The Co-operators honoured as one of Canada's "Green 30" employers

GUELPH, ON, April 22 /CNW/ - Today two national magazines released Earth Day editions that include The Green 30 - a list of Canada's top employers that are highly regarded for their commitment to environmental, social and economic sustainability. Several members of The Co-operators group of companies were represented within two listings on The Green 30; specifically:

    
    -  The Co-operators, based in Guelph, Ontario, which includes
       co-operative holding company The Co-operators Group Ltd. as well as
       subsidiaries The Co-operators General Insurance Company, HB Group
       Insurance Management Ltd. of Mississauga, and Addenda Capital of
       Montreal; and
    -  Co-operators Life Insurance Company of Regina, Saskatchewan.
    

International human resources firm Hewitt Associates introduced The Green 30 list in 2009, using results of confidential surveys completed by employees. The surveys gauge staff members' assessments of their employers' "green" credential. The 30 companies who made the list published in today's Maclean's and Canadian Business magazine were those judged to excel at:

    
    -  considering long-term social, environmental and economic impacts when
       it makes decisions;
    -  working to minimize the impact of its operations, products and
       services on the environment; and
    -  adopting and disclosing practices that are environmentally
       responsible.
    

The Co-operators has been transforming its operations over the past few years through its "sustainability journey." This has included reviewing operations in all of its subsidiary companies to improve the environmental, economic and social impacts it has in Canadian communities.

Insurance products and services with sustainability attributes have been created, including hybrid vehicle discounts and environmentally responsible home policy endorsements. Paper usage has been reduced, and corporate office buildings are being retrofitted to improve energy efficiency. The fleet of 400 company vehicles has been overhauled to introduce more fuel-efficient models, including hybrid vehicles, and efforts are being made to reduce travel. Overall, The Co-operators has achieved a 12 per cent reduction in its measured greenhouse gas emissions compared to the baseline year of 2007.

"Our staff members recognize that sustainability is at the heart of how we operate, as a good corporate citizen and as an insurance company that sees first-hand the devastating effects of climate change," said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators. "From our board of directors to staff members in offices across the country, people are making efforts every day to lessen the impact we have on our environment, and to contribute to more healthy, prosperous and green Canadian communities."

The Green 30 list is based on confidential information collected from employees, business leaders and human resources professionals. For more information on The Co-operators sustainability efforts, please visit the Sustainability section of www.cooperators.ca.

About The Co-operators:

The Co-operators Group Limited is a 100 per cent Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $36.9 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 owned by 47 Canadian co-operatives, credit union centrals and like-minded organizations. It is well known for its community involvement, and is listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada.

For further information: Leonard Sharman, The Co-operators, 1-877-795-7272, ext. 2707