Relevant targets or ambitions:
    CIF ambition – 12.1: Canadians consume in a sustainable manner.
  • CIF indicator – 12.1.1: Proportion of new light-duty vehicle registrations that are zero-emission vehicles.
  • GIF target – 12.1: Implement the 10-year framework of programs on sustainable consumption and production, all countries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries.
Results achieved
  • Indicator result: Two new light-duty vehicles were purchased in 2023-2024: one hybrid and one E-Transit ZEV .
  • Notes: CSE met the 42% planned target for 2023-2024.
Implementation strategy 2

Strengthen green procurement criteria.

Departmental action
  • CSE will train all new procurement, goods, and services specialists in green procurement (such as through the Canada School of Public Service’s course on green procurement or equivalent) within their first year at CSE.
  • Program: Internal Services
Performance indicator, starting point and target
  • Performance indicator: Percentage of procurement, goods and services specialists trained in green procurement within one year of their first day of work.
  • Starting point: In 2022-2023, 100% of procurement, goods and services specialists trained in green procurement.
  • Target: 100% of procurement, goods and services specialists will receive training within their first year at CSE, by the end of 2027.
How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target, and to Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs
  • Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and motivates suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of their supply chain and the goods and services they deliver.
  • Relevant targets or ambitions:
    GIF SDG target – 12.7: Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities.
Results achieved
  • Indicator result: 100% of officers completed the Green Procurement training.
  • Notes: Our Procurement, Goods, and Services Team will continue to require new officers to undergo Green Procurement training.
 
Goal 13: Climate action

Goal 13:
Take action on climate change and its impacts

 

FSDS context

In support of goal 13 of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, CSE will be:

  • installing supplemental humidification for the Kyoto units to prolong their usage during cold winter months and take advantage of free cooling of the data centre
  • implementing the Peak Shaving Program to reduce load on provincial electric grid during peak demand period
  • changing chillers and cooling towers in the centralized utility plant
  • encouraging alternative transportation and offer flexible remote work options
  • and working with an engineering consultant to explore a comprehensive review of Edward Drake Building (EDB) infrastructure, aimed at developing and implementing a long-term plan to investigate all possible options to reduce emissions and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 while maintaining CSE’s mandated operations
 

Target theme: Federal leadership on greenhouse gas emissions reductions and climate resilience

Target: The Government of Canada will transition to net-zero carbon operations for facilities and conventional fleets by 2050 (all ministers)

Implementation strategy

Implement the Greening Government Strategy through measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve climate resilience, and green the government’s overall operations.

Departmental action
  • CSE will develop and implement a strategic plan to reduce its GHG emissions and prepare facilities for a warming climate.
  • Program: Internal Services
Performance indicator, starting point and target
  • Performance indicator: Percentage reduction in GHG emissions.
  • Starting point: Total GHG emissions tons from operations in 2022-2023.
  • Target: 15% reduction of GHG emissions by the end of 2030.
Departmental action
  • CSE will work with an engineering consultant to explore a comprehensive review of EDB infrastructure. The aim is to develop and implement a long-term plan that will investigate all possible options to reduce emissions and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 while maintaining CSE’s mandated operations.
  • Program: Internal Services
Performance indicator, starting point and target
  • Performance indicator: Explore all viable options to develop and implement a comprehensive plan to align CSE to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
  • Starting point: 2023-2024 in the process of hiring an engineering consultant.
  • Target: By 2027, CSE will complete a plan to explore all viable and possible options to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 while maintaining CSE’s critical mandated operations.
How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target, and to Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGs
  • Actions that rationalize the portfolio, share facilities, reduce the demand for energy, or switch to lower carbon sources of energy will lead to reductions in GHGs from real property operations.
  • Relevant targets or ambitions:
    CIF ambition: Canadians reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
  • CIF target – 13.1: By 2030, reduce Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45%, relative to 2005 emission levels. By 2050, achieve economy-wide net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
  • CIF indicator – 13.1.1: Greenhouse gas emissions.
Results achieved
  • Indicator result: Clear results will be available by the end of 2030, as committed in the DSDS . Engineering consultant report will be delivered at the end of Sept 2024.
  • Notes: CSE has hired an energy consultant through Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC). The final report from the consultant was received by the end of Sept 2024. CSE will review the report and develop a clear roadmap to achieve 30% or more emissions reductions by 2030 and be net zero by 2050.
 

Initiatives advancing Canada’s implementation of SDG 13 – Climate Action

The following initiatives demonstrate how CSE programming supports the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs , supplementing the information outlined above

Planned initiatives

Changing chillers and cooling towers in the centralized utility plant.

Associated domestic targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

CSE contributes to advancing:

  • Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) ambition: Canadians reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) target – 13.1: By 2030, reduce Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45%, relative to 2005 emission levels. By 2050, achieve economy-wide net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) indicator – 13.1.1: Greenhouse gas emissions.
Results achieved
  • CSE conducted a study with a PSPC consulting firm to determine if these initiatives are the most effective method for reducing GHGs at the EDB. The final report was received at the end of Sept 2024.
  • CSE will analyse the report with responsible point of contact and seek appropriate approvals as required for the implementation plan.
Planned initiatives

Encouraging alternative transportation and offer flexible remote work options.

Associated domestic targets or ambitions and/or global targets

CSE contributes to advancing:

  • Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) ambition: Canadians reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) target – 13.1: By 2030, reduce Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45%, relative to 2005 emission levels. By 2050, achieve economy-wide net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Canadian Indicator Framework (CIF) indicator – 13.1.1: Greenhouse gas emissions.
Results achieved

CSE continues to embrace a hybrid work model and actively promotes eco-friendly commuting by allocating parking spaces for electric vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles. Moreover, it encourages carpooling and the use of public transportation. The proximity of the EDB campus to an Ottawa Light Rail Transit station further enhances employees' access to alternative transportation options. The bike parking facility at the Vanier location was moved inside to better protect the bikes as well as keep users out of the elements.

Integrating Sustainable Development

Strategic Environmental Assessment

The Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals (the Cabinet Directive) outlines the obligations of departments and agencies to conduct Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA). The Cabinet Directive also dictates the use of the SEA process to ensure that policies, plans and programs are consistent with the government's broad environmental objectives and sustainable development goals, as laid out in the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.

Public statements

The Cabinet Directive requires that departments and agencies prepare a public statement of environmental effects when an assessment of environmental effects has been conducted through a detailed analysis. The public statement may be in the form of a separate report or incorporated into any other planned announcement. It is expected to outline the environmental implications of the proposal as determined by the SEA .

During the 2022-23 and 2023-24 reporting cycles, CSE had no proposals requiring a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), and no public statements were produced.

As CSE implements the Treasury Board Secretariat's Greening Government Strategy requirements, a SEA is not necessary for this purpose.

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