Summerland has a long history of integrating sustainability practices into our business. We exist for the benefit of our customers and the communities we service. Our ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles give guidance to ensure we maintain a focus on good practices, while delivering the best possible service and support to our customers and our communities.
Our Position
As a 100% customer-owned organisation, Summerland Credit Union operates by the values that are important to our customers and the greater community.
We actively pursue environmental and socially sustainable activities and business practices to develop a more sustainable organisation. We have strong positions related to our banking investment and lending.
Fossil fuel
As part of our commitment to developing a more sustainable world, we have no direct investments in or lend to organisations involved in coal seam gas or fossil fuel exploration/export.
Tobacco
We do not invest in or lend to organisations whose primary business is the production, distribution and/or sale of tobacco products.
Gambling
We don’t lend to or invest in gambling casinos or organisations whose main business is gambling.
Live animal export
Due to our desire to support the humane treatment of animals, we do not invest in or lend to organisations that export live animals for meat by air or sea.
Weapons
We do not lend to or invest in businesses that manufacture or sell weapons as their primary business, including guns and military weapon technology.
Our Vision
To make a difference for our communities and the natural environment of the Northern Rivers region.
Our Focus
Footprint
To move towards becoming carbon neutral as a business, to minimise our footprint in the Northern Rivers region.
Culture
To create a positive culture for our staff where they know they are valued and they participate in our sustainability focus.
Community
Continue to provide support to the local community, particularly where we can build strong mutual relationships.
Products
Provide our customers with the choice of products that support environmental and social sustainability.
Accreditation
Obtain external accreditation that is recognised internationally.
Bangalow Koalas tree planting at Binna Burra June 2021
Regional alignment
We are proud founding partners of Northern Rivers NSW, whose brand values align with ours.
A love of community
Expressed through collaboration, cooperation and a willingness to work together for the greater good.
We respect the environment
Through sustainable farming practices, a balanced lifestyle and a leading approach to protecting and preserving our natural heritage.
We celebrate cultural diversity
Acknowledging we live, work and play on Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr Country; being inclusive, welcoming, supportive and accepting of everyone.
We’re free to be who we are
We value our authenticity, uniqueness and a more soulful approach to life.
We champion the entrepreneurial and creative spirit
By thinking differently, being adaptive to change and fostering new enterprise that is in harmony with our natural environment.
Summerland creative weaving workshop, Mullum2Bruns Paddle May 2021
International Alignment
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth - all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.
As an ethical and sustainable organisation, Summerland has adopted four of these goals which align with our values.
Achieve gender equality and empower all girls and women.
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Would you like a copy of our Declaration?
Download our ESG Declaration.
