Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act. Progress Report i

Transcription

1 Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act Progress Report i

2 Crown copyright, Province of Nova Scotia, 2016 ISBN:

3 Table of Contents Executive Summary... 2 Message from the Minister... 5 Introduction... 7 Objectives of the Act...10 Summary of the Goals...11 Goals Update...12 Cleaner Energy...12 Climate Change...18 Healthy Air and Water...20 Leadership in Sustainable Practices...27 Protection of Biodiversity...34 Sustainable Management of Natural Assets...35 Moving Toward Sustainable Prosperity...38 Letter from the Round Table...51 ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

4 Executive Summary Progress Report of the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act The annual progress report of the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act (EGSPA, also referred to in this report as the Act) provides a summary and reports on the status of the 25 goals contained in the Act. The Act can be viewed at novascotia.ca/nse/egspa/. The goals and overarching objectives are aimed at achieving sustainable prosperity. The report includes a brief overview of some of the new directions that government has undertaken, along with examples of other key initiatives, which contribute to the Act s long-term vision of integrating the environment and the economy. Objectives of the Act The Act emphasizes the importance of integrating environmental sustainability and economic prosperity through its goals and objectives. To track how we are doing in achieving these objectives, a set of high-level indicators of prosperity has been developed. These indicators track trends over time in Nova Scotia and across Canada. For more details regarding the indicators of prosperity, see the latest report at novascotia.ca/finance/statistics/topic.asp?fto=24x. New Directions The Department of Business was created at the beginning of the fiscal year with the mandate to make Nova Scotia the most competitive and business-friendly environment for economic growth in Canada. Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and subsequently Prince Edward Island, have established a joint Regulatory and Service Effectiveness Office. The joint office will build a modern, consistent, and fair regulatory environment driven by highquality, client-focused service. 2 ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

5 The Department of Internal Services was created April 1, 2014 when government services, previously housed in seven other departments, were realigned to create greater efficiency. Government consolidated the regulatory compliance, inspection, and enforcement functions for public health, food safety, natural resource management and related environmental functions within Nova Scotia Environment. Summary of Goals The 25 goals are grouped under Cleaner Energy, Climate Change, Healthy Air and Water, Leadership in Sustainable Practices, Protection of Biodiversity, and Sustainable Management of Natural Assets. As of March 31, 2015, 12 goals had been achieved, and 13 are currently works-in-progress. The report includes what progress has been made and what outcomes are maintained with respect to the achieved goals. Examples of Progress Made on the Goals Cleaner Energy: Increased renewable energy to 24 per cent in 2014 just one per cent away from the 2015 goal of 25 per cent and well on our way to meeting the 2020 target of 40 per cent. Climate Change: In 2013 (latest data available), achieved 9 per cent reduction toward the greenhouse gas emissions target of 10 per cent below the 1990 base-year levels by Healthy Air and Water: Lowered nitrogen oxide emissions by 40 per cent, thus surpassing the target of 28 per cent below the 2000 emissions by Leadership in Sustainable Practices: In , seven new buildings completed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification; one achieved LEED Gold, and several buildings achieved LEED Silver. Protection of Biodiversity: The province continues to legally designate lands identified for protection in Our Parks and Protected Areas: A Plan for Nova Scotia, released in August At the end of March 31, 2015, 9.58 per cent of parks and protected areas was legally protected. ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

6 Sustainable Management of Natural Assets: Government continues to implement The Path We Share, A Natural Resources Strategy. The Department of Natural Resources is working to meet the strategy s overarching goals of collaborative leadership, sustainable resource development, research and knowledge sharing and good governance. Sustainable Prosperity Initiatives In addition to the work on the goals, there are many initiatives underway in our province that make progress toward achieving our vision of sustainable prosperity. These include Regulatory Reform and Efficiencies by Nova Scotia Environment, the Equivalency Agreement with the federal government on the reduction of coal-fired greenhouse gas, Agriculture s Awareness Program, ThinkFarm and FarmNext, the Cape Breton Private Land Partnership Pilot Project, the Wild Atlantic Salmon Enhancement Program, the Aquaculture Regulation Review, Municipal Climate Change Action Plans, the Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program, the Aboriginal Economic Development Fund, the Electricity Plan, the Marine Renewable Energy Act, and the Tidal Feed-in Tariff Program. Summary Read the progress report for more detail on some of the new directions, the goals update and next steps, and the initiatives that showcase the value of this unique piece of legislation. The report shows how the province is working to fully integrate the environment and economy for ourselves and for future generations. 4 ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

7 Message from the Minister I am pleased to present the annual progress report for the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act (EGSPA or the Act) for The report indicates the status and next steps for each of the Act s 25 goals. It also outlines recent new initiatives from government that will, along with EGSPA, help our province achieve sustainable prosperity. Notably, these recent initiatives include a new Department of Business and Office of Regulatory Affairs and Service Effectiveness, as well as the consolidation of regulatory compliance, inspection, and enforcement for public health, food safety, natural resource management, and related functions within Nova Scotia Environment. Among this year s noteworthy achievements was the protection of over 12 per cent of our province s land mass by the end of 2015 (9.58 per cent by March 31, 2015, the reporting period for this document), an increase in renewable energy to 24 per cent in 2014, and other great and substantive work carried out by the Department of Energy and the Department of Agriculture and the continued reduction in greenhouse gas emissions all EGSPA goals. The Act requires that the Round Table on the Environment and Sustainable Prosperity (Round Table) provide an annual assessment of the progress made in meeting the goals and realizing the vision of the Act. Their assessment is found on pages We acknowledge and appreciate the Round Table s comments and suggestions concerning analysis and evaluation, tracking, and reporting on holistic indicators of prosperity, and the progress and intent of specific goals. These are all important considerations in continuing to make progress on EGSPA. The Round Table also commented on the next five-year review of the Act. As Minister of the Environment, I am pleased that part of my mandate is to lead the preparation of this review in 2016 for completion in I look forward to working with the Round Table and sincerely thank them for all of their past work and thoughtful insights and suggestions. The integration of environmental sustainability and economic prosperity the vision of the Act is much bigger than the mandate of one department, one government, or one sector. It requires help from all departments and sectors of ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

8 our province, including committed citizens. By coming together in a coordinated way, we make progress towards a sustainable and prosperous Nova Scotia. Looking back over this report period, we have seen a few changes in the way we conduct our business for the good of our citizens and our beautiful province. We have experienced many accomplishments, through EGSPA and other efforts. We know that many businesses, organizations, and individuals are committed to and contribute to the overarching vision of sustainable prosperity and for that we congratulate and thank you. Honourable Margaret Miller Minister of Environment 6 ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

9 Introduction The Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act (EGSPA, also referred to as the Act in this report) became law in Nova Scotia in the spring of This historic piece of legislation was unanimously passed by all political parties in the Legislature. It is unique, the first in the country that recognizes the importance of integrating environmental sustainability and economic prosperity. Learn more at novascotia.ca/nse/egspa/. Following the first five-year review of the Act in 2012, amendments, also unanimously passed in the Legislature, were made that focused on strengthening the integration of environmental sustainability and economic prosperity. The amendments included the addition of four new goals, and a whole systems approach whereby all departments would be involved in meeting the commitments and realizing the vision of the Act. The 25 goals and the two overarching objectives aim at achieving sustainable prosperity. To demonstrate progress made, this report provides a summary of the goals, indicates the status of each goal as of March 31, 2015, and outlines the planned next steps. It also provides examples of government initiatives that move us toward sustainable prosperity. Government initiatives included several new directions toward sustainable prosperity that will contribute to the Act s long-term environmental and economic objectives. Provided below is a brief overview of some of these new directions that government is taking to increase economic growth, to increase the effectiveness of interactions with government, to create greater efficiency, and to be more effective in inspection and enforcement. Department of Business The Department of Business, created at the beginning of the fiscal year, has the mandate to make Nova Scotia the most competitive and businessfriendly environment for economic growth in Canada. This department is providing strategic direction and leadership to all provincial government departments, Crown corporations, and agencies to achieve alignment of strategy and operations for business and social-enterprise growth. The Department of Business is working ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

10 with the new Office of Regulatory Affairs and Service Effectiveness to reduce red tape and remove barriers for business. A number of the changes were informed by the following expert reports commissioned by government and delivered in 2014: Now or Never: An Urgent Call to Action for Nova Scotians, a report of the One Nova Scotia Commission (February 2014), led by Ray Ivany Review of Economic Development Assistance Tools: Assessment of Current Practices and Future Potential for Nova Scotia (February 2014), conducted by Dr. Tom Traves Fuelling Entrepreneurship & Innovation: A Review of the Nova Scotia s Government Role in Venture Capital Provision (June 2014), conducted by Dr. Gilles Duruflé Charting a Path for Growth: Nova Scotia Tax and Regulatory Review (November 2014), conducted by Laurel C. Broten Office of Regulatory Affairs and Service Effectiveness To make dealing with government easier, faster, and less frequent, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick (and subsequently Prince Edward Island) have established a joint Regulatory and Service Effectiveness Office. The joint office is building a modern, consistent and fair regulatory environment driven by high-quality, client-focused service. The office has a three-year mandate to substantially reduce obstacles to business growth and build a more positive business environment in the Maritime Provinces. Internal Services Internal Services supports the public sector to deliver the programs and services that Nova Scotians rely on. The department was created April 1, 2014 when government services, previously housed in seven other departments, were realigned to create greater efficiency. This allows government to streamline support for procurement, information technology, telecommunications, and some construction projects, and applies to all provincial government departments, school boards, the Nova Scotia Health Authority, the IWK, and some of the Crown corporations. 8 ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

11 Compliance, Inspection, and Enforcement In April 2015, government announced in its budget address the plan to consolidate regulatory compliance, inspection, and enforcement for public health, food safety, natural resource management, and related functions within Nova Scotia Environment (NSE), to be effective July 1, The aim is to make the protection of the public, the environment, and the province s natural resources as effective as possible and contribute to improvements in Nova Scotia s climate for doing business. This change will unify inspection and enforcement activities and allow resource departments to focus on sector growth. ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

12 Objectives of the Act The Act emphasizes the importance of integrating environmental sustainability and economic prosperity through its goals and objectives. To track how we are doing in achieving these objectives, a set of high-level indicators of prosperity has been developed. These indicators track trends over time in Nova Scotia and across Canada. For more details regarding the indicators of prosperity, see the latest report at novascotia.ca/finance/statistics/topic.asp?fto=24x. The objectives of the Act outlined in article 4(1): 4(1) The long-term environmental and economic objective of the Province is to achieve sustainable prosperity and to this end to: (a) (b) establish clear goals that foster an integrated approach to environmental sustainability and economic well-being; and work towards continuous improvement in measures of social, environmental and economic indicators of prosperity. 10 ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

13 Summary of the Goals The goals outlined in the Act are high-reaching and have measurable targets with timelines. As of March 31, 2015, 12 goals were achieved and 13 were worksin-progress. In 2010, amendments were made to the Air Quality Regulations that changed the status of two achieved goals (pertaining to nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide emissions) to works-in-progress, and four new goals were added through the 2012 amendments. Significant progress has been made on the works-in-progress goals in , including a 24 per cent increase in renewable energy in 2014 just one per cent away from the 2015 goal of 25 per cent an achievement of 9 per cent toward the target of 10 per cent below the 1990 base-year greenhouse gas levels by 2020 a 40 per cent reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions, thus surpassing the target of 28 per cent below the 2000 emissions by 2015 the completion of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for seven new buildings, one achieved LEED Gold and several Leed Silver. ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

14 Goals Update To achieve the long-term objectives set forth in subsection 4(1), the province has a total of 25 environmental and economic goals in the areas of Cleaner Energy, Climate Change, Healthy Air and Water, Leadership in Sustainable Practices, Protection of Biodiversity, and Sustainable Management of Natural Assets. These goals are listed below with a description and the status of each as of March 31, 2015, followed by planned next steps. Cleaner Energy Tapping into, and conserving, nature s sources of energy GOAL (A) IN PROGRESS The province adopts and implements a framework to support a transition to cleaner sources and sustainable uses of energy to produce greater economic, social, and environmental benefits for Nova Scotians by supporting and enabling (i) energy efficiency and conservation to assist in energy affordability and competitiveness through increased productivity, (ii) sustainable transportation options, (iii) increased renewable energy, (iv) enhanced use of natural gas to displace oil and coal, and (v) enhanced innovation through globally competitive energy research and development. u WHERE ARE WE NOW? Work has been ongoing to implement the province s framework to support a transition to cleaner energy sources and sustainable uses of energy in the five key areas outlined above in goal (A). 12 ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

15 (i) The Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation (ENSC) continues to offer a variety of energy efficiency programs and services, including education, technical assistance, incentives on energy efficient products and upgrades, low-income assistance, development of new and innovative approaches, and financing options for homes or businesses to make better use of energy. To date, ENSC has helped over 190,000 program participants to reduce their energy consumption. Since 2008, energy efficiency efforts in Nova Scotia have saved enough electricity to power about 78,000 homes and prevented close to 650,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. This is the equivalent of taking around 130,000 cars off the road. Efficiency spending also has a significant impact on the economy. Nova Scotia s energy efficiency industry currently provides over 1,200 full-time jobs, with a total wage bill of over $62 million. These businesses annually contribute $192 million to Nova Scotia s economy. (ii) In April 2013, the province launched Choose how you move: Sustainable Transportation Strategy, the first of its kind in Nova Scotia. A key piece of the strategy has been the Nova Scotia Moves grant program. More than $3 million in grants to over 75 projects has been awarded through this program, and three rounds of applications have been completed. A new grant program, Connect2, was launched to help create connections that allow for use of sustainable modes of transportation in communities across the province. Activity included continued partnering with Dalhousie University on a transportation data centre, development of the Active Transportation Policy Framework, and moving forward with implementing the Blue Route, a provincial bicycle network. The strategy is available at novascotia. ca/sustainabletransportation/docs/sustainable-transportation- Strategy.pdf. (iii) In 2014, renewable energy accounted for 24 per cent of the electricity used in Nova Scotia. The Maritime Link project will enable achievement of the goal of 40 per cent renewable energy by 2020, broaden renewable electricity options for Nova Scotia, and contribute to longer-term stable electricity prices. ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

16 (iv) The province, key stakeholders, and industry have been working together to facilitate the use of natural gas in Nova Scotia. Encana s Deep Panuke project commenced natural gas production in 2013 and is approved to operate seasonally until the fourth quarter of Encana has reported that Deep Panuke produced 69 billion cubic feet of gas as of December 31, In 2014, other natural gas developments included the exploration of regional gas market challenges and opportunities with our regional partners marketing the opportunities for development of Nova Scotia s offshore natural gas to potential operators and investors continuing to improve our understanding of offshore geoscience and what offshore natural gas resources Nova Scotia might take to market to attract new investment (v) The province has demonstrated a commitment to enhanced innovation through globally competitive energy research and development. This commitment included the introduction of the Marine Renewable-energy Act to establish the legal framework for marine renewable energy project development issuing of developmental in-stream tidal Feed-in Tariff (FIT) approvals signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Research Association and the United Kingdom s Technology Strategy Board to fund innovative research projects that will increase our understanding of high-flow tidal environments, and the issuing of a call for joint research proposals signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with British Columbia to share research and technology related to tidal energy in our respective provinces 14 ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

17 support of research efforts through funding by the Offshore Energy Research Association (OERA), as well as continuing to work in partnership with OERA, who hosted biannual research and development forums (2012 and 2014) support of the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy, including the creation of the Fundy Advanced Sensor Technology Platform, a world-class innovation, and the Acadia University-led research project, Natural Resources Canada s ecoenergy Innovation Initiative projects that increase our understanding of the power of the Fundy tides hosting of the International Conference on Ocean Energy (ICOE) in 2014 a North American first u WHAT S NEXT? Next steps will include developing regulations under the Marine Renewable-energy Act to ensure effective oversight of industrial development continuing implementation of the Blue Route (a provincial bicycle network), running a new sustainable transportation grant program (Connect2), and continuing the ongoing implementation of the Provincial Sustainable Transportation Strategy continuing to collaborate with international partners, including the United Kingdom and France, on tidal energy research and development initiatives continuing to support energy efficiency and conservation, continuing to explore natural gas market challenges and opportunities, and taking advantage of the strategic opportunity for tidal industry investments in Nova Scotia ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

18 GOAL (B) IN PROGRESS Of the total electricity needs of the province, (i) 18.5 per cent is obtained from renewable energy sources by 2013, (ii) 25 per cent is obtained from renewable energy sources by 2015, and (iii) 40 per cent is obtained from renewable energy sources by u WHERE ARE WE NOW? Renewable electricity increased to 24 per cent in 2014, up from 20 per cent in This means that in 2014, we were one per cent away from the 2015 target. Regulatory approvals were given in 2013 for the Lower Churchill Project and its associated Maritime Link Project, which will enable achievement of the goal of 40 per cent renewable electricity by u WHAT S NEXT? The province will continue to develop, research, and invest in renewable energy. GOAL (C) ACHIEVED An updated energy efficiency rating system for new and existing homes is available in the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations made under the Building Code Act. u WHERE ARE WE NOW? This goal has been achieved. In late 2015, the new National Building Code and National Energy Code for Buildings were released. It is expected that this version will update the energy efficiency measures currently being enforced, which were adopted into the Nova Scotia Building Code in 2009, with new provisions adopted in u WHAT S NEXT? During the National Code Cycle, the National Research Council is expected to review the energy efficiency of existing buildings that undergo 16 ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

19 renovations. This work is expected to go out for public consultation as part of the 2020 National Building Code process. Nova Scotia will continue to develop and update its Building Code Regulations as per the National Building Code and National Energy Code for Buildings. GOAL (D) ACHIEVED All new residential dwelling units constructed in the province after January 1, 2011 are required to meet energy conservation measures adopted in the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations made under the Building Code Act. u WHERE ARE WE NOW? This goal has been achieved, and as previously reported, exceeded the EGSPA target by applying not only to new residences but also to home additions and major renovations, as well as commercial buildings under 600 square metres. Government adopted the National Energy Code for Buildings, which came into force on January 31, 2015; this applies similar standards for energy efficiency in all large buildings not previously addressed by EGSPA or the Building Code. The National Energy Code for Buildings also applies to buildings not addressed by the energy conservation measures within the Building Code and includes new multi-unit residential buildings. u WHAT S NEXT? It is anticipated that updates to both the National Building Code 2015 and the National Energy Code for Buildings 2015 will include amendments improving the energy conservation measures. Amendments to the National Building Code and National Energy Code for Buildings are expected to undergo a public review in Nova Scotia in 2016 and be adopted into force during There is a commitment to seek a 15 per cent improvement in energy conservation over the standards of both the 2015 National Building Code and the 2015 National Energy Code for Buildings in the 2020 edition. ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

20 GOAL (E) ACHIEVED The province continues to work with other levels of government on national emission standards for greenhouse gases and air pollutants from new motor vehicles, such as the standards adopted by the State of California. u WHERE ARE WE NOW? The greenhouse gas (GHG) commitment for motor vehicles has been met through federal regulations. The Government of Canada introduced the Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations for model years , and the Heavy-duty Vehicle and Engine Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations for model year 2014 and beyond. The Government of Canada also announced in 2014 that it intends to start developing more stringent standards for heavy-duty vehicles and engines of the post-2018 model year. u WHAT S NEXT? The province will continue to work with federal, provincial, and territorial counterparts on national standards for vehicles and trucks that reduce GHG and air pollutant emissions and fuel consumption. Climate Change Mitigating and adapting to the impact of climate change GOAL (F) IN PROGRESS Greenhouse gas emissions are, by 2020, at least 10 per cent below the levels that were emitted in 1990, as outlined in the New England Governors/Eastern Canadian Premiers Climate Change Action Plan ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

21 u WHERE ARE WE NOW? To meet this target, in 2009, NSE developed a Climate Change Action Plan, which is now 90 per cent implemented. Nova Scotia s greenhouse gas emissions for the year 2013 (which is the latest data available) is estimated to have been 18.3 M tonnes. This means that our GHG emissions have continued to decline annually since 2007, the year EGSPA was enacted. Prior to that year, our GHG emissions had been trending upward. In 2013, our GHG emissions were 9 per cent below our emissions in 1990, the base year for the EGSPA target. Our goal for 2020, as noted above, is to reduce our GHG to a level 10 per cent below 1990 level. NSE policies on GHG reduction, along with other related government policies (renewable energy and energy efficiency) are expected to ensure we meet or exceed the EGSPA target for GHG reduction in We are close to that target now, but the pace of energy technology change affects reductions and is not easy to predict. Progress in reducing our GHG output has been due to several factors. The greatest reductions so far have been in the electricity sector, our largest single source of GHG. This reduction has occurred in several ways, including a greater use of natural gas for power generation, natural gas having less GHG intensity than oil or coal. Equally important have been government policies that mandate a reduction in Nova Scotia s dependency on fossil fuels by requiring greater use of renewable energy and efficiency in our electricity use. The second largest source of our GHG emissions has been transportation, mainly in the fuel burned by cars and trucks. Transportation emissions had increased steadily since 1990, as larger vehicles and SUVs became popular. GHG growth from road vehicles has now leveled off, and we have seen a slight decline in the most recent data (2013). GHG reduction policies can promote innovation and keep us on a more level economic playing field with trading partners, who are highly aware of what other jurisdictions are doing to reduce their own GHG and help fulfill international commitments. ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

22 u WHAT S NEXT? NSE will continue to monitor the GHG output from our key sources, explore options for greater efficiencies, and continue to work with our partners and key stakeholders. Healthy Air And Water Doing our part to improve the air we breathe and to manage our precious water resources GOAL (G) IN PROGRESS Emissions of nitrogen oxides are reduced by (i) 20 per cent by 2009, (ii) 28 per cent by 2015, and (iii) 44 per cent by 2020, relative to emissions in u WHERE ARE WE NOW? The 2009 target has been achieved. Emission reduction requirements were added to the Air Quality Regulations for 2015 and 2020 and further emission reduction goals were subsequently added to EGSPA through amendments in Further amendments to the Air Quality Regulations were made in November 2014, which introduced new multi-year emission caps in addition to the previous annual cap on emissions of nitrogen oxides by Nova Scotia Power Incorporated (NSPI), a significant emitter. New emission reduction requirements out to 2030 were added, which will result in a 69 per cent reduction from the base year 2000 for NSPI. In 2014, NSPI emitted 16,902 tonnes of nitrogen oxide (NO x ) into the atmosphere, which was a 40 per cent decrease from their 2000 emission levels and below the emission cap of 21,365 tonnes. NSPI has emitted under the cap in recent history. 20 ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

23 u WHAT S NEXT? The province will continue to work with NSPI to ensure the targets continue to be met. The province will also continue to participate in national efforts to establish emission requirements for the electricity sector. GOAL (H) IN PROGRESS Sulphur dioxide emissions are reduced by (i) 50 per cent by 2010, (ii) 58 per cent by 2015, and (iii) 75 per cent by 2020, relative to the emission allocation. u WHERE ARE WE NOW? The 2010 target has been achieved. Emission reduction requirements were added to the Air Quality Regulations for 2015 and 2020 and further emission reduction goals were subsequently added to EGSPA through amendments in Further amendments to the Air Quality Regulations were made in November 2014, introducing new multi-year emission caps for Nova Scotia Power Incorporated (NSPI), the largest emitter in the province, comprising annual maximums with hard caps every five years. New emission reduction requirements out to 2030 will result in an 86 per cent reduction in SO 2 emissions by NSPI since In 2013, total emissions from NSPI and other large emitters (greater than 90 tonnes) was 70,988 tonnes of SO 2 to the air, or 51 per cent below the emission allocation. NSPI released 67,806 tonnes of SO 2 and other large emitters released 3,182 tonnes. In 2014, NSPI emitted 60,902 tonnes of SO 2 into the air, which was less than their emissions cap of 72,500 tonnes. NSPI complied with the regulated cap and has emitted under the cap in recent history. Total emissions (including those by other large emitters) for 2014 will be available from the National Pollutant Release Inventory in u WHAT S NEXT? The province will continue to work with large emitters (greater than 90 tonnes per year), including NSPI, to ensure they remain within their SO 2 limit, and will continue to participate in national work to establish emission requirements for the electricity sector. ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

24 GOAL (I) IN PROGRESS Mercury emissions are reduced to no more than (i) 110 kilograms by 2010, (ii) 100 kilograms by 2011, (iii) 85 kilograms by 2013, (iv) 65 kilograms by 2014, and (v) 35 kilograms by u WHERE ARE WE NOW? Amendments to the Air Quality Regulations in November 2014 introduced a new cap of 30 kg in 2030, which is 89 per cent less than the pre-2001 level. The 2014 amendments also introduced a new option open to NSPI the largest emitter in the province related to the requirement to make up for deferred mercury emissions arising out of the 2010 amendments to the Air Quality Regulations. This option, starting in 2015 and ending in 2020, will allow NSPI to introduce a new Mercury Diversion Program to the public, whereby mercury-containing products, such as lightbulbs, are diverted from the environment. Through this option NSPI would gain credit towards their deferred mercury requirement. This optional program would achieve the same environmental outcomes while saving ratepayers money. In 2014, NSPI s mercury emissions were kg, which was below the emission cap of 65 kg for u WHAT S NEXT? The province will continue to work with NSPI to reduce its mercury emissions. GOAL ( J & K) ACHIEVED ( J ) - The Province meets and maintains the Canada Wide Standards for Particulate Matter (PM) and Ozone established by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment for airborne fine-particulate matter by ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

25 ( K ) - The Province meets and maintains the Canada Wide Standards for Particulate Matter (PM) and Ozone established by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment for ground-level ozone by u WHERE ARE WE NOW? The Canada-wide Standards (CWS) have been replaced by the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) and the air zone management framework. This is in line with the Air Quality Management System (AQMS) being implemented across Canada through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME). More information is available at ccme.ca/en/ resources/air/aqms.html and novascotia.ca/nse/air/. The year 2014 was the last report for fine particulate matter and ozone under the CWS and the first year for Air Zone reporting based on the CAAQS (see novascotia.ca/nse/air/docs/ %20airzone%20v3.pdf ). The CAAQS are more stringent than the CWS. The new goal is to achieve the CAAQS in each of the province s four designated air zones. Under the CWS, achievement reporting was only required for areas with a total population of 100,000 or more, of which Halifax Regional Municipality is the only one in Nova Scotia. In , the CWS for fine particulate matter and ozone were achieved. The results are shown in the following table: 4 th highest 8-hour averages of ground-level ozone, measured annually and averaged over three consecutive years 98 th percentile of 24-hour averages of fine particulate matter, measured annually and averaged over three consecutive years HRM CBRM Standard (Achieve 65 ppb or less) HRM CBRM Standard (Achieve 30 µg/m 3 or less) ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

26 In , the CAAQS for fine particulate matter and ozone were achieved in all four Air Zones in Nova Scotia. The Central air zone was in the yellow air zone management level, which requires actions for preventing air quality deterioration, and the other three air zones were in the orange level, which requires actions for preventing CAAQS exceedance. Results Air Zone Management Level* Management Actions Driver Ozone 8-hour (ppb) PM hour (µg/m 3 ) PM 2.5 Annual (µg/m 3 ) Central Yellow Actions for Preventing AQ Deterioration Ozone Eastern Orange Actions for Preventing CAAQS Exceedance PM 2.5 annual Northern Orange Actions for Preventing CAAQS Exceedance PM hr and annual Western Orange Actions for Preventing CAAQS Exceedance Ozone u WHAT S NEXT? The province will continue to monitor and report on ambient air quality in the four air zones and work with stakeholders to identify actions to reduce ambient air pollution to prevent air quality deterioration and CAAQS exceedance. GOAL (L) IN PROGRESS Municipal public drinking-water supplies meet the province s 2012 treatment standards by ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

27 u WHERE ARE WE NOW? Municipalities were required, by April 2013, to submit a System Assessment Report to demonstrate whether or not their system met the 2012 standards. These reports were reviewed, and updated approvals were issued. At the end of March 2014 (the latest data available), 90 per cent of the municipal public drinking-water supplies met the 2012 treatment standards. In 2015, NSE reviewed the tracking of this data to ensure consistency in reporting. u WHAT S NEXT? The province will continue to work with municipalities to obtain the necessary funding to make upgrades to develop drinking-water treatment compliance strategies and conduct regular audits of public drinking-water supplies to ensure that standards are met. GOAL (M) ACHIEVED A comprehensive water-resource management strategy is developed by 2010 and implemented accordingly. u WHERE ARE WE NOW? This strategy was completed. In the report period, the external-togovernment Nova Scotia Water Advisory Group held three meetings, and the inter-departmental Water Strategy Implementation Committee met twice, in order to share information on water-resource management from the breadth of their perspectives. Other actions toward achieving the goals of the strategy included the Nova Scotia Water Forum on Data Sharing and Management for provincial government staff; the renewal of the Canadian Heritage Rivers Charter, a federal-provincial-territorial collaborative program; and in-kind and financial support to the Community-University Research Alliance H 2 O (CURA H 2 O) at Saint Mary s University, supporting community-based water monitoring and management. ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

28 u WHAT S NEXT? The province will continue to meet with the external-to-government Nova Scotia Water Advisory Group and work with all departments through the Water Strategy Implementation Committee and all levels of government on waterstrategy implementation. GOAL (N) IN PROGRESS Wastewater treatment facility discharges undergo at least primary treatment by u WHERE ARE WE NOW? As of March 31, 2015, 93 per cent of municipal wastewater facilities met the target. In , no new systems were commissioned. However, one municipality is currently in the process of constructing a new treatment facility, and another is beginning the pre-design process. The achievement date of this goal was revised from 2017 to 2020 through the EGSPA 2012 amendments. This new date aligns with the new federal wastewater regulations published in June u WHAT S NEXT? Government will continue to work with municipalities on implementing the Canada-wide Municipal Wastewater Effluent Strategy. This year government will continue to work toward a provincial wastewater standard that will include the objectives of the strategy. 26 ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

29 Leadership in Sustainable Practices Leading the way toward a sustainable future GOAL (O) IN PROGRESS The solid-waste disposal rate is no greater than 300 kilograms per person per year by 2015 through measures that include the development of new programs and product stewardship regulations. u WHERE ARE WE NOW? In 2014, Nova Scotia s disposal rate was 380 kg/person. According to Statistics Canada, in 2012 (the latest results available) Nova Scotia s disposal rate was 45 per cent lower than the Canadian average of 720 kg/person, and the province s diversion rate was 70 per cent higher than the Canadian average. Currently, 17 materials are banned from disposal in Nova Scotia, and eight product stewardship agreements are in place. Public consultations on proposed regulatory amendments to the solid-waste regulations were completed in June 2014, with written submissions received until October Following public discussions, a What We Heard document was released in Winter u WHAT S NEXT? The What We Heard document and our ongoing engagement with municipal and business stakeholders continues to inform development of proposed regulatory amendments. Nova Scotia s culture of waste diversion, along with potential regulatory enhancements, will divert more material from landfill, contain solid waste management costs, further stimulate the green economy, and positon the province to achieve a disposal rate of 300 kilograms per person. ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

30 GOAL (P) ACHIEVED Septage treatment facilities are operated in accordance with the Guidelines for the Handling, Treatment and Disposal of Septage as of u WHERE ARE WE NOW? Since December 2011, all septage treatment facilities operating in the province have been in compliance with the guidelines. In 2012, 19 of the 20 facilities obtained a ten-year approval, and one facility obtained a five-year approval. Seven facilities are closed or in the process of closing. u WHAT S NEXT? The province will continue to monitor facilities to ensure that they meet the guidelines. All sites remaining in operation are on a set schedule to be audited. Any required enforcement action will be undertaken as per the compliance model. GOAL (Q) ACHIEVED A sustainable procurement policy for the province is developed and adopted by 2009 and implemented accordingly, including by integrating sustainable procurement criteria into provincial government purchasing and promoting adoption of this approach to the greater public sector in the province. u WHERE ARE WE NOW? The Sustainable Procurement Policy was released in August Implementation is ongoing. A Sustainable Procurement page for government purchasers has been established on the government s Procurement Services website, and information for vendors has been added to the Tenders page. To date, sustainable procurement criteria have been added to the requests for standing offers for over 10 categories. 28 ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

31 Procurement Services became part of the newly created Department of Internal Services on April 1, 2014 and became responsible for purchasing on behalf of the Nova Scotia Health Authority and the IWK, in addition to all government departments. Also in 2014, Procurement Services was awarded the 19th Annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award (AEP) from the National Procurement Institute (NPI). The AEP Award is earned by public and non-profit organizations that obtain a high application score based on standardized criteria. The judging criteria include innovation, professionalism, e-procurement, productivity, and leadership. The AEP encourages the development of excellence and continued organizational improvement in the effort to earn the award annually. In addition, Procurement Services is a Founding Member of the Sustainable Procurement Leadership Council and has a representative on the Council s Board of Directors. The Council brings together visionary professionals from institutions, suppliers, government, standards bodies, and NGOs to simplify, optimize and standardize the practice of sustainable procurement. u WHAT S NEXT? Resources will be added to the site as they become available. Sustainability criteria will be developed for additional standing offers and for strategic purchasing categories on an ongoing basis. GOAL (R) ACHIEVED A government facility is constructed as a demonstration facility in accordance with leading energy efficient design standards by 2015 and used to foster sustainable building practices. ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

32 u WHERE ARE WE NOW? Government partnered with the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) to construct the Centre for the Built Environment, which opened in 2010 at the Waterfront Campus in Dartmouth. The project received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold status in August NSCC has adopted the concept of sustainable building and constructing to LEED standards on other projects since this building was constructed. In 2009, the province adopted the LEED policy, whereby all new buildings constructed by the province and those buildings that the province contributes financially towards are designed and constructed to certain environmental and energy efficient standards. In , seven new buildings completed their LEED certification. The Dr. William D. Finn Centre for Forensic Medicine in Dartmouth achieved LEED Gold in September Also, there are several new LEED Silver buildings, including the Waverley Memorial Elementary School in Waverley and the Perennia Innovation Centre in Truro. In total, from to , there are 14 newly constructed buildings that have completed LEED certification. u WHAT S NEXT? New projects targeting LEED Gold were added to the list in and include the Tatamagouche P-12 and Bridgetown P-12 schools. Other buildings targeting LEED Gold are Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School, Bible Hill P-4 School, Eastern Passage District High School, the South Dartmouth P-9 School, New Glasgow Academy, Charles P. Allen High School in Bedford, South Queens Middle School in Liverpool, and the West Highlands Elementary School in Amherst. The demonstration facility will continue to be used to foster sustainable building practices. 30 ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

33 GOAL (S) IN PROGRESS The province develops a strategy by 2014 to advance the growth of the green economy and implements the strategy accordingly. u WHERE ARE WE NOW? In early 2013, NSE partnered with the former department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism (ERDT) to establish green economy priorities and objectives. In the fall of 2014, the Minister s Round Table on Environment and Sustainable Prosperity reached out to stakeholders and provided feedback on the green economy priorities and objectives. u WHAT S NEXT? In the budget for 2015, government announced major changes to how it will conduct activities to support economic prosperity. This included the creation of a new Department of Business. Consequently, there is an opportunity for NSE and the Department of Business to collaborate on this work. The Minister of Environment s December 2015 Mandate Letter directs the Minister to ensure the integration of green economy objectives with shared economic goals. GOAL (T) IN PROGRESS Local food consumption is supported and encouraged, with the goal of 20 per cent of the money spent on food by Nova Scotians being spent on locally produced food by u WHERE ARE WE NOW? Government invests in a number of strategic initiatives each year that are designed to encourage local food consumption. These investments range from supporting market development activities of individual farmers through ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT

34 Federal/Provincial Growing Forward 2 programming to developing and promoting the Buy Local campaigns of Select Nova Scotia. An example from Select Nova Scotia is the Department of Agriculture s partnership with Sobeys on Buy Local Days. In 2014, Sobeys reported an increase in local produce sales of 22.4 per cent over the same period in The success of this initiative resulted in an expansion in 2015, through winter and summer campaigns. There are plans to expand the Buy Local retail presence across the retail sector. Two key statistics are used to measure this goal: 1. the value of food produced on Nova Scotia farms in terms of farm cash receipts 2. the value of food expenditures by Nova Scotia households (excluding seafood purchases) The proxy measure for this goal is the per cent value of farm cash receipts to food expenditures in Nova Scotia. In 2011, the benchmark year, the percentage of money spent by Nova Scotians on locally produced food was 13. This measure rose to 14 per cent in We exceeded our expectations of 15 per cent in 2013 with 16 per cent of money spent on food by Nova Scotians being spent on locally produced food. u WHAT S NEXT? Government will continue to focus resources to increase the public s recognition of the value of local food consumption. The province will continue to support the efforts of Select Nova Scotia and Agriculture Awareness programs to promote the importance of local agriculture, and to make locally produced, safe, and high quality foods available and accessible to Nova Scotia consumers. 32 ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY ACT PROGRESS REPORT