Science, Technology, Energy and Mines

Greening the Provincial Government

The Manitoba government recognizes that it must lead by example when it comes to being a good steward of our natural resources. The province is committed to pollution prevention and protecting the environment in its daily activities.

One government priority is to ensure that the provincial government leads by example by operating more sustainably, introducing more energy-efficiency, reducing waste and saving taxpayers money. Many actions are being taken to meet this priority.

• The Demand Side Energy Use baseline audit of 85 Manitoba government buildings was completed in 2003 and found that 2001/02 greenhouse gas levels in government buildings was already 8% below 1990/91 levels.
• A Green Building Policy has been established to require green building standards in all new government funded buildings.
• Government retrofits include energy efficiency and water conservation.
• Through education, feedback and direct program support, waste minimization initiatives have been introduced throughout more than 300 government buildings.
• The Manitoba government now uses 30% post-consumer waste recycled paper.
• At the Legislative buildings, ground irrigation systems use water drawn from the river; organic products are widely used to maintain lawns; and garden and lawn materials are collected for composting.
• A solar wall project was installed at a seniors complex owned by the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation (MHRC) in 2002.
• A Government fleet vehicle policy has been established to utilize ethanol in all provincial fleet vehicles whenever and wherever possible and an e-85 fuelling station was established in Winnipeg to provide e-85 fuel to Provincial fleet vehicles. The provincial light duty vehicle fleet currently includes 141 alternative and flexible fuel vehicles – there are 12 gas electric hybrids and 129 E85 flexible fuel vehicles which are capable of running on a blend of up to 85% ethanol. As well, a further eight gas-electric hybrids, 48 E85 flexible fuel vehicles and one diesel Smart Car have been ordered to replace older fleet vehicles. A procurement policy has been established to bring in 5% blended biodiesel for use in Manitoba's heavy equipment fleet.
• Climate Change has been incorporated into sustainable development principles, code of practice and procurement policies.
• The expansion of web-based services through MB Gov't Inquiry and At Your Service, the increased use of teleconferencing, and the expansion of broadband services to northern and remote communities reduce the need for Manitobans to travel to provincial offices.
• Public schools are adopting energy efficiency programs and are actively involving staff and students in monitoring energy use. In addition, new school buildings must now meet energy efficiency standards and new waste reduction strategies will be coordinated by Green Manitoba.

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