2012–13 Performance Report of the Office of the Auditor General of Canada—Supplementary table

2012–13 Performance Report of the Office of the Auditor General of Canada—Supplementary table

Green procurement

Policy requirements

Has the department incorporated environmental performance considerations in its procurement decision-making processes?

Yes

Summary of initiatives to incorporate environmental performance considerations in procurement decision-making processes:

Green procurement objectives are considered when purchasing the following commodities: computers, printers and photocopiers, automobiles, printing services, travel and meetings, and recycling.

Results achieved:

In 2012–13, the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (OAG) purchased a new vehicle (OAG fleet) for the Auditor General, using the Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) National Master Standing Offer with a 3.6-Litre gas/ethanol engine (E-85), which emits less than 4,200 kg of CO2 emissions per year.

Benefits: Meets operational requirements with due consideration to economy while emitting less than 4,200 kg of CO2 emissions per year.

The fleet of multi-function machines (printers, faxes, scanners) in our Ottawa headquarters and in our four regional offices are 4 ENERGY STAR rated multi-purpose machines. When feasible, the Office supports on-demand printing instead of volume printing.

Benefits: Reduction in paper waste, improved paper use, air quality benefits, increased efficiency in resources, reduced energy use, and cost savings.

The reports of the Auditor General and the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development are printed on paper that is 30 percent pre and post-consumer recycled content; certified EcoLogo and processed with elemental chlorine in the bleaching process; certified Forest Stewardship Council recycled; and manufactured using biogas energy. Packaging is also recycled material.

Benefits: Reduction in paper waste, fewer trees used, reduction in greenhouse emissions, and less energy and water used.

Office supplies are provided by companies with a “green” catalogue, and the Office strives to use these products (such as binders, pens, staplers, and hole punches) when it makes economic sense.

Benefits: Using eco-friendly products helps to lessen the impact on the environment through either some level of recycled content or recyclable use (for example, refillable cups, and rechargeable batteries).

All contracting and procurement staff attend green procurement training recommended in Greening Government Operations, published by PWGSC.

Benefits: Promotes awareness of government material management and green procurement practices.

Contributions to facilitate government-wide implementation of green procurement:

Our main contribution to sustainable development, including green procurement, is the influence of our audit work and our recommendations for improvement on the actions of federal departments and agencies, and Crown corporations.

On behalf of Parliament, the Office monitors the efforts of departments to produce meaningful sustainable development strategies and to implement them. We have also committed to assessing the overall quality of the strategies.

Green procurement targets

Has the Department established green procurement targets?

Yes

Are these green procurement targets the same as those identified in your Sustainable Development Strategy?

N/A (currently in development)

Summary of green procurement targets:

Objective

Incorporate environmental considerations in the procurement decisions that we make.

Other Results achieved:

Although there are no other specific targets related to procurement, other results achieved this year are as follows: