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FINDING SUSTAINABLE PATHWAYS

OUR PROCESS

Our process helps Canada achieve sustainable development solutions that integrate environmental and economic considerations to ensure the lasting prosperity and well-being of our nation.

RESEARCH

We rigorously research and conduct high quality analysis on issues of sustainable development. Our thinking is original and thought provoking.

CONVENE

We convene opinion leaders and experts from across Canada around our table to share their knowledge and diverse perspectives. We stimulate debate and integrate polarities. We create a context for possibilities to emerge.

ADVISE

We generate ideas and provide realistic solutions to advise governments, Parliament and Canadians. We proceed with resolve and optimism to bring Canada’s economy and environment closer together.

Think Green; Act Green – Energy Use: Office Operations

Think Green; Act Green

Energy Use: Office Operations

Although the NRTEE organization is small relative to other federal government departments, we recognize that part of our footprint stems from energy use in our routine office operations. The NRTEE did an assessment of energy use in its office space to determine where efficiencies could be found. This included a review of the lighting, IT equipment and other plug-in equipment, space heating and cooling, and miscellaneous appliances. The NRTEE also made an effort to engage its landlord’s building management representatives to examine those efforts being made as part of their *BOMA Green+ requirements. *BOMA Best is a recognized environmental certification program for commercial buildings that addresses energy use and waste management. 

General Policies

The NRTEE strives to:

  • Use the most energy efficient lighting, IT equipment and other plug-in equipment and appliances in its office space.
  • Promote energy conservation by employees.
  • Track carbon emissions generated by energy use in its office operations.

 

NRTEE Practice

Item

 

NRTEE Practice 

Lighting

 

High efficiency incandescent and halogen lamps are in place. Employees are encouraged to turn off lights off when office space is not occupied.

IT Equipment

 

Desktop and Notebook Computers meet EPEAT Gold or Silver Level Requirements

Printers

 

These are a mix of older less efficient printers and newer more efficient models; printers are being replaced with more efficient models when required.

Servers  

Servers have been replaced with virtualized servers that are more energy efficient and reduce the amount of energy required to keep the ambient temperature at the required level.

 

Photocopiers

 

Equipment is the most efficient available for NRTEE applications; it is equipped with automatic energy saving modes.

Website

 

This is hooked on an energy efficient internal server.

Thermostats

 

Thermostats have been programmed to conserve energy.

 

Looking forward

The NRTEE is moving forward with plans to upgrade equipment to more energy efficient models over time. As well, the NRTEE seeks to encourage responsible behaviour of staff through its employee engagement program, and to track results through ongoing assessments of office energy use.

 

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Virtualized Servers:

Virtualization lets you run multiple virtual machines on a single physical machine. Fewer servers means less heat, less demand for power, and less waste. This in turn can reduce energy costs by as much as 80%.
https://www.vmware.com/virtualization/green-it/