OGGO Committee Report

Empowering Energy Efficiency

Supplementary Report to the June 2013 Report of the
Standing Committee on Government Operation and Estimates

New Democrats are pleased that the OGGO committee agreed to conduct the study we proposed on actions already taken or potential future actions towards improved energy efficiency in federal buildings and facilities. Our objective was to showcase action to date and additional alternative strategies to reduce energy consumption. We were particularly interested to showcase and examine the potential for savings to the public purse through strategic and dedicated up-front investments for reduced energy consumption.

While we are generally pleased with the report, we are of the view that the following additional measures recommended by experts or being deployed by other jurisdictions could incent greater action by the federal government to set an example for reduced energy consumption.

1.     Legally Prescribed Energy Efficiency Targets

We recommend that the Government of Canada prescribe in law energy efficiency targets for federal departments and agencies based on best practices in energy use and that those targets be regularly publicly reviewed and updated.  In addition, it is also recommended that the government examine alternative mandatory energy efficiency measures enacted by other jurisdictions, including the measures shared with the Committee by the U.S. Department of Energy. An examination of potential harmonization of energy efficiency measures could readily be pursued through the existing Canada-U.S. Clean Energy Dialogue.

2.     Monitoring, Labeling and Reporting  Energy Consumption

We recommend that Natural Resources Canada work with Public Works and Government Services to develop and implement a system for all federal departments and agencies to not only measure and monitor but also publicly report, at a minimum on an annual basis, on energy consumption and measures taken to reduce energy use in all federally owned and operated buildings and facilities.

3.     Interagency Coordination and Capacity Building

We recommend that Natural Resources Canada and Public Works and Government Services cosponsor educational and capacity building processes to enhance awareness and capacity of all federal departments, agencies and Crown corporations towards improved energy efficiency.

4.     Government-Wide Energy Efficiency Optimization for Buildings

We recommend that as the majority of federal buildings are owned or operated by departments or agencies other than PWGSC or NRCN, it is important that these other entities also undertake BOMA Best or other energy audits to determine current energy use and to identify potential for improved energy efficiency and cost savings.

5.     O & M

We recommend development of O& M procedures and manuals to enable ongoing and cost effective efforts towards energy use optimization.  In furtherance of this objective we recommend the government confer with the U.S. Department of Energy and other related agencies on lessons learned from best practices.

6.     Dedicated Budget Allocations

We recommend that the federal government allocate dedicated funds in its departmental budgets for the purpose of improved energy efficiency in government owned buildings.

7.     Jobs and Skills Development

We recommend that any assessment of the costs effectiveness of investment in improved energy efficiency give due consideration to the value of any jobs created in the energy efficiency sector. It is further recommended that for any bidding processes for energy efficiency projects, that one of the requirements be provision of a specified number of apprenticeships in energy efficiency sector.

In conclusion, we are confident that by acting on these additional recommendations, the government will avoid being penny-wise and pound-foolish for failing to give adequate regard to the benefits of investment in energy efficiency.