Canada requires major suppliers to disclose their GHG emissions
The federal government's Carbon Neutral Challenge invites businesses to develop transition plans so that their operations are zero emissions by 2050.
As of April 1, the Government of Canada will ask its major suppliers to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions and set reduction targets.
The President announced of the Treasury Board, Mona Fortier, during her visit to the GlobeXChange conference, Tuesday in Toronto.
The Treasury Board Secretariat press release indicates that major suppliers to the Government of Canada will be required to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions and set reduction targets.
However, the words used are confusing, as the same press release mentions that federal government procurements of more than $25 million should encourage suppliers to disclose their greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions and set targets discount.
The federal government purchases goods and services worth more than $22 billion a year.
Asked if companies will be required to disclose, therefore obliged, or if they will be encouraged to do so, the Director of Parliamentary Affairs in the Office of the President of the Treasury Board provided these clarifications: In order to provide a degree of flexibility to adapt to market conditions, specific requirements terminology will be specified in each supply contract. This could take the form of a requirement or an incentive.
Director of Parliamentary Affairs in the Office of the President of the Treasury Board, Scott Bardsley, has clarified that there are two mechanisms departments can use to incentivize suppliers to disclose and reduce their emissions as part of their procurement processes.
One of these mechanisms would require the disclosure of targets, while the other would give additional points to suppliers who [could] provide proof of their participation in Canada's Carbon Neutral Challenge or program. equivalent.
The Carbon Neutral Challenge requires participants to set targets for net-zero emissions by 2050, but there are no penalties provided if the objectives are not achieved.
According to Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, who accompanied Mona Fortier at the announcement in Toronto, more than 40 companies have participated in the Carbon Neutral Challenge since its launch in August 2022, including Microsoft Canada, Aecon Group, 3M Canada and Cogeco.
Mona Fortier also announced that all new government construction projects will be required to use low-carbon concrete, where available, so that the total GHG emissions associated with the project's concrete are at least 10% lower than the regional average.
Treasury Board calls this measure a new carbon standard intrinsic in construction.
We are now starting with concrete, but we are also looking at how we will include aluminum, steel and even wood, materials that will help us reduce our emissions, indicated the President of the Conseil du Tres gold.
