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Our ethical and community values are reflected through a strong commitment to sustainability. As an ethical and sustainable organisation, Summerland has adopted four of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which are in line with our values; Climate Action, Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Sustainable Cities and Communities. Read more about our commitment to these goals below.

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2019

  • Awarded Gold level accreditation from Office of Environment and Heritage, Sustainability Advantage Program

    In 2008, Summerland joined the NSW Government’s Sustainability Advantage (SA) Program to formalise 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 and finally Gold 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.

  • Tweed Shire Council Tweed Sustainability Award
  • Refurbishment of Evans Head branch with environmentally sustainable products
  • Risk Hazard mapping project to commence
  • White Ribbon workplace accreditation
  • Commencement of Business and Community Grants program
  • Sponsorship of local community events
  • Sustainability Month promoted online

Sustainability Donations:

  • Australian Seabird Rescue
  • Clarence Landcare
  • Bangalow Koalas

2018

  • No single use plastic bags for grocery deliveries
  • Solar panels installed at head office
  • Customer statement cycle changed from monthly to biannually
  • eStatement focus with customers
  • Plastic money boxes phased out
  • Sustainability month promoted in-branch and online, focussing on Climate Action, Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Sustainable Cities and Communities 

2017

  • Power factoring
  • Paper hand towels changed from virgin paper to sugar cane waste product (bagass), which is 100% biodegradable
  • Recycled carpet tiles from head office building to Bangalow branch refurbishment
  • Focus on paper usage
  • Promotional items are more environmentally friendly
  • No balloons used in promotions
  • Move from paper-based to electronic newsletters
  • Less paper posters and brochures
  • Cyclone Debbie business grants

2016

  • Creation of Sustainability Committee – staff from head office and branches to drive changes
  • Waste sorting and recycling in branches and head office
  • Duplex printing standard
  • Contractors educated on eco requirements
  • Hybrid cars for field lending staff
  • Participation in the Coast Adapt Project with National Climate Change Adaptation Research facility

2015

  • 4.5 star NABERS rating for head office
  • Sustainability approach links sustainability and strategy
  • Branch upgrades incorporate sustainability features
  • Promotional material printed on 100% recycled paper
  • Paper reductions
  • Climate Change RISK Assessment

Eco Donations:

  • OzFish Unlimited
  • Australian Seabird Rescue
  • Thistles Soccer Club
  • Alstonville Community Pre-School

2014

2014

  • Excellence in Sustainability Award from NSW Business Chamber Regional Awards
  • Silver to Gold Action Plan
  • Sustainability Position Statement released
  • Divestment Day participation
  • Integrate sustainability into new uniform purchases
  • Goal 4 embeds sustainability in Summerland’s Strategic Plan
  • Fuel efficiencies for corporate vehicle fleet
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2013

  • Achieve Silver Partner status in the Sustainability Advantage Program
  • Online systems for opening accounts, memberships and loans
  • Update Summerland’s Environmental Sustainability Journey: vision and strategy
  • Environmental Investment Position
  • Board and Senior Managers using iPads and laptops rather than paper at meetings
  • Paper usage reduced

2012

  • Upgrades to head office energy efficient lighting, movement sensor fans and lighting
  • Online Learning Management System for staff (less paper)
  • Head office waste sorting and landfill reduction activities
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2011

  • Achieve Bronze Partner status in the Sustainability Advantage program
  • Abacus Environmental Sustainability Award
  • Upgrade programme commenced for energy efficient lighting in all sites
  • Online applications introduced
  • Convert to more fuel efficient vehicles
  • Eco Month in spring each year
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2010

  • Eco Loans launched
  • Staff and community leave allows community service for environmental organisations
  • ‘Green’ criteria included in sponsorship applications
  • Online electronic newsletters
  • Energy and paper reduced
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2009

  • First Annual Sustainability Report
  • Quarterly reporting to Board on resource use
  • Establish baseline paper, toner, electricity and fuel use data
  • Focus on energy and paper reduction
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2008

  • Start our environmental sustainability journey
  • Sign up to NSW Government’s Sustainability Advantage program
  • Develop Summerland Sustainability Journey: Vision and Strategy