The Co-operators obtains zero carbon certification for its headquarters

Guelph headquarters will embody the future of sustainable and climate-conscious building design in Canada

GUELPH, ON, January 17, 2023 /CNW/ – With construction well underway, The Co-operators’ new headquarters in Guelph, ON has obtained the Zero Carbon Building – Design Standard certification from the Canada Green Building Council (CBDCA).

When opening in the summer of 2024, the 226,000 square foot facility located at 101 Cooper Drive in Guelph will feature an all-electric design that will eliminate direct carbon emissions from any on-site source, meaning no retrofits or decarbonization plans will be required as the organization progresses towards its net zero goals. The building will be highly energy efficient and minimize indirect annual carbon emissions from electricity, offsetting any remaining emissions with high-quality carbon offsets or carbon-free renewables.^I Additionally, “embodied carbon” emissions from the construction, manufacturing, transportation and disposal of all building materials are also significantly reduced or offset.

According to Canada Green Building Councilthe building sector is from Canada third largest emitter. Today, residential, commercial and institutional buildings represent 17% of from Canada greenhouse gas (GCC) emissions and once building materials and construction are included, that level approaches 30%.

“Achieving Zero Carbon Building – Design Standard certification for our national headquarters is a strong reflection of our values ​​and our vision to catalyze sustainability in our society,” said Shawn Fitzgerald, Vice President of Workplace Services at The Co-operators. “This building is a compelling demonstration of the imagination and innovation that will be needed as we build a more sustainable future by Canada. We have an important role to play in mitigating the risks of climate change in a direct and meaningful way, helping to move Canada and the world towards a zero-net emissions future.”

“With this certification, The Co-operators joins a growing list of forward-thinking organizations investing in the future through zero-carbon buildings,” said Thomas Muller, President and CEO of the Canada Green Building Council. “Our productionCanada and globally recognized zero-carbon building standards provide organizations like The Co-operators with tangible ways to achieve their sustainability goals. Combined with LEED and WELL standards, The Co-operators head office promises to be a premier green building providing lasting value and resiliency for the business and a healthy and productive workplace for employees. »

Features of the new Co-operators building include:

• 40% more energy and greenhouse gas savings beyond the Ontario Building Code’s all-electric baseline
• 60% reduction in heating load above minimum code for new office construction
• A 282 kW rooftop solar panel will generate approximately 9% of the building’s total annual energy consumption
• Automatically tinted windows will eliminate glare and reduce energy consumption
• A highly insulated and airtight building will conserve energy
• High-efficiency water source technology recovers and redistributes heat throughout the building
• The LED lighting equipped with presence and daylight sensors only switches on when needed.

In addition to the Zero Carbon Building – Design Standard certification, the building also aims LEED Gold and GOOD Platinum certificates.

The Co-operators towards net zero

The Co-operators became carbon neutral for the first time in 2020 and announced in 2021 its commitment to achieve net zero emissions in its operations by 2040. and financial advisor offices, business travel, vehicles for fleet, use of IT assets and services, and employee travel and work from home. By 2030, gross operational emissions will be reduced by 45%. To achieve net zero goals, all emissions must be fully eliminated or significantly reduced, and all residual emissions must be neutralized by 2040.

About The Co-operators

The Co-operators is Canada’s leading financial services cooperative, providing personalized insurance and investment products, services and advice to help Canadians build financial strength and security. The company has more than $64.6 billion in assets under administration. The Co-operators has been providing trusted advice to Canadians for 76 years. The organization is well known for its community involvement and commitment to sustainability. By reaching carbon neutral in 2020, the organization has committed to net zero emissions in its operations and investments by 2040 and 2050, respectively. The Co-operators is also named one of the Top 50 Corporate Citizens by Corporate Knights in Canada. For more information, please visit: cooperators.ca.

SOURCE The Co-operators Group Limited

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