The sixth largest financial cooperative in the world has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing environmental issues
Canada’s top financial cooperative group Desjardins is now a member of the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition (CPLC). The move was announced by the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, on July 15, and it marks a significant addition to the cohort of private sector organizations that are taking concrete action towards a low-carbon economy.
The group’s participation in the CPLC reflects an organizational shift it made 10 years ago towards addressing environmental issues. Since then, it has developed a portfolio of low-environmental-impact products, including energy-efficiency loans for businesses, a diversified offer of responsible investment products, and green home and green insurance products.
“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,” declared Guy Cormier, president and CEO of Desjardins Group.
Aside from its product offerings, the company has spearheaded several operational initiatives, both in-house and with partners, to help meet their 2020 target. These include a multi-award-winning alternative transportation plan for their employees, green certification and energy-efficiency programs for buildings, and partnerships with different organizations that are striving to reduce the impact of climate change such as Switch and Coop Carbone.
Related stories:
Making returns with responsible investing
Canadian firm launches socially responsible investing today
The group’s participation in the CPLC reflects an organizational shift it made 10 years ago towards addressing environmental issues. Since then, it has developed a portfolio of low-environmental-impact products, including energy-efficiency loans for businesses, a diversified offer of responsible investment products, and green home and green insurance products.
“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,” declared Guy Cormier, president and CEO of Desjardins Group.
Aside from its product offerings, the company has spearheaded several operational initiatives, both in-house and with partners, to help meet their 2020 target. These include a multi-award-winning alternative transportation plan for their employees, green certification and energy-efficiency programs for buildings, and partnerships with different organizations that are striving to reduce the impact of climate change such as Switch and Coop Carbone.
Related stories:
Making returns with responsible investing
Canadian firm launches socially responsible investing today
