We are as passionate about the environment as you are! Read about our environmental sustainability journey.
Summerland is a customer owned financial institution. As such, we and our communities must benefit from high service levels and ethical treatment through our delivery of financial services.
Our ethical and community values are reflected through a strong commitment to sustainability. We believe that sustainability requires a holistic approach and must recognise the links between our environment, our economy and our communities.
We recognise that our future success and sustainability relies on the success and sustainability of our customers and communities and they on ours.
Sustainability is one of Summerland’s core Values: Sustainability, Community, Ownership, Respect, Ethics as well as one of 4 strategic pillars for the business: People, Customers, Digital & Data, Strength & Sustainability.
In entrusting us with their financial assets, we combine responsible economic management with strong environmental and social management processes on behalf of our customers.
Business, social and environmental sustainability are incorporated into the business, woven into our values and our vision; protecting the essence of Summerland.
- Business sustainability is built into the structure of the business with guidance from the Board, leadership from the Executive, a framework provided by financial regulators and controls derived from business policies and processes
- Social sustainability is incorporated in the range of benefits returned to our community through sponsorships, donations, staff volunteering and other support delivered to a range of community groups, associations, clubs and individuals throughout our region and internationally via CUFA
- Environmental sustainability is an important element of all aspects of our business, built into the day-to-day operation of the business. This ensures a constant and consistent focus on our natural environment ensuring Summerland is living off the earth’s resources that are renewable, drawing on the interest and not the natural resources capital.
In 2008, Summerland joined the NSW Government’s Sustainability Advantage (SA) Program to formalize the environmental path for the credit union. This Program has provided a comprehensive structure allowing Summerland to define its environmental policies, implement them across the business and communicate their importance both internally and externally to the wider community.
The SA Program focused on environmental elements and Summerland achieved firstly Bronze, then Silver level accreditation. As a result of the achievements in the environmental sphere, Summerland was awarded the Mutual Financial Institution’s National Sustainability Award and the NSW Business Chamber Northern Rivers Excellence in Sustainability Award.
In 2016, the Program broadened its base to include social sustainability as well as environmental components. Summerland is currently forming its Gold level accreditation application including both environmental and social elements for submission to the Government.
To emphasise the Board’s commitment to environmental sustainability, an Environmental Investment Position statement was issued publicly.