CHF Canada media release

Co-op Housing Federation recognized for carbon-neutral status

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May 29, 2009, Victoria The Co-operative Housing Federation of BC (CHF BC), the first housing co-op federation in Canada to achieve carbon neutral status, will receive a prestigious national award from the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada on Saturday, May 30, at the Victoria Conference Centre.

The Jim MacDonald Award is CHF Canada’s highest honour and recognizes housing co-ops for special work in health and social services, the environment, human rights and civil liberties or housing and co-operation.

In response to a resolution at CHF BC’s annual meeting in 2007, they signed an agreement to become a Climate Friendly partner with Offsetters. CHF BC went on to audit its carbon footprint, implement a carbon reduction plan, and purchase offsets.

“This award really belongs to all of CHF BC’s members,” said Thom Armstrong, CHF BC’s executive director. “They inspired us to pursue our carbon-neutral goal, and they have taken the initiative in their own co-ops to reduce waste, cut energy consumption, and promote more sustainable co-op communities. There is much more we can all do toward this goal, and we look forward to working with our members and with CHF Canada toward a more sustainable future.”

In addition to buying high quality, locally-sourced carbon offsets, CHF BC has established a range of onsite initiatives to reduce the impact of its day-to-day operations, including the use of recycled office and newsletter paper, paper reduction strategies, improved recycling, green purchasing, and a review of travel methods.

“Sustainability has long been a priority for CHF Canada members and is a key standard in our 2020 Vision program, says CHF Canada executive director, Nicholas Gazzard. “By attaining carbon neutral status, CHF BC leads the way with an example for all housing co-op federations and co-operative organizations in the country.”

The award will be presented during CHF Canada’s annual meeting, which will bring more than 700 participants to Victoria, May 28 – 30.

CHF Canada is the national voice of the Canadian co-operative housing movement. Its members include nearly 900 non-profit housing co-operatives and other organizations across Canada. More than a quarter of a million Canadians live in housing co-ops, in every province and territory.

For more information, contact:

Thom Armstrong, Executive Director, CHF BC, (604) 868-8952 (cell) tarmstrong@chf.bc.ca

Nicholas Gazzard, Executive Director (613) 293-8913 (cell) ngazzard@chfcanada.coop

Merrilee Robson, Program Manager, Communications, (778) 227-3864 (cell) mrobson@chfcanada.coop

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