Executive Council
January 21, 2015

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister Responsible for the Office of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency:

Provincial Government Releases Greening Government Action Plan

Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to rise today as the Minister Responsible for the Office of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency to announce the release of a new action plan to create a culture of environmental sustainability within government's own operations.

In 2011, our government released strategic frameworks for taking action on climate change and energy efficiency in Newfoundland and Labrador. Progress on these important issues requires action by all, and it is critical that government continues to demonstrate strong leadership.

Mr. Speaker, the Greening Government Action Plan outlines 46 commitments across five strategic objectives. These objectives are:

  • Increasing waste diversion;
  • Improving the sustainability of government buildings;
  • Integrating green considerations into transportation decisions;
  • Increasing the procurement of environmentally preferable products and services; and
  • Effectively engaging employees on each of these issues.

There are many benefits to improving the environmental sustainability of our operations, Mr. Speaker. Saving energy has the potential to lower operating costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which is an important step in addressing climate change. Additionally, increasing the demand for environmentally preferable products and services can generate new business opportunities in the province.

Mr. Speaker, the Greening Government Action Plan builds upon the significant steps we have already taken towards improving the environmental sustainability of our operations. Actions to date include ensuring new government buildings are constructed to meet environmental standards, transforming our fleet to include 34 per cent fuel-efficient vehicles, and developing guidance to integrate green considerations into procurement.

I look forward to the implementation of this action plan across government, Mr. Speaker, as we continue to take practical steps to improve the environmental sustainability of our operations.

Mr. Speaker, I will table this report for my Honourable colleagues. The report is also available online. Thank you.

2015 01 21                              2:25 p.m.