Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)

We used guidance from Globally recognized ESG Standards to help us focus on the ESG topics that are most relevant to our organization and the community we serve.

We evaluated the potential effects of various ESG topics on our financial success and overall strategy.

We analyzed our strengths and weaknesses, as well as the opportunities and challenges we face.

We examined broader social trends and industry movements to understand how they impact the ESG topics we care about.

We reached out to members, employees, and community partners to hear their thoughts and concerns regarding key ESG topics.

Our senior management team and Board members discussed the findings to understand their strategic significance.

Climate change

We are dedicated to understanding our impact on climate change and are actively working to monitor and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions in a careful and effective way. We believe that collaboration is necessary to enhance our efforts toward environmental responsibility . By considering the environment in our decision-making, we become more adaptable and strengthen our commitment to the well-being of our community.

Financial literacy and capacity for underserved members

We recognize the importance of financial literacy, especially for underserved community members. By supporting financial education, we strive to enhance financial empowerment and provide the knowledge necessary for informed decision-making and greater economic stability.

Economic growth and quality work for all

We believe in the importance of fair economic growth that benefits everyone. Our goal is to maintain high standards that reflect our values and support our communities. We strive to enhance our engagement with employees, prioritize local purchasing, and support small businesses , as we believe this fosters growth and resilience in our neighbourhoods.

Waste and pollution

We are working to cut down on waste and pollution. One way we’re doing this is by using fewer paper statements and finding new uses for old office furniture. We will keep searching for more ways to reduce waste and show our commitment to taking care of the environment.

Biodiversity

While our direct impact on local wildlife and ecosystems is minimal, we are dedicated to understanding these effects and the connections within nature. Our goal is to enhance our practices to further reduce any negative impacts we may have on local biodiversity and habitats.

Diversity Equity Inclusion

We aim to foster a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. By creating an environment where all individuals feel they belong, we enhance creativity, support diverse leadership, provide equal growth opportunities, and encourage open communication to build a culture of acceptance.

Community health and wellness

Through donations and our "Blue Wave" employee volunteer program, we contribute to food security, affordable and sustainable housing, and youth health and wellness prioritizing the well-being of the communities we serve.

Member privacy and data security

Protecting member data and ensuring privacy are core to our cooperative values, and we are committed to maintaining robust systems in this area.

Member rights and engagement

As a financial cooperative, member engagement is a priority. It reflects our values and fosters meaningful connections with our members, ensuring their voices and needs shape our organization. We adhere to a Market Conduct Code that guides our practices.

Sharing our goals

We want to make sure everyone knows our five-year goals for ESG. It’s important that everyone understands where we’re headed and how these goals align with our credit union’s mission and success.

Getting employees involved

We aim to engage our staff by addressing their questions and encouraging activities that promote small, meaningful changes. These can lead to significant improvements over time.

Integrating ESG into our work

We understand that incorporating ESG principles into how we do business won’t happen overnight. This will take careful planning and time, so we’re committed to supporting a gradual process that makes these principles a fundamental part of our operations.