HRM has been carrying out a number of initiatives related to the three priority areas identified by the Sustainability Analysis.

i) Green Buildings

HRM hosted information sessions on green building standards for staff, members of the local business community and other governments. Since 2005, HRM has worked to ensure that all new municipal facilities achieve a minimum of LEED Silver certification. LEED is “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design”, a green building rating system & certification program for the design of new buildings run in Canada by the Canada Green Building Council.

To date, two new facilities have been built to this standard (East Dartmouth Community Centre and the Gordon R. Snow Community Centre), and a number of others are under development; see the Community Facilities page for more details about these facilities,

HRM is one of an increasing number of municipalities that is requiring new buildings to meet minimum design standards; there are at least 26 buildings in HRM that are registered and/or certified with LEED Canada.

HRM has also undertaken a number of energy projects. The biggest of these is the Alderney Energy Project, a $3.6 million energy-efficiency retrofit of the five municipal buildings on the Dartmouth waterfront. This project is the world’s first large-scale application of geothermal technology for cooling and heating systems, and is four times more efficient than traditional designs.

In addition, HRM’s corporate Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction plan established a target of 20% overall reduction of GHG from 2002 levels by 2012; HRM will achieve a 20% reduction in its buildings by 2009-2010.

ii) Green Procurement

HRM’s Finance Department has actively embraced sustainability initiatives. They have developed and implemented a number of innovative programs and initiatives to support HRM’s drive towards sustainability. All staff from this group have participated in internal sustainability training, and the Department has actively incorporated the principles into the material and performance standards for materials and services purchased by HRM. Cleaning products and janitorial services, recreational play equipment, and uniform (clothing) are just a sample of the areas that have been specifically addressed through this approach.

Some of the initiatives undertaken by this Department include:

• Purchase of environmentally-preferable office supplies

• Incorporate anti-idling policy into price agreements with vendors

• Require the reduction of packaging in purchase specifications

• Prioritize the use of EcoLogo certified products

• Delivery of Recyclable Battery Initiative and related purchases

• Delivery of a Phone/ Cell phone / Office Equipment recovery program

• Incorporate environmental considerations in vendor performance evaluations

• Refurbishment / disposal of products in an environmentally sensitive manner

• Development and implementation of corporate guidelines for green meetings and catering requirements

In recognition of their work, HRM Procurement was named a Finalist in the “Leadership in Green Procurement Award”, Municipal Category, sponsored by Summit Magazine (Canada’s premiere magazine for the public sector).

iii) Greening Corporate Culture

In June 2007, HRM established a corporate “Sustainability Transition Team”, comprised of approximately 20 representatives from across the organization. This team assumed responsibility for the promotion of sustainable practices, policies, education and awareness to HRM staff, along with staff from the Sustainable Environment office.

To educate staff regarding the purpose and benefits of a transition towards sustainability, specialized workshops and a sustainability training program were developed. HRM adopted the systems-based approach of The Natural Step (TNS) framework, and partnered with The Natural Step Canada to help staff learn a common language and process for implementing sustainability into everyday decisions. Nearly 200 staff and members of the community have taken an online training course, and about 150 staff have participated in workshops and seminars led by TNS consultants.

Recent initiatives include the development of a Sustainability Filter. Intended as a means to ensure that sustainability considerations are factored into the design and planning of all projects, programs, and activities.  A draft filter was developed in Spring 2008 and has been subject to six pilot studies across three Business Units since that time. The initial draft has been studied, discussed and refined significantly since its inception, and senior staff are currently developing a second phase of assessment.