Co-ops that care about climate change and want to shrink their environmental footprint should consider approving their own Environmental Sustainability Policy. A model is available from the Co‑operative Housing Federation of Canada. It was written so that you can easily remove any points that don’t work for your co-op and keep all those that do.
The model starts with a statement of your co-op’s commitment to both the environment and sound business practices. It moves on to your operations, your suppliers, your members, your staff and your buildings.
One of the most useful sections is the appendix, which describes practical ways your co-op can put the policy into use and often save money at the same time.
Having a policy ensures that good ideas aren’t forgotten when staff and board members move on.