Since its founding as a co-operative by a group of farmers and social pioneers in 1945 who knew insurance could be done better, Co-operators has helped Canadians build their financial strength and security. As a purpose-driven organization that exists to provide financial security for Canadians and communities, Co-operators is committed to catalyzing a resilient, sustainable society through its investments, business operations, and its products and services.
Sustainability Action
While remaining rooted in the Guelph community, Co-operators is consolidating three Guelph office locations into one building in the south end. Through this new build, Co-operators is demonstrating the future of sustainability and a commitment to reducing its environmental impact and progressing toward the net-zero economy.
The building, which will open in summer 2024, has already earned Zero Carbon Building – Design Standard certification from the Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC).The building is also targeting LEED Gold and WELL Platinum certifications.
“In all aspects of our business, Co-operators embraces opportunities to support a sustainable, net-zero future in Canada, while helping to address the risks of a changing climate in a direct and meaningful way.” says Rob Wesseling, President and CEO of Co-operators. “This includes the consolidation of our Guelph offices and the design and building of our new headquarters.”
The 226,000-square-foot facility at 101 Cooper Dr. features an all-electric design that will eliminate direct carbon emissions from any onsite source. It is accessible by public transit and bicycle trails and will include covered bicycle storage, electric car charging stations and priority parking for accessibility, expectant mothers, EV and carpooling. Vendors and partners supporting the project were selected for their alignment to the sustainability values of Co-operators and where financially prudent, the building uses Canadian-made materials to reduce transportation impacts and support local businesses.
Features of the new headquarters include:
- 40% savings in energy and greenhouse gas emissions beyond the Ontario Building Code’s all-electric baseline
- 60% heating load reduction beyond the code-minimum for new office builds
- 282 kW rooftop solar array that will generate approximately 10% of the total annual building energy consumption
- Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technology that enables the transfer of heat from the building’s core to its perimeter areas during winter, resulting in substantial energy savings
- Automatic tinting windows to eliminate glare and reduce energy consumption in both summer and winter
- High-efficiency water source technology that will recover and redistribute heat throughout the building
- Building design that prioritizes natural lighting and LED sensors that turn on lighting only when needed.
This investment builds upon Co-operators environmental action that has seen it recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers since 2018. In 2023, Co-operators was recognized as the top insurance company globally, the top financial institution in Canada, and the 6th best financial institution globally in the Corporate Knights Best 50 Corporate Citizens ranking.
Co-operators will ensure the decommissioning of three Guelph offices is done with sustainability at the forefront. In a recent Calgary workplace relocation project, the company achieved 99% diversion from landfill of furniture, IT equipment and other assets through resale, donations to local charities and non-profits, and disassembly and recycling of parts.
“Our new headquarters is a compelling demonstration of the kind of imagination and innovation that is needed as we navigate along our journey to a more sustainable economy,” says Shawn Fitzgerald, Vice- President, Real Estate and Workplace Services at Co-operators. “A focus on sustainability in this way also makes a direct impact providing operational cost savings for our business.”
Wellness action
Beyond environmental leadership, the organization’s commitment to wellness is one of the key components of the design drivers for the new headquarters. The WELL Building Standard is a way to deliver more thoughtful and intentional spaces that enhance human health and well-being.
Co-operators Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) strategy reinforces their efforts to foster a sense of belonging at work and aim to embed IDEA in everything they do to positively impact their members, clients, employees and communities.
The new head office demonstrates Co-operators dedication to IDEA with the inclusion of:
- A multi-faith prayer room, including a foot washing station
- A wellness/new parents room with lockable, refrigerated storage
- Passive way-finding strategies implemented throughout the building
- All gender inclusive washrooms.
These elements are critical to Co-operators pursuit of WELL Certification for the building, a global standard that focuses exclusively on the health and wellness of the people in buildings.
To support Co-operators employees, the new building will feature a light-filled reception and atrium space, a fitness facility (yoga room, spin bikes, and studio space), a games room, an outdoor walking trail and multi-sport court, indoor natural elements that include a large living wall, indoor trees, and use of wood and natural stone products throughout the building, and a wide variety of flexible spaces designed to support connection and collaboration.
The commitment to wellness is one of the key components of the design drivers for the new headquarters.The WELL Building Standard is a way to deliver more thoughtful and intentional spaces that enhance human health and well-being. WELL strategies are incorporated into the design and operational processes to foster a culture of health and well-being.
“Our commitment to wellness is at the heart of our design and decision-making
as we work diligently to create healthy, sustainable work environments that increase collaboration, innovation and productivity,” says Fitzgerald. “Undergoing the WELL certification process helped confirm the importance of prioritizing the health and wellness of our employees to support them to do their best work and be their best selves. The role that buildings can play in our well-being has never been more apparent, and we hope to see many more organizations taking these meaningful steps towards employee wellness.”
Commitment to Community
Co-operators was born of community and has never wavered from those values.
That is apparent in the company’s longstanding commitment to supporting the community-building work of Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington and its co-sponsorship of the annual Black Tie Bingo that raises funds for Guelph General Hospital.
Guelph is so much a part of Co-operators that the new headquarters will include a carpet in the foyer that features a topographical map of the city inlaid with a historical roadmap, limestone wall features, coffee from a local co-op, and art by local and Indigenous artists.
“Co-operators is a key part of Guelph’s economic and social fabric,” says Mayor Cam Guthrie. “Co-operators provides jobs and makes important community contributions by investing and sponsoring Habitat For Humanity, the Guelph General Hospital, and the Guelph Community Foundation. They have shown what it means to be an active part of the Guelph community.”
The company also supports non-profits and volunteer organizations with Community Guard®, a budget-friendly suite of insurance and financial service options – the only offering of its kind in Canada. A complementary product, Co- op Guard®, provides solutions that are tailored to the unique needs of co-operatives.
- Co-operators national community work addresses issues like youth mental health, youth employability, including a $1-million fund that supports an Indigenous youth Employability Initiative, as well as supporting the growth of Canadian co-operatives.
- Co-operators supports the volunteer efforts of its employees through Volunteers in Action groups and by providing two paid days per year for staff to volunteer in their community.
- Since 2010, Co-operators has consistently been ranked among Corporate Knights’ Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada – including No. 1 rankings in 2011 and 2019
- In 2022, Co-operators invested a total of $10.6 million in initiatives that support Canadians and their communities. Designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada, it contributed 3.9 per cent of pre-tax profits to charities, non-profits and co-operatives.
Past, present and future
The vision of Co-operators is to be a catalyst for a resilient and sustainable society for today and tomorrow. Throughout its 78-year history, Co- operators has supported the financial, environmental and social needs of all Canadians through its products and services, investments and partnerships, and corporate values. It is unwavering in its responsibility to people, community and the planet that sustains all of us, and these commitments will undoubtedly be on display when its new headquarters opens its doors next summer.
To learn more about Co-operators please visit www.cooperators.ca
