Sustainability, employee well-being, and community headline new building features

GUELPH, ON – September 25, 2024 – Yesterday, Co-operators celebrated the grand opening of its new headquarters, consolidating five southern Ontario locations and approximately 1,200 staff into a state-of-the-art facility at 101 Cooper Drive in Guelph, Ontario. Co-operators senior leaders were joined by Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie, MPP Mike Schreiner, and Elder Stephen Winterhawk Laforme — representing the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations — to celebrate the new building, which started hosting employees in August 2024.

"This state-of-the-art, zero carbon designed headquarters is a testament to our dedication to serving our clients, our member organizations, our community, and our planet," said Paul Hanna, Executive Vice President of Member Relations and Corporate Services. "As a leading employer in Guelph and a forward-thinking force in the financial services industry, Co-operators is setting a new standard for innovative and sustainable business practices."

Since moving its national headquarters to Guelph in 1967, Co-operators has become a leading Canadian co-operative that has made sustainability a core focus of its business. Co-operators has been carbon neutral since 2020, and its new headquarters will help move the organization towards its target of reducing 45 per cent of its operational emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2040. LED lighting, high-efficiency water source technology and a rooftop solar array are among the features that will contribute to carbon emissions savings.

"The City of Guelph is thrilled to welcome Co-operators into their new, state-of-the-art, environmentally sustainable headquarters,” said Mayor Cam Guthrie. "This building is a showcase of efficiency, technology, and employee wellbeing, not only for our community but also across Ontario and the entire country." 

Further supporting its commitment to net zero operations, the company’s new head office is on track to achieve a trio of sustainability certifications for the new headquarters: LEED Gold, Boma Best and Zero Carbon Building Design. The former has already been achieved in 2023, as the building boasts an all-electric design. As well, Co-operators is targeting a WELL Platinum certification as it is committed to the well-being of their employees.

“Whether it’s for our employees or the customers we serve every day, building a better future starts from within,” said Shawn Fitzgerald, Vice President, Real Estate and Workplace Services at Co-operators. “Our new headquarters shows that it’s possible to create compelling workspaces that attract top talent while honouring our sustainability commitments.”

Working alongside interior design firm HOK and Kitchener-based NEO Architecture, the company's vision of an employee-focused workplace was brought to life with many innovative features. These features include electrochomic windows and skylights intended to maximize daylight and natural finishes like moss walls and artwork throughout the building to improve the experience of staff and visitors. Guelph limestone feature walls and a visual timeline of the company's history offer a nod to its local roots, while communal amenities such as a meadow garden, indoor and outdoor fitness facilities, patios, walking trails, and an outdoor sport court help foster a collaborative and engaging environment for employees.

About Co-operators 

Co‑operators is a leading Canadian financial services co-operative, offering multi-line insurance and investment products, services, and personalized advice to help Canadians build their financial strength and security. Co‑operators has more than $65 billion in assets under administration and has been providing trusted guidance to Canadians since 1945. The organization is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. Currently a carbon neutral organization, Co‑operators is committed to net-zero emissions in its operations and investments by 2040, and 2050, respectively. Co‑operators is also ranked as a Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizen in Canada.