LÉVIS, QC, July 15, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Desjardins, Canada's leading cooperative group, is a proud new member of the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition (CPCL). The move was announced today by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, and puts Desjardins among the private sector organizations that have committed to making the transition to a low-carbon economy. Desjardins has once again shown it intends to take concrete steps to fight climate change and promote the transition to a green economy.
"Desjardins has committed to reducing our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 20% below 2008 levels by 2020. We offer our members and clients a complete range of financial and insurance products that enable them to reduce their carbon footprint. And we have begun work to gradually improve the carbon footprint of our investment portfolio as well. Discussions and cooperation with other members of the CPLC will help us achieve our national goals, which will spur innovation and lead to prosperity for people, businesses and communities," said Guy Cormier, President and CEO of Desjardins Group.
Desjardins' participation in the CPLC reflects the shift the organization made a decade ago to start prioritizing environmental issues. It already has a slate of products with low environmental impacts, including energy-efficiency loans for businesses, a diversified offer of responsible investment products, green home and green insurance products.
Desjardins has also launched a number of operational initiatives, in-house and with partners, that will help the company meet its 2020 target. They include:
- An alternative transportation plan for the organization's employees that has received several awards.
- Energy-efficiency programs and green certification for company buildings.
- Partnerships with various organizations working to reduce the impact of climate change, including Switch and Coop Carbone.
About the Coalition
The Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition emerged from the 2014 UN Secretary General's Climate Summit in New York, and was officially launched at COP21 in Paris. The goal of the Coalition is to implement effective carbon pricing policies that will support a competitive industrial sector, create jobs, stimulate innovation and lead to a significant reduction in GHG emissions.
About Desjardins Group
Desjardins Group is the leading cooperative financial group in Canada and the sixth largest cooperative financial group in the world with assets of $255.1 billion. It has been rated one of the Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt. To meet the diverse needs of its members and clients, Desjardins offers a full range of products and services to individuals and businesses through its extensive distribution network, online platforms and subsidiaries across Canada. Considered North America's strongest bank according to Bloomberg News, Desjardins has one of the highest capital ratios and credit ratings in the industry.
SOURCE Desjardins Group
(media inquiries only): Jean-Michel Laberge, Public Relations, 514-281-7000, or 1-866 866-7000, ext. 5553436, [email protected]
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