Leading the way on responsible investment

Central 1 / Responsible Investment

Central 1 holds a unique place in co-operative banking. Our ability to meet opportunities and challenges head on has helped us support a strong credit union system for over 75 years. It’s therefore fitting that we also help lead the way towards a more sustainable financial future – for our clients, their customers and society as a whole.

That’s why we’ve not only committed to integrating Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors into our practices, we publicly demonstrated it by signing the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (UN-PRI) in 2018.

Central 1 is also a member of the Responsible Investment Association, Canada’s industry association for responsible investing. We have joined over 130 organizations who are committed to growing and supporting responsible investing in Canada.

Our Guiding Principles

Our commitment to Responsible Investment has led us to develop five guiding principles that support and shape our investment and lending practices:

Curiosity, Courage & Collaboration

ESG Consideration

ESG Integration

Disclosure

Continuous Learning & Improvement

Learn more about our principles & approach

What is responsible investing?

Responsible Investment is an investing approach that takes into consideration ESG factors, as well as the long-term financial health of the market. With growing support from investors and financial institutions alike, it has two goals: maximizing positive impact and financial growth.

Environmental

How does a company help protect our environment?

Social

How does a company treat its employees and communities?

Governance

How does a company govern itself sustainably?

Learn more about responsible investing

Central 1 - Responsible Investment Milestones

December 2022

Defined and promoted an ESG-only investment framework and mandate to our credit union clients through our Asset Management Services.

Invested in the Government of Canada’s Ukraine Sovereignty Bond in efforts to provide essential services to Ukrainians.

December 2021

Achieved and exceeded our target (5% of our total portfolio) for Responsible Investment holdings (Green, Social, or Sustainability-linked bonds)

June 2021

Created Central 1’s Responsible Impact Investing Committee (“RIIC”)

May 2021

Established the very first ESG Policy at Central 1

October 2020

Central 1, alongside institutional investors managing more than $2.3 trillion in assets, signed the Canadian Investor Statement on Diversity & Inclusion, a new initiative coordinated by the Responsible Investment Association.

September 2020

Central 1 becomes a member of the Responsible Investment Association, joining over 130 organizations who are committed to growing and supporting responsible investing in Canada.

August 2019

Shortlisted for the Best Overall Corporate Governance Award at the 2019 Excellence in Governance Awards.

May 2019

Joined the newly established CBIA (Canadian Bond Investors' Association) ESG working group to advocate for more transparent ESG disclosure.

April 2019

Submitted our first voluntary disclosure to the UN-PRI for assessment.

September 2018

Signed the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (UN-PRI) and dedicated part of our investment portfolio to green and social impact bonds, funding projects like sustainable building, low-carbon transportation and affordable housing.