The National Research Council of Canada's 2021-22 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report

This report on progress supports the commitment in the Federal Sustainable Development Act (FSDA) to make environmental decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament. It also contributes to an integrated, whole‑of‑government view of activities supporting environmental sustainability.

The departmental information reported accounts for information previously prepared in accordance with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) 2020 to 2023 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy (DSDS).

This report details the NRC's actions that support the targets and goals of the 2019 to 2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS). For information on the Government of Canada's overall progress on the targets of the FSDS, please see the FSDS Progress Report.Footnote 1

1. Introduction to the Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

The 2019 to 2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) presents the Government of Canada's sustainable development goals and targets, as required by the Federal Sustainable Development Act. To make sustainable development decision-making more transparent and accountable to Parliament, the NRC has developed this report to demonstrate progress in implementing the NRC's DSDS.

2. Sustainable development at the NRC

Throughout its 106-year history, the NRC has helped address the most significant challenges facing Canadians and now the NRC is committed to fighting climate change and creating a more sustainable economy. With expertise in clean energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable transportation, and sustainable food production, along with leading collaborators from academia, industry and government, the NRC is well positioned to support Canada's goal of reaching net-zero by 2050.

The NRC's 2020-23 DSDS describes the organization's actions in support of achieving the following FSDS goals:

  • Greening government communities
  • Effective action on climate change
  • Clean growth
  • Modern and resilient infrastructure
  • Clean energy
  • Safe and healthy communities

This report presents available results for the organizational actions specified in the NRC DSDS, as well as additional NRC efforts that contribute to the above FSDS goals. The report also highlights where the NRC is contributing to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Summary of results

Greening government communities

The Government of Canada has committed to transitioning to net-zero carbon and climate-resilient operations, and to reducing environmental impacts on waste, water and biodiversity. The NRC is contributing to the FSDS targets by continuing to green its own operations, leading to reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 49.6% from its facilities in 2021-22 (relative to 2005-06 levels).

This year, the NRC launched a retro-commissioning program for buildings in the National Capital Region to achieve optimized performance. This program is supported by a newly developed lifecycle cost analysis tool incorporating carbon emission costing and updated maintenance systems. To develop operational, engineering and project management capacity in energy and carbon management, NRC employees are participating in training programs, including 100% of the NRC's real property engineering and construction team (33 employees) having participated in job-specific energy optimization training. The NRC is also increasing the percentage of zero-emission vehicles in its administrative fleet, contributing to government-wide zero-emission vehicle targets. Currently 24% of the NRC's administrative fleet comprises zero-emission vehicles, which is a 5% increase from last year.

To contribute to FSDS targets of improving waste management, the NRC is developing its National Waste Management Program to guide waste audits and diversion strategies. The NRC's work to establish a framework to track construction and demolition waste is an important first step to divert construction and demolition waste from landfills. Based on specifications established in 2021-22, construction waste for NRC's new advanced materials research facility in Mississauga is being segregated and diverted from landfills in accordance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification requirements.

In addition to the commitments specified in the 2020-23 DSDS, the NRC continues to identify new opportunities to lower the carbon footprint of its facilities. To address mask waste due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NRC established a mask recycling program at all NRC sites, resulting in 100% waste diversion from landfills. The NRC also continued its work in portfolio rationalization and modernization to directly support emission reduction. As part of this work, the NRC has worked towards reducing its building area footprint and has undertaken significant planning activities for an office consolidation project that would allow the organization to vacate and dispose of office buildings on its Montreal Road Campus in Ottawa. Furthermore, the NRC also had a successful electrical curtailment season at the Montreal Road and Uplands campuses, which substantially reduced NRC GHG emissions and electricity costs. This was accomplished through strategic operation of the NRC's cogeneration plant, shedding of non-critical loads, and most importantly, scheduling clients and research testing at critical times.

Effective action on climate change

Reducing GHG emissions and improving climate resilience are crucial for Canada's ability to address and adapt to the environmental impacts of climate change in the years ahead. With extreme weather events such as heat waves, storm surges and floods becoming more frequent and intense across the country, the NRC is advancing research in areas such as construction and bioenergy to help Canada achieve its commitment of reducing GHG emissions by 40-45% by 2030 (relative to 2005 levels) and strengthen the resiliency of its communities. This work is furthering progress toward the UN SDGs, particularly Goal 13, which is centered on taking action to combat climate change and its impacts.

In 2021-22, NRC publications continued to inform and support Canadians in taking action against climate change. The NRC published the 2020 National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB) on March 28, 2022, which contributes to reducing carbon emissions from heating, lighting, ventilation and other energy uses in buildings. This was developed by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) and, as of May 4, 2022, has been downloaded 4,210 times.

The NRC also produced a number of scientific publications and guides that will help to address climate change. For instance, in 2021-22, the NRC generated 17 new publications related to low-carbon intensity fuels, which will support the development of novel ways to produce future fuels with reduced or zero-emission life-cycles, making them easier to access and use.

In addition to the commitments specified in the 2020-23 DSDS, the NRC continued to work with its partners on research to respond to climate change. Through a collaboration with federal government departments, academia, non-government organizations, Canadian industry and low-carbon asset experts, the NRC continued to support the development of low-carbon assets through the lifecycle assessment initiative. The initiative is funded through the Greening Government Fund and aims to develop a science-based approach for supporting the selection of construction materials and designs that offer the lowest carbon footprint with the lowest total cost. In collaboration with Transport Canada and the Toronto Transit Commission, the NRC started conducting North America's largest electric bus trials in the City of Toronto. This research brings Canada closer to a green public transit system.

Clean growth

Sustainable development and economic growth are jointly advanced through federal investments in clean technologies, which are designed to reduce energy use, reduce GHG emissions, and generate clean economic growth for Canada. Through the NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), the NRC provides advice, connections and funding to Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including those working in clean technology to support Canada's transition to a low-carbon economy. NRC IRAP supported 412 new clean technology projects in 2021-22, with $72.5M in IRAP funding for clean technology projects.

Last year, NRC IRAP supported Axine Water Technologies to help the company develop high-efficiency, advanced industrial wastewater treatment systems. These systems can treat highly toxic, concentrated pharmaceutical wastewaters on site, instead of being transported to remote locations for treatment. Through the NRC IRAP's Fast Pilot in Foreign Markets initiative, the NRC funded SMEs to install pilot/demonstration clean technology projects at potential customer sites in other countries. One of these SMEs, Saltworks, is a Canadian firm which invents, commercializes and delivers solutions to treat the toughest industrial or municipal waters.

The NRC also convenes government, industry and academia to accelerate research on clean energy materials and contribute to the discovery and advancement of technologies that reduce environmental impacts. The NRC's new advanced materials research facility in Mississauga opened its labs in September 2021, and has generated 19 publications on clean energy materials. By coupling artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning with lab automation, the facility can significantly reduce the cost, time and risk to develop and bring to market new catalyst materials, helping Canada meet its emission reduction targets and grow the clean energy and manufacturing sectors.

In September 2021, the NRC opened a one-of-a-kind hybrid test facility to help the aerospace industry develop sustainable, low-carbon aviation technology. The Hybrid Electric Research Outfit (HERO) offers innovators in the aircraft electrification space a flexible platform to scientifically test new ideas on a ground-based micro-grid, in order to gauge how their innovations will perform in flight.

In November 2021, the NRC also completed construction of a new advanced manufacturing research facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This facility will help manufacturers increase their global competitive edge, focusing on additive manufacturing, digital twinning, machine learning, and sustainable food packaging. Designed and operated as a hub for the integration and demonstration of advanced technologies targeting the sustainability of various manufacturing sectors, the research facility specializes mainly in the development of technologies to support the Canadian manufacturing industry.

Finally, the NRC continued to collaborate with the University of Toronto to accelerate discovery of novel green energy materials. The joint collaboration centre co-sponsored three new green energy material projects aimed at bolstering the ability of Canadian clean technology companies to develop, evaluate, scale-up and access international markets.

Modern and resilient infrastructure

Natural disasters related to climate change are increasing in frequency and severity, meaning that there is an increased risk to Canada's built environment and Canada will need infrastructure that is climate-resilient and sustainable. The government has committed to helping Canadian communities adapt to the current realities of a changing climate, reduce economic and productivity losses from climate-related disasters, and support infrastructure that enhances the health, well-being and safety of Canadians and communities, as outlined in Canada's Emissions Reduction Plan. This is also an objective of UN SDG 9, which focuses on promoting infrastructure resilience and inclusive, sustainable innovation.

The NRC supports this goal through multi-disciplinary research activities done in collaboration with industry, academia, communities, international partners and other government departments. The NRC continued its collaboration with UK Catapult Centre to develop satellite-based structural health monitoring technologies to increase resiliency of new and existing infrastructure. Four pilot demonstrations were conducted in 2021-22 to validate the developed technologies in monitoring different types of infrastructure, including highway bridges, airports, ports and transportation. The NRC also produced 6 scientific publications on satellite-based measurement technology to further advance knowledge in this area.

The NRC continued to undertake research efforts to address Canada's unique resiliency challenges:

  • With funding from Infrastructure Canada, the NRC launched the Climate Resilient Built Environment Initiative to integrate climate change considerations into infrastructure and building codes and standards, and to advance tools and technologies to support a resilient construction sector.
  • With support from industry and community partners, the NRC built a demonstration plant to demonstrate the feasibility of a bioelectrochemical wastewater treatment system in the North. The plant is now operational, and researchers were able to demonstrate compliance with biochemical oxygen demand standards. This work will help reduce the environmental impact of waste treatment in Northern communities and will support more reliable water and wastewater systems that meet environmental standards.
  • NRC researchers continued to work with partners to develop and test nature-based solutions, such as wetland vegetation, that can contribute to keeping Canadian coastal communities safe and resilient to the effects of climate change.
  • The NRC worked with the City of Toronto to study how storm water infrastructure performs during extreme storms. This work can help authorities adapt their infrastructure and mitigate losses from flooding.

Clean energy

Reaching net-zero emissions will require significant effort to accelerate both the development of clean technologies and their deployment. There is increasing global recognition that such technological transitions must be accelerated through ambitious action if the world is to avoid dangerous climate impacts. The Government of Canada is contributing to UN SDG 7 by improving access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy to offset the environmental impacts of energy consumption. The NRC has contributed to these efforts through research activities centered on supporting the development, deployment and adoption of clean technologies in key sectors of the Canadian economy.

To support the use of clean energy in Indigenous communities, the NRC continued to use its smart grid facility to de-risk clean technologies and train local operators for subsequent deployment in remote and Indigenous communities, which will stimulate economic growth and reduce energy costs and emissions. In another research collaboration, the NRC engaged with Kluskus First Nations and FPInnovations to bring wood storage and drying equipment to the community to support its bioenergy combined heat and power system.

The NRC also has a range of research activities to reduce emissions and move Canada closer to sustainable transportation. The NRC began developing a dual fuel strategy as a near-term solution and is now participating in a cross-government research project funded by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) focused on clean fuel production, fuel characterization, and the high-efficiency use of low and zero-carbon fuels, including dual fuels. As part of this work, the NRC, in collaboration with NRCan, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), and industry associations, has conducted testing of dual fuel engine efficiency and emissions performance in real-world operating conditions and recommended engine modifications to improve performance.

The NRC also continued research activities in vehicle light weighting using aluminium alloys, which is an important enabler for energy efficient vehicles and battery electric vehicles. The NRC has been working with the Canadian transportation equipment manufacturing sector to address challenges related to the manufacturing of lightweight structural aluminium components by developing innovative technical solutions, including emerging additive manufacturing technologies for high strength aluminium for mass customization.

Safe and healthy communities

The government has committed to improving air quality and protecting Canadians from hazardous, harsh chemicals, and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. In alignment with these goals, the NRC has continued to work with industry partners to develop new technologies and solutions aimed at addressing air pollutants. In collaboration with HATCH, the NRC advanced its PyroLIBS™ technology (developed and commercialized in 2020-21) by demonstrating it in a simulated environment and is working with the company to conduct pilot demonstrations in industrial sites. This technology optimizes the converting processes of smelter operations to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions. The NRC has also developed new technologies under the federal Addressing Air Pollution horizontal initiative, which will contribute to improving air quality and the health of Canadians. The NRC has started the process of protecting the intellectual property (IP) of one new invention that has been developed through the initiative.

In addition to NRC's air pollutant research commitments specified in the 2020-23 DSDS, the NRC has undertaken additional research activities in support of increased safety in Canadian communities. The NRC has continued to work with its research partners to improve living conditions and building occupant health in Canada's Arctic through the evaluation of air ventilation systems for Arctic housing. This work will help to address some the unique challenges faced by homeowners in the Arctic and high heating costs. In partnership with the US National Institutes of Health, the NRC is developing a certified reference material for multiple classes of cyanobacterial toxins (i.e. blue-green alga), which are increasingly contaminating lakes and drinking water supplies as the climate warms.

Consistently monitoring water quality is important for the health of the environment but given the vastness of Canada's geography and low population density in rural areas, monitoring water quality can be difficult and run high costs. To alleviate these issues, NRC researchers have developed a smart biosensor that autonomously provides continuous monitoring of water quality and is capable of detecting the presence of toxic compounds and biodegradable organic materials in the water. The NRC is now working with ECCC on validating this technology for use in real-world applications.

From 2018 to 2021, through careful planning and engagement with local First Nations, along with local stakeholders and land users and wildfire experts, the NRC was able to develop and implement a wildfire treatment plan that would effectively reduce the risk and impacts of any new wildfires on NRC property located in the Okanagan region in British Columbia. The Penticton Indian Band is leading the prescription treatment activities from the plan. The NRC also published the first National Guide for wildland-urban interface (WUI) fires in June 2021. The Guide provides comprehensive information for WUI areas across Canada, including: hazard and exposure assessment, vegetation management and construction measures, and community-scale guidance.

Finally, the NRC also continued the long-term risk management on contaminated sites identified under the Federal Contaminated Sites Inventory (FCSI). As of 2021-22, the NRC closed or long-term risk managed a total of 11 contaminated sites, helping to reduce potential environmental and human health risks from these sites

Other initiatives

Given the broad nature of its research activities and new opportunities that have emerged since the DSDS was developed, the NRC also made contributions to other FSDS goals not covered in the 2020-23 DSDS, including sustainable food and healthy coasts and oceans.

Sustainable food

In light of a changing climate it has become more important to advance scientific knowledge and create technologies that promote healthier, sustainable, and more resilient Canadian food system to ensure long-term food security. In support of this objective, the NRC has been working with key stakeholders to conduct valuable research and development support sustainable food production, including in agriculture and aquaculture.

In collaboration with the University of British Columbia and McGill University, the NRC is creating a national lifecycle inventory database, which will include pulse proteins like beans, lentils and peas. This database will enable lifecycle analysis to identify sustainability gaps and process improvements to Canadian pulse processing methods and will support both environmentalism and economic development in the sector.

Through the Ocean program, and in collaboration with DeNova, the Center for Aquaculture Technologies Canada, and Dalhousie University, the NRC conducted research to develop more sustainable salmon aquaculture feeds to improve the sustainability of feeding Canadians. This will also reduce harmful GHG emissions and contribute to the sustainable growth of Canada's ocean-based economy.

Healthy coasts and oceans

Protecting the ocean is critical in protecting the lives and livelihood of all Canadians, but coasts and oceans are facing challenges from climate change which is increasing sea levels, and pollution, particularly plastics. Every year, 8 million tonnes of plastic pollution enter the oceans from the land, negatively impacting ecosystems in the oceans. This pollution is found on shorelines, in the water, and even in wildlife across Canada's coasts and freshwater areas. In light of these issues, the NRC has been working with its research partners to produce science-based solutions to tackle these challenges.

Through the Ocean program, the NRC is developing standardized methodologies and certified reference materials to support accurate nanoplastic measurements, and is developing simulated weathering scenarios to help model the long-term fate of nanoplastics in ocean waters. Furthermore, the NRC developed numerical models and machine learning technologies that enable the prediction of potential sources, pathways and the fate of microplastics in different water settings. This work could help ease remediation efforts.

In a collaboration with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the NRC is conducting research to develop bio-sensing technologies for the monitoring of oil release in the marine environment. The objective is to better understand the growth response and biochemical adaptation of phytoplankton and other microorganisms when exposed to oil so that biological responses can be detected and measured in real-time in ocean waters, as living sensors for oil pollution.

3. Departmental performance by FSDS goal

The following tables provide performance information on departmental actions in support of the FSDS goals listed in section 2.

Greening government communities: The Government of Canada will transition to low-carbon, climate resilient, and green operations
FSDS target(s) FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Performance indicator(s)
Starting point(s)
Target(s)
2021-22 results achieved Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target Program
Reduce GHG emissions from federal government facilities and fleets by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 (with an aspiration to achieve this target by 2025) and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050 (with an aspiration to be carbon neutral) All new buildings and major building retrofits will prioritize low-carbon investments based on integrated design principles, and life-cycle and total-cost-of ownership assessments which incorporate shadow carbon pricing Continue to modernize and optimize the departmental workplace to achieve more efficient and productive use of space and reduce emissions through energy efficiency, fuel switching and a reduction in floor space

Performance indicator: Percentage (%) change in GHG emissions from NRC facilities from fiscal year 2005-2006 to current reporting fiscal year

Starting point: GHG emissions 72,576 ktCO2e from NRC facilities in fiscal year 2005-06

Target: 40% in 2022-23

Result:

49.6% reduction

The NRC's initiatives to modernize and optimize the departmental workspace will reduce emissions, specially, through major energy retrofits, conversion of all lighting systems to LED, space rationalization and energy awareness campaigns.

SDG: SDG 13: Climate action

Special Purpose Real Property

Performance indicator: Percentage (%) of NRC footprint with completed major energy retrofits

Starting point: 0% in 2005-2006

Target: 36% in 2022-23

Result:

38% of NRC footprint completed

Performance indicator: Percentage (%) change of NRC footprint with LED lighting retrofit

Starting point: 0% in 2005-2006

Target: 64% in 2022-23

Result:

64% of NRC footprint completed

Departments will adopt and deploy clean technologies and implement procedures to manage building operations and take advantage of programs to improve the environmental performance of their buildings Continue to lower emissions through the optimization of facility management and carbon awareness

Performance indicator: Percentage (%) of NRC footprint fully operational on SAP Plant MaintenanceTable 1 note 1

Starting point: 60%

Target: 95% in 2022-23

Result:

80% of NRC footprint fully operational on SAP Plant MaintenanceTable 1 note 1

Actions:

In support of better facility management the NRC's Real Property Planning and Management Branch launched a retro-commissioning program for buildings in the NCR in 2021-22.

A life cycle cost analysis tool incorporating carbon emission costing was developed by RPPM in 2021-22.
By optimizing facility management through actions such as, recommissioning buildings, updating maintenance systems, increasing awareness, and providing real property with training centered on energy optimization, the NRC is greening its operations, which will lead to reduced emissions.
SDG: SDG 13: Climate action
Special Purpose Real Property

Performance indicator: Percentage (%) of real property employees having completed job-specific energy optimization training courses

Starting point: 0%
Target: 65% in 2022-23

Result:

62% of real property employees have completed at least 1 job-specific energy optimization training course

Actions:

Breakdown of the training received is as follows:

Engineering and construction: 100% of engineering and construction team have completed at least 1 job-specific energy optimization training course

Operations and maintenance: Identification of relevant training opportunities applicable to specific job responsibilities.

Real property:
Identification of relevant training opportunities applicable to specific job responsibilities.

Fleet management will be optimized including by applying telematics to collect and analyze vehicle usage data on vehicles scheduled to be replaced

Continue to equip vehicles with telematics to lower emissions through optimized fleet management

Performance indicator: Percentage (%) change in GHG emissions from fleet from fiscal year 2005-2006 to current reporting fiscal year

Starting point: GHG emissions 357 ktCO2e from NRC fleet in fiscal year 2005–06

Target: 40% in 2022-23

Results:

67.5% reduction

Thorough analysis of current on-road fleet allows the NRC to determine the feasibility of including more low-emission vehicle options where operationally appropriate; and will contribute to the government wide efforts on zero-emission vehicle targets for future fleet acquisitions.

SDG: SDG 13: Climate action

Special Purpose Real Property

Performance indicator: Percentage (%) of vehicles equipped with telematics

Starting point: 100%

Target: 100% in 2022-23

Result:

100% of vehicles are equipped with telematics

Performance indicator: Percentage (%) of zero-emission vehicles in current administrative fleet

Starting point: 7%

Target: 8% in 2022-23

Result:

24% of current administrative fleet are zero-emission vehicles

Divert at least 75% (by weight) of non-hazardous operational waste from landfills by 2030 Other Develop organic waste program for national implementation to divert non-hazardous waste from landfill to reduce environmental impact from operational waste generation

Performance indicator: Percentage (%) of non-hazardous operational waste diverted

Starting point: Development of a framework for non-hazardous operational waste diversion, including tracking and reporting mechanisms, policy and procedures, will occur over the next 2 years, with baseline reporting expected in 2022-23.

Target: Baseline reporting in 2022-23.

Result:

N/A (first year of reporting in 2022-23)

Actions:

In consultation with PSPC, preparation for 2022-23 waste audits has started. Target buildings have been selected with plans to complete waste audits during the third and fourth quarter of 2022-23.

Successful implementation of a mask recycling program at all NRC sites. Program implemented to address mask waste due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Development of National Waste Management Program is close to completion, with emphasis on diversion strategies that address regional challenges.

Program for ongoing collection of data from waste haulers has been established and implemented.

The development of a waste diversion program for implementation across the country will allow the NRC to:

  • conduct waste audits to determine quantities of non-hazardous operational waste for diversion
  • modify existing food service provider and waste management contracts
Special Purpose Real Property

Performance indicator: Percentage (%) footprint with waste audits complete

Starting point: 44% footprint in 2019-2020

Target: 76% footprint in 2022-23

Result:

44% of NRC footprint has completed a waste audit

Actions:

No waste audits were completed in 2021-22 as COVID-19 restrictions reduced building occupancy and waste generation. As a result, any waste audits would have resulted in unrepresentative data. The NRC is planning to conduct waste audits as building occupancies increase and meet its 2022-23 target.

Divert at least 90% (by weight) of all construction and demolition waste from landfills (striving to achieve 100% by 2030) Other Develop framework to track construction and demolition waste. Include and incorporate procedures and policy requirements for construction and demolition waste diversion requirements into construction Requests for Proposals (RFPs)

Performance indicator: Percentage (%) of construction and demolition waste diverted

Starting point: Development of a framework for construction waste management and diversion, including tracking and reporting mechanisms, policy and procedures, over the next 2 years, with baseline reporting expected in 2022-23.

Target: Baseline reporting in 2022-23

Result:

N/A (first year of report in 2022-23)

Actions:

Construction waste for the Mississauga facility is being segregated and diverted from landfill in accordance with LEED Silver certification requirements.

Specifications along with tracking and reporting mechanisms for construction waste management and diversion established.

Development of policy and educational materials for construction waste management and diversion program has commenced.

The NRC's work to establish a framework to track construction and demolition waste is an important first step to divert construction and demolition waste from landfills. Special Purpose Real Property
Other Departments will use environmental criteria to reduce the environmental impact and ensure best value in government procurement decisions Enable public and private sector asset owners to incorporate life cycle carbon and total cost of ownership into their procurement decisions through the life cycle assessment for low-carbon assets project

Performance indicator: Number of national Canadian-specific life cycle assessment databases for use by industry and government

Starting point: 0

Target: 1 in 2022-23

Result:

0 databases

Actions:

Projects are in process to identify the best approach to implementing life cycle assessment databases.

The NRC's development of databases, datasets and guidelines will support the selection of materials and designs that offer the lowest carbon footprint while offering the lowest cost of ownership.

SDG: SDG 9: Industries, Innovation and Infrastructure

Target 9.5

Construction

Performance indicator: Number of national life cycle inventory datasets

Starting point: 0

Target: 1 in 2022-23

Result:

0 databases

Actions:

3 projects are underway to develop the most comprehensive life cycle inventory dataset

Performance indicator: Number of national Canadian-specific life cycle assessment guidelines

Starting point: 0

Target: 1 in 2022-23

Result:

2 guidelines

Actions:

A national guideline for whole building life cycle assessment was completed and is now publically available on the NRC website.

The NRC also published a primer for federal government procurement which details strategies for low carbon concrete.

Departments will use environmental criteria to reduce the environmental impact and ensure best value in government procurement decisions Support the transition to a low-carbon economy through green procurement, or procuring goods and services with a reduced environmental impact and after considering environmental performance along with other priorities such as price, availability, quality and performance.

Performance indicator: Percentage of "green"-trained procurement officers
Starting point: 100%
Target: 100%

Result:

97% of procurement officers (31/32) have completed the Canada School of Public Service's Green Procurement Course.

100% of maintenance and service contracts have "green" considerations,Table note 2

The green procurement training better equips NRC procurement officers to reduce the environmental impact of government procurement decisions.

The NRC's maintenance and service contracts now require proponents to include green considerations as part of their services.

SDG: SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Target 12.7

Internal Services

Performance indicator: Percentage of maintenance and service contracts with "green" considerations

Starting point: 86%

Target: 90% in 2022-23

Other Conduct research and develop guidelines for the retrofit of government heritage buildings to improve their energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their operation

Performance indicator: Number of government heritage buildings that adopt new retrofit guidelines

Starting point: 0

Target: 5 by 2022-23

Result:

0 government heritage buildings have adopted new retrofit guidelines

Actions:

Published a draft guideline for heritage building retrofit and initiated expanded Greening Government project on airtightness in federal heritage buildings.

Also published articles on the following:

A case study on the Parliament building in Ottawa that studied the combined use of wind-driven rain load and potential evaporation to evaluate moisture damage risk

A paper on the maintenance of historic masonry buildings in consideration of the effects of climate change

The NRC's development of databases, datasets and guidelines will support the selection of materials and designs that offer the lowest carbon footprint while offering the lowest total cost of ownership. Construction
Effective action on climate change: A low-carbon economy contributes to limiting global average temperature rise to well below two degrees Celsius and supports efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius
Effective action on climate change
FSDS target(s)
FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Performance indicator(s)
Starting point(s)
Target(s)
2021-22 results achieved Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target Program
By 2030, reduce Canada's total GHG emissions by 30%, relative to 2005 emission levels Use legislation and regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions Publish National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB) to help Canada reduce energy use in buildings

Performance indicator: Number of downloads of the electronic version of the NECB

Starting point : 1,500 in May/June 2020

Target: 7,500 per year

Result:

17,117 downloads (2015 and 2017 editions, English and French)

The NRC also published a new version of the NECB at the end of the 2021-22 fiscal year. NECB 2020 was published on March 28, 2022 and there have been 4,210 downloads (English and French) in the first 3 months of publication.

The NRC's NECB guidance will contribute to reducing carbon emissions from heating, lighting, ventilation and other energy uses in buildings by setting out technical requirements for the energy-efficient design and construction of new buildings and additions to existing buildings which will improve energy efficiency.

SDG: SDG 13: Climate action

Construction

Performance indicator: Number of purchases of the paper version of the NECB

Starting point: 15 in April/May 2020

Target: 80 per year

Result:

88 purchases (2015 and 2017 editions, English and French)

The NRC also published a new version of the NECB at the end of the 2021-22 fiscal year. NECB 2020 was published on March 28, 2022 and there have been 85 purchases (English and French in the first 3 months of publication.

Other Conduct research and analyses of wildland-urban interface fires and their impacts on buildings and infrastructure, to develop scientific knowledge

Performance indicator: Number of NRC publications, conference proceedings, and reports related to wildland-urban interface fires (primary authorship and co-authored)

Starting point: 0

Target: 2 by 2022-23

Result:

New in 2021-22: 2

Total: 26 (5 papers, 20 research reports, 1 national guideline)

The National Guide for Wildland-Urban Interface Fires was published in June 2021

The NRC's development of scientific knowledge about the mitigation of wildland-urban interface fires will contribute to reducing a significant source of GHG emissions, as well as increasing the resiliency of communities and infrastructure.

SDG: SDG 9: Industries, Innovation and Infrastructure

Target 9.1

Construction

Evolve the NRC's current activities in Bioenergy to focus on the conversion of low-value waste feedstocks for the production of low-carbon fuels. This will help reduce GHG emissions in the energy sector by switching out conventional fossil fuels for low-carbon intensity fuels

Performance indicator: Number of NRC publications in bioenergy and low-carbon intensity fuels

Starting point: 239

Target: 300+ by 2022-23

Result:

274 cumulative (17 publications in 2021-22)

The NRC's development of new scientific knowledge in low-carbon intensity fuels will support the development of new ways to produce future fuels with reduced or zero-emission life-cycles, which will then make them easier to access and use.

SDG: SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Energy, Mining and Environment

Clean growth: A growing clean technology industry in Canada contributes to clean growth and the transition to a low-carbon economy
Effective action on climate change
FSDS target(s)
FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Performance indicator(s)
Starting point(s)
Target(s)
2021-22 results achieved Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target Program
Implement our Mission Innovation pledge to double federal government investments in clean energy research, development and demonstration from 2015 levels of $387 million to $775 million by 2020 Invest in clean technologies Continue to implement the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) on Clean Technology. NRC IRAP provides advice, connections, and funding to help Canadian small and medium-sized businesses increase their innovation capacity and take ideas to market.

Performance indicator: Number of clean technology projects supported

Starting point: Number of projects supported has had significant fluctuation over past 5 years making no clear starting point.

Target: 125 per yearTable 3 note 1

Result:

412 projects in 2021-22

The NRC requests small and medium-sized enterprises to submit project proposals and the number of clean technology projects supported by the NRC IRAP over a given fiscal year is dependent on the projects submitted by clients and whether those are meeting the criteria in place.

The NRC IRAP Clean Technology investments in air, water and energy projects and technologies will contribute to the transition to a low carbon economy.

SDG: SDG 9: Industries, Innovation and Infrastructure

Target 9.4

Industrial Research Assistance Program

Performance indicator: Value ($) of clean technology projects supported

Starting point: Between FY2015-2020, the number of projects supported has had significant fluctuation, making no clear starting point

Target: $15M per yearTable 3 note 1

Result:

$72.5M in 2021-22 The

NRC IRAP accepts project proposals from small and medium-sized enterprises, and the number of clean technology projects supported by the NRC IRAP over a given fiscal year is dependent on the projects presented by clients and whether those are meeting the criteria in place.

Other Other Support Canada's Mission Innovation pledge by contributing to scientific and research activities in Innovation Challenge 6: Clean Energy Materials including the establishment of a collaboration centre with the University of Toronto on Green Energy Materials (CC-GEM) which will support collaborative research between the UofT and the NRC on new clean energy materials

Performance indicator: Increase in clean energy research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) spending

Starting point: $0.4M as of 2019-20

Target: Cumulative $5.0M through 2022-23

Result:

$1.5M in 2021-22 ($4.7M cumulative)

Actions:

3 more projects were co-sponsored between NRC and UofT, including 6-12 month COVID-related extensions to existing projects

The NRC's collaborative research projects with UofT will bolster the ability of Canadian clean technology companies to develop, evaluate, scale up, and access international markets.

SDG: SDG 9: Industries, Innovation and Infrastructure

Target 9.5

Energy, Mining and Environment

The NRC will build a new facility in Mississauga focused on accelerating the discovery, development, and scale-up of new materials with an emphasis on clean energy materials. This facility will be an accelerator hub between industry and academia. It is also home to the 7-year $57M Materials for Clean Fuels Challenge program – a collaborative research program focused on discovering high-risk high-reward technologies to sustainably transition Canada's energy and chemical sectors to a low-carbon economy.

Performance indicator: Number of publications

Starting point: 0

Target: 30+ by 2022-23

Result:

19 publications in 2021-22 (34 cumulative)

Actions:

The NRC's new advanced materials research facility in Mississauga opened its labs in September 2021. Its inaugural projects utilize the concepts of Material Acceleration Platforms (MAPs) for the accelerated discovery of new catalyst materials and processes to address the growing concern of climate change.
GC announced further investment in the Mississauga facility to fit up the existing second floor and add two more floors. These highly specialized labs will collaboratively accelerate clean energy materials discovery, development, scale-up and commercialization.

By coupling artificial intelligence and machine learning with lab automation, NRC's new facility in Mississauga will bolster the ability of Canadian clean technology companies to develop, scale up, and access international markets.

This new paradigm for material discovery will significantly reduce the cost, time and risk to develop and bring to market these new materials; helping Canada meet its emission reduction targets and grow the clean energy and manufacturing sectors.

SDG: SDG 9: Industries, Innovation and Infrastructure

Target 9.5

Other Develop our understanding of the clean technology landscape in Canada (a project carried out with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), part of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and included in their DSDS) Conduct an analysis of inventions by Canadian and global researchers and corporate institutions in the field of clean technologies as it aligns with the NRC's Materials for Clean Fuels (MCF) Challenge program

Performance indicator: Presentation at March 2021 CIPO Intellectual Property (IP) Research Workshop.

Starting point: CIPO to develop a robust patent search strategy.

Target: A published report that explores the three main themes related to the MCF Challenge program and presents the patent story, including: top assignees and inventors, collaboration maps, landscape maps, geographical clustering, relative specialization and trend analysis.

Result:

Report not published in 2021-22

Actions:

CIPO preliminary findings were reviewed and search strategies were adjusted. Preliminary results were jointly presented at NRCan 2nd annual IP Learning Event. Final report will be issued in 2022-23.

The NRC's efforts in promoting the creation and use of clean technologies through the MCF Challenge program contributes to a better understanding of the clean technology landscape in Canada.

SDG: SDG 9: Industries, Innovation and Infrastructure

Target 9.5

Joint research project between CIPO and the NRC (Energy, Mining and Environment)

Modern and resilient infrastructure: Modern, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure supports clean economic growth and social inclusion
FSDS target(s) FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Performance indicator(s)
Starting point(s)
Target(s)
2021-22 results achieved Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target Program
By the end of 2027-28 fiscal year, invest $26.9 billion in funding for green infrastructure initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve climate resilience and environment quality Work with partners on green infrastructure Reduce environmental impact of waste treatment in the North by demonstrating a bioelectrochemical wastewater treatment system (a system that combines wastewater treatment with energy generation and resource recovery) at an operational facility, which can treat challenging, high carbon-loading wastewater to meet the relevant environmental standards while producing biogas suitable for renewable energy production

Performance indicator: Demonstrate energy recovery and compliance with BOD5 and phosphorous environmental standards (BOD5 below 25 mg/L and total phosphorus below 1 mg/L) during treatment of high-strength wastewater in remote or northern communities

Starting point: In waste stabilization ponds used for biological treatment of industrial and domestic wastewater, the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) often exceeds 25mg/L and phosphorus often exceeds 1 mg/L, which exceeds environmental standards.

Target: Full compliance with wastewater treatment standards (BOD5 below 25 mg/L and total phosphorus below 1 mg/L) by 2022-23. Energy positive treatment with 80% energy recovery (heat or biomethane) by 2022-23.

Result:

Partially compliant

Actions:

A Demonstration plant was built with over $400k in financial support from Elkan Environmental Engineering and the municipality of Grande Prairie (AB).

The 24m3 demo plant was commissioned in May 2021 and is currently in operation. BOD removal of 90-95% was achieved demonstrating compliance with the 25 mg/L requirement.

Phosphorus removal during plant operation was estimated at 50-60%, however, it exceeded the 1 mg/L. A novel biological technique has been identified for phosphorus removal, but development was postponed due to COVID-related limitations.

By demonstrating a bioelectrochemical wastewater treatment system (a system that combines wastewater treatment with energy generation and resource recovery), the NRC will ensure communities have more reliable water and wastewater systems, with drinking water and effluent that meet legislated standards.

SDG: SDG 9: Industries, Innovation and Infrastructure

Target 9.1

Energy, Mining and Environment

Support low-carbon, resilient infrastructure

Collaborate with UK Catapult Centre to develop satellite-based structural health monitoring technologies to increase infrastructure resiliency

Performance indicator: Value ($) of investment in the UK Catapult Centre collaboration

Starting point: $0 in 2017

Target: $500K by 2022-23

Result:

$300K

The NRC's new tools for designers, owners and operators of infrastructure will improve the resiliency and carbon footprint of new and existing infrastructure.

SDG: SDG 9: Industries, Innovation and Infrastructure

Target 9.1

Construction

Performance indicator: Number of pilot demonstrations and operational prospects using satellite-based structural heath monitoring technologies

Starting point: 0 in 2017

Target: 2 by 2022-23

Result:

4 pilot demonstrations at the following sites:

  • Samuel de Champlain Bridge (Montréal)
  • Vancouver International Airport
  • Vancouver Fraser Port
  • Via Rail's Smith Falls subdivision

Performance indicator: Number of scientific publications on satellite-based measurement technology

Starting point: 0 in 2017

Target: 6 by 2022-23

Result:

6 publications

Other Other

Transfer knowledge from Climate Resilient Buildings and Core Public Infrastructure (CRBCPI) initiative to designers, owners and operators of buildings and infrastructure assets through scientific publications, standards and guidelines, and the 2020 national building codes.

Performance indicator: Number of NRC scientific publications, standards and guidelines produced from the CRBCPI Initiative

Starting point: 0 in 2016

Target: 136 by 2020-2021

Result:

209 in 2020-21. No additional results reported in 2021-22,Table 4 note 1

The NRC's new tools for designers, owners and operators of infrastructure will improve the resiliency and carbon footprint of new and existing infrastructure.

SDG: SDG 9: Industries, Innovation and Infrastructure

Target 9.1

Construction

Performance indicator: Number of updates made to codes/standards

Starting point: 0 in 2016

Target: 50 by 2021

Result:

39 in 2020-21. No additional results reported in 2021-22.Table 4 note 1

Clean energy: All Canadians have access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy
FSDS target(s) FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Performance indicator(s)
Starting point(s)
Target(s)
2020-21 results achieved Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target Program
By 2030, 90% and in the long term, 100% of Canada's electricity is generated from renewable and non-emitting sources Promote collaboration and work with partners on clean energy infrastructure Utilize smart grid facility at the NRC to de-risk clean technologies and train local operators for subsequent deployment in remote and indigenous communities, which will stimulate economic growth and reduce energy costs.

Performance indicator: Number of remote and Indigenous communities engaged to de-risk microgrid installations and/or train at the facility.

Starting point: 0

Target: 3 by 2022-23

Result:

Completed: 1 community engaged in 2021-22 (3 cumulative)

Actions:

The NRC engaged with Kluskus First Nations and FPInnovations to bring wood storage and drying equipment to the community to support its bioenergy combined heat and power system.
The NRC extended its microgrid project with DRDC, receiving additional funding and equipment through the project to expand NRC's microgrid capacity and facilities.

The NRC is working with territorial and Indigenous governments to advance the economic elements of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework by developing a Pan-Territorial Growth Strategy which will stimulate sustainable and diverse economic growth in Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

SDG: SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Target 7.1

Energy, Mining and Environment
Reduce energy costs and work with partners to increase energy efficiency

Update the National Energy Code for Buildings to increase the energy efficiency of buildings

Performance indicator: Number of downloads of the electronic version of the NECB

Starting point: 1,500 in May/ June 2020

Target: 7,500 per year

Result:

17,117 downloads (2015 and 2017 editions, English and French)

The NRC also published a new version of the NECB at the end of the 2021-22 fiscal year. NECB 2020 was published on March 28, 2022 and there have been 4,210 downloads (English and French) in the first three months of publication.

By updating and releasing the NECB, which includes technical requirements for the design and construction of energy efficient buildings, the NRC is helping reduce energy usage and cost incurred by building owners and operators

SDG: SDG 13: Climate action

Construction

Performance indicator: Number of purchases of the paper version of the NECB

Starting point: 15 in April/May 2020

Target: 80 per year

Result:

88 purchases (2015 and 2017 editions, English and French)

The NRC also published a new version of the NECB at the end of the 2021-22 fiscal year. NECB 2020 was published on March 28, 2022 and there have been 85 purchases (English and French in the first 3 months of publication.

Safe and healthy communities: All Canadians live in clean, sustainable communities that contribute to their health and well-being
FSDS target(s) FSDS contributing action(s) Corresponding departmental action(s) Performance indicator(s)
Starting point(s)
Target(s)
2021-22 results achieved Contribution by each departmental result to the FSDS goal and target Program
Continued decrease in emissions from 1990 of fine particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and volatile organic compounds from all sources Use legislation and regulations to address outdoor air pollutant emissions and harmful substances Develop the NRC's current PyroLIBS™ technology to optimize the converting processes of smelter operations to reduce the sulphur dioxide emissions

Performance indicator: Technology licensed to commercialization partner

Starting point: Currently working with an industry partner to develop this technology

Target: License agreement is signed with commercialization partner by 2022-23

Result:

License agreement signed in 2020-21

Actions:

The PyroLIBS™ technology was demonstrated at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 in a simulated environment

An ongoing Research Services Agreement was signed with Hatch for pilot demonstration in industrial sites

A new patent application was submitted

The NRC's development of technology in collaboration with industry will help managing levels of harmful substances in the environment. Energy, Mining and Environment

Actions supporting the goal:
Safe and Healthy Communities

Better understand air pollutants and harmful substances

Develop new technologies and update standards and guidelines under the Addressing Air Pollution Horizontal Initiative with respect to indoor air quality.

Performance indicator: Number of IP disclosures for new technologies

Starting point: 2 at end of FY19/20

Target: 5 by end of FY20/21

Result:

1 IP disclosure

The NRC's development of technologies and updated standards produced through the Addressing Air Pollution horizontal initiative will contribute to improving air quality and the health of Canadians.

SDG: SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Construction

Performance indicator: Number of new technologies evaluated in research projects

Starting point: 4 at end of FY19/20
Target: 5 by end of FY20/21

Result:

0 new technologies completed evaluations in 2021-22

Actions:

7 technologies in development

3 technologies are in the process of being evaluated and 3 other technologies are in the testing stage. Finally, 1 technology is being evaluated through the NRC's Canadian Construction Materials Centre.

Demonstrate leadership on assessing and remediating contaminated sites In accordance with the Treasury Board Policy on Management of Real Property and consistent with the Federal approach to contaminated sites as well as to ensure appropriate application of the precautionary principle, the NRC will continue to monitor, risk-manage and/or remediate its identified contaminated sites

Performance indicator: Number of site file closures and/or long term risk management plans

Starting point: Based on 2016 baseline of 12 potentially contaminated sites

Target:
11 site files closed or long-term risk managed by 2021-2022

12 of site files closed or long-term risk managed by 2022-23

Result:

1 site file closed or long-term risk managed (11 cumulative)

The NRC's assessment and remediation activities will reduce potential environmental and human health risks from identified NRC contaminated sites.

SDG: SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Internal Services

4. Report on integrating sustainable development

During the 2021-22 reporting cycle, the NRC had no proposals that required a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and no public statements were produced.