GUELPH, ON, June 7, 2013 /CNW/ - The Co-operators has earned another accolade for its commitment to social responsibility, as it has been included on the list of the Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada for the fourth consecutive year. The Co-operators is ranked #3 on the annual list compiled by Corporate Knights, an organization dedicated to the promotion of responsible and sustainable business practices.

"Four of the top ten organizations on the list are co-operatives, which reflects the commitment of co-ops to contributing to the well-being of their communities," said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators. "We're proud of the efforts our employees are making across the country to help The Co-operators live up to our vision of being a 'catalyst for a sustainable society.' At every level of the organization, people are engaged in our sustainability journey, and it is because of their combined efforts that we receive this sort of recognition."

Corporate Knights' annual Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada list ranks companies based on environmental, social, and governance indicators. To compile the ranking, the organization assesses companies' carbon, water, waste, and energy use; renewable energy investments; board diversity; pension fund equality; and whether executive compensation is tied to sustainability performance targets.

The Co-operators is very active in supporting research and advocating for better protections for Canadians and their property, particularly against the effects of climate change. It partners with non-governmental organizations and others to deliver a number of safety- and resilience-focused programs across the country. It is working to operate more sustainably by reducing its impact on the environment and introducing sustainability-focused products and services. As a co-operative, The Co-operators is owned and governed on a democratic basis by its members.

The organization is well known across the country for its community involvement. Through a number of programs, it provides financial support to emerging co-operatives and local organizations working to build more equitable, vibrant and sustainable communities. It has qualified as an Imagine Canada Caring Company for 16 years, and in 2012 contributed more than $6.4 million, or 4.6 per cent of pre-tax profit, to community investment.

For more information about the sustainability strategy and performance of The Co-operators, please see its annual sustainability report at www.cooperators.ca. To view the Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada list, please visit www.corporateknights.com.

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 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