GUELPH, ON, May 12, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, The Co-operators released its 2014 Sustainability Report, which provides a detailed overview of the organization's sustainability journey and its contributions to the economic, social and environmental sustainability of Canadian communities.

People and their property are facing increasingly destructive weather, as the cost of storm-related damage continues to increase. The Co-operators has taken a leadership role in advancing the conversation about how various stakeholders can work together to build more resilient communities. In 2014, the organization hosted the Partners for Action Roundtable, convening a diverse stakeholder group to identify and prioritize the approaches needed to strengthen flood resiliency in Canada.

The Co-operators became the first Canadian insurance company to sign the Montreal Carbon Pledge, through which it committed to measuring and publicly disclosing the carbon footprint of its investment portfolio.

This past May, The Co-operators brought together 160 student leaders at its third IMPACT!  Youth Conference for Sustainability Leadership. The IMPACT! program was recognized by Canada's Clean50 as the Top Project in Canada for 2014.

"2014 was the final year of our four-year Sustainability Strategy. As part of the evolution of our strategic approach, we have determined that the timing is now right for sustainability to be integrated into our 2015-18 corporate strategy," noted Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators. "This is a positive step in our journey, as sustainability principles are becoming more fully embedded in our organization and our decision-making."

For more information and to view the full report online, please visit www.cooperators.ca/sustainability_report.

About The Co-operators:

The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $38 billion in assets under administration. Through its group of companies it offers home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products. The Co-operators is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. The Co-operators is listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt; Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada; and the Top 50 Socially Responsible Corporations in Canada by Sustainalytics and Maclean's magazine. For more information visit www.cooperators.ca.

SOURCE The Co-operators