GUELPH, ON, May 9, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, The Co-operators released its 2012 sustainability report, which details progress the organization has made toward its wide-ranging sustainability objectives. Entitled Take a Closer Look, the report invites Canadians to examine the ways in which The Co-operators group of companies is working to advance social, environmental and economic sustainability.

2012 was an extraordinary year for the co-op sector, as its unique contributions to sustainable development world-wide were recognized by the United Nations, which declared it the International Year of Co-operatives. The Co-operators received several accolades during the year, among them inclusion on the 50 Best Employers in Canada list by Aon Hewitt and Canada's Best 50 Corporate Citizens by Corporate Knights. More recently, the latter ranked The Co-operators #1 on its new ranking entitled 2013 Most Sustainable Co-operatives in the World.

"By thinking creatively, acting conscientiously and working hard, our employees have helped our organization embed sustainability principles into its operations," said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators. "Our objective as a co-operative insurer is to operate in a way that benefits our members and clients while making a positive contribution to the economic, social and environmental sustainability of Canadian communities,"

As an insurance company, addressing the destructive force of climate change and better protecting Canadians and their property is a top priority for The Co-operators. Last year, the Canadian insurance industry paid out more than $1 billion in extreme weather-related claims. Advocacy is one way The Co-operators is working to protect Canadians. Through its work with non-governmental organizations and other partners, as well as its direct communication with governments at all levels, it is advocating for better protections against the increasing risks associated with a changing climate.

For more information, and to read the report in its entirety, please visit www.cooperators.ca

About The Co-operators:
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $34 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 and Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada. For more information visit www.cooperators.ca.

SOURCE: The Co-operators