Co-operators Ontario head office attains zero carbon design certification
Co-operators has announced that its new head office in Guelph, ON has earned a “Zero Carbon Building – Design Standard” certification from the Canada Green Building Council.
According to the insurer, in a release, it is “deeply committed to building a sustainable future in Canada and mitigating the risks of climate change in a direct and meaningful way.” Co-operators also mentioned that it first became carbon neutral in 2020 – it has committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2040.
Set to open in summer 2024, the 226,000 sq. ft facility on 101 Cooper Drive features the following:
40% greater energy and greenhouse gas savings beyond the Ontario Building Code’s all-electric baseline
282 kW rooftop solar array will generate approximately 9% of the total annual building energy consumption
60% heating load reduction beyond the code-minimum for new office builds
Automatic tinting windows
LED lighting with occupancy and daylight harvesting sensors
“Achieving the Zero Carbon Building – Design Standard certification for our national headquarters is a strong reflection of our values and vision to catalyze sustainability in our society,” said Co-operators vice president workplace services Shawn Fitzgerald. “This building is a compelling demonstration of imagination and innovation that will be required as we build for a more sustainable future in Canada. We have an important role to play in mitigating the risks of climate change in a direct and meaningful way, helping move Canada and the world towards a net zero emissions future.”
Co-operators also noted that its new head office is on track to receive LEED Gold and WELL Platinum certifications.
For the third quarter of 2022, Co-operators reported net income of $92.9 million, compared to $86.8 million for the same quarter in 2021. Direct premium written for the quarter increased by 6.8% or $75.0 million, compared to Q3 2021 – this was attributed to increases in policies in force in both the insurer’s auto and commercial lines of business, as well as higher average premiums in the commercial, home, and farm lines of business.
