Case studies

A collaboration with ANCC's own-brand product suppliers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which resulted in savings of 61,540 tonnes of CO².

Residential building that included solar thermal and photovoltaic instalations in its construction.

CARD.COOP is a global provider on expert online sustainability training. We give professionals worldwide - from the business, public and academic sector - the best training to redesign their operations, products and services towards ecological and social sustainability and success.

Staff training courses on the subject of co-operatives and climate change

Thermal solar panels provide heating for two buildings

Environmental Product Selection, light bulbs and carrier bags.

Supplier discussions around environmental impact of products. Official government meetings to discuss position on climate change.

Promotion of environmental protection and action on climate change amongst inreasing membership base.

Recycling of waste packaging and use of labeling to educate members on recycling.

Research into solar investment for retail outlets carried out, awaiting funding changes befor it can become financially viable.

One example of the lobbying and campaigning that coop- NKL have undertaken is the campaign for members to use re-usable shopping bags, which was submitted as part of the EuroCoop Environment Committee.

Successfully campaigned with NGO Friends of the Earth, 'The Big Ask' involved MP's being lobbyed by CFS members leading to the first legally binding national emission reduction targets.

CFS are continuing the 2009 campaign to prevent further extraction of the Tar Sands in Canada. 

£400 million Investment in Renewables. All mortgages are offset and include optional advancements for renewable energy instalations. Ground breaking renewable energy purchase agreements. The head office includes the UK's argest solar instalation. Carbon offsets have been used to address legacy issues and go beyond carbon neutral.

Switching refrigerants and recycling heat generated by refrigeration.

Introduction of reusable Cotton bags.

Implemented in store heat recovery system.

Through new technology reduced energy consumption for lighting by 30% in stores.

Continued collecting waste from stores and distribution centres for recycling.

Folksam produce annual tables to inform members and the public of Swedish companies environmental performance, along with product performances. They work alongside the Swedish government and also the UN on various projects.

Folksams measures to reduce their own emissions include; environmental standards for contractors, head office 'green' certification, reorganisation to reduce car usage, introduction of a travel policy that dictates what mode of transport to use for which distances, environmentally friendly company cars, lease cars and rental cars. A reuse reduce policy on car repairs is enfoced.

The Project enables member organisations ofCo-operatives^UK, the Confederation of Co-operative Housing (CCH) and the Plunkett Foundation to work with their members and customers in achieving greener behaviour and thus help customers in reducing their environmental impact in the areas of energy, waste and personal transport

ONline information on reducing carbon footprints and online carbon calculator. Production of a manual demonstrating energy best practices in the home. Organised a congress on on energy and consumer rights and also a working day on sustainable consumption.

Electric Cooperative launcehed one of Europe's largest photovoltaic solar orchards.

HSB a co-operative association for housing in Sweden has reached mutual agreement to implement the HSB Climate Agreement (Details of which can be found in HSB Climate Agreement case study) in order to achieve an across-the-board lowering of HSB’s emissions of greenhouse gases.

 HSB National Association, every HSB Regional Association and HSB company can sign up to the HSB Climate Agreement.

 Green electricity procurement. Property impacts and green stores. Reduction in transport emission by 10% in 2008, partly through use of rail network and driver training. Recycled trolleys. Green plastic bags. Green pilot stores and avoided deforestation.

A multi sectoral national organisation, that includes co-operative climate action in, consumer food retail, agricultural, fisheries, housing and many other sectors.

COOPERAMBIENTE is a project that aims to highlight the work of the Legacoop member businesses and help to share examples of best practise.

First part of wind park project now producing 8,000 MWh of electricity per year. The project is a joint venture between SOK and a Finnish energy company,

One lobbying and campaigning action SOK have undertaken was to participates in the "Peloton" (meaning "Fearless") project, aimed to reduce energy consumption needs of the Finnish population.  This was submitted to EuroCoop as part of the EuroCoop Energy Committee

Suma have provided meat free and organic food products along with recycled paper products to ordinary people for over 20 years.

Nitrogen sensors fitted to tractors, allowing more efficient use of fertilisers and therefore reducing nitrous oxide emissions

The Co-operative Group are UK market leaders in renewable energy. Over 98% of the Group’s electricity supplies (808 GWh annually) are from renewable sources. This makes the Group one of the largest purchasers of green electricity in the world. Projects include wind farms on agricultural land and local community hydro and wind projects.

The Co-operative Group, takes many measures to motivate staff and members. These include a £2 million investment in Green Energy for schools project. Several member and staff publications.

Appointed Energy Champions in all stores and departments. Colleague forums. Peter Penguin climate mascot used as an educational tool in primary schools. 'Switch off' campaign. Green Travel Week in partnership with Walsall Borough Council. Educational packs for students on energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Energy Efficiency measures taken in residential buildings, Sweden.

Refurbishment of head office

Photovoltaic panels installed in shops, head office and schools.