Environmental sustainability and co-ops

Environmental sustainability is part of being a values-based social enterprise.

The Seventh International Co-operative Principle – Concern for Community – includes environmental stewardship, and Canada’s housing co-ops have long demonstrated a deep concern for environmental sustainability.

CHF Canada member co-ops have passed four member resolutions related to the environment including a resolution passed in 2019 endorsing efforts of governments that have declared a climate emergency.

By prioritizing greener housing co-ops, we reduce our costs, risks, and ecological footprint while creating healthier communities for our members, staff and neighbours.

CHF Canada helps member housing co-ops to be more environmentally friendly in several ways:

• Guides to help co-ops understand the options when choosing LED lighting and EV charging.
• More Green Co-op resources in CHF Canada’s Resource Centre
• Greener Co-op Microgrants provide funding for environmental initiatives
• CHF Canada’s Asset Management Services can help co-ops plan for energy saving and other green initiatives as part of ongoing replacements and renovations
• We can connect you with a Regional Energy Coach. CHF Canada has teamed up with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and the Community Housing Transformation Centre to provide energy coaches across Canada to assist co-ops to start and plan energy-efficient retrofits and apply to FCM’s Green Municipal Fund.

For more information, contact Ofelia Guanlao at 1-800-268-2537 or oguanlao@chfcanada.coop.