Co-operative insurer recognized for sustainability leadership

GUELPH, ON, June 4, 2019 /CNW/ - The Co-operators has been named Canada's #1 corporate citizen on the 2019 list of Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada issued by Corporate Knights, a Toronto-based media, research and financial products company focused on sustainability and clean capitalism.

"To be recognized as the leader in sustainability among our peers is a great honour, and one that strongly reflects our core purpose to provide financial security for Canadians and their communities," says Rob Wesseling, President and CEO, The Co-operators. "As the world continues to rapidly change, our commitment to developing and advocating for sustainable solutions is more important than ever to fulfilling that purpose."

The annual ranking assesses corporate sustainability performance from a pool of companies with revenues over $1 billion, using environmental, social and governance indicators including the percentage of revenue earned from clean sources, the diversity of its board of directors and senior management, the CEO to average employee pay ratio, greenhouse gas emissions,  executive compensation links to sustainability targets, and more.

"We've embedded sustainability into all our business decisions, processes and actions," says Barbara Turley-McIntyre, vice-president, Sustainability and Citizenship, The Co-operators. "Our financial success is deeply intertwined with the well-being of our communities and the environment. In other words, what's good for sustainability is good for business." 

The Co-operators received high scores for its clean revenue that also offer clear environmental and social benefits to Canadians. For example, the co-operative insurer was the first to offer comprehensive residential flood coverage, including overland flood protection for Canadians at highest risk, and is the first and only insurer to offer protection from storm surge in Canada.

As of the end of 2018, the organization also invested $1.2 billion – representing over 13% of its total invested assets – into impact investments that broaden returns beyond purely financial gains, into social and environmental benefits. 

Other performance highlights from The Co-operators 2018 Integrated Annual Report:

• Reduced net carbon emissions by 81% from 2010 levels, with target to reach carbon neutral equivalency by 2020
• Contributed $8.85 million in 2018 to improve community well-being (4.3% of pre-tax profits, exceeding the Imagine Canada Caring Corporation benchmark of 1%)
• 11% of earned insurance premiums are linked to sustainability themes
• 94% of senior leaders have a bonusable goal related to sustainability and/or co-operative identity
• Aon Best Employer ranking (Platinum level) for 16 consecutive years, with a 94% employee retention rate
• Aligned long-term corporate strategy to the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 
• Formally supports the recommendations of the Task force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures and has developed a three-year plan to implement

About The Co-operators:
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian co-operative with more than $44.0 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 Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt and Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada. For more information, visit www.cooperators.ca 

SOURCE The Co-operators