Credit union launches sustainability and environmental action plan

Unitus Community Credit Union is celebrating Earth Day with the launch of its new Environmental and Sustainability Action Plan. The Board of Directors approved the strategic initiative, which serves as a key component of one of Unitus’ Shared Values: Caring for People and Planet. Development of the Environmental and Sustainability Action Plan began in 2022.

The Action Plan consists of five key pillars: Environmentally Responsible Business Practices; Waste Reduction; Energy and Resource Conservation; Member and Community Support; and Crisis Preparedness. Unitus is setting a vision for the future through this initiative with the focus on how our actions today will impact the world tomorrow.

Unitus is partnering with the “United in Sustainability Credit Union Network,” which is committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 17 SDGs are part of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, today and in the future. This partnership will allow Unitus to collaborate with other credit unions and organizations to develop best practice innovations and multiply the impact. The credit union is also working closely with Inclusiv’s Center for Resiliency and Clean Energy.

“Implementing this work at the local level will have far reaching implications for our global community,” explained Steven Stapp, President and CEO of Unitus Community Credit Union. “As we build the foundation of our sustainability efforts, we’re evaluating all the ways we have already acted to effect change while planning future strategies to protect our environment, our collective wellbeing, and the dwindling natural resources around the world.”

While Unitus is formally launching this initiative today, the credit union has already started its sustainability work. Unitus will open the Unitus Business Center (UBC)-Tigard next week, which will serve as a corporate model for sustainability efforts. The facility includes five acres of protected wetlands which will offset the credit union’s environmental footprint. Once full construction is completed, Unitus will apply for LEED certification. UBC-Tigard has been constructed with recycled materials and furniture, includes living plants in all workspaces to promote clean air, and has limited waste by repurposing materials during demolition.

Unitus has already begun several other environmentally responsible business practices, including eliminating paper, supplying facilities with reusable dishes, offering remote work flexibility, implementing a ride-share program, providing funds for employee transit, using energy-efficient lighting and other infrastructure, and offering financial products to help employees and members purchase energy-efficient vehicles, bikes, and home enhancements. Unitus became the first Credit Union to receive Gold Certification from the City of Portland’s Sustainability at Work program in 2018.

“We are eager to begin building this plan out further in collaboration with our partners in sustainability,” said Megan Snyder, VP of Strategic Partnerships and Portfolio Management at Unitus Community Credit Union. “Knowing that the steps we take today to reduce waste, implement renewable energy resources, and develop environmentally responsible business practices will support long-term economic growth in our communities and beyond makes this strategic initiative one of the most powerful tools we have to care for our planet.”