Together For Our Planet. Together For Our Community. Together For Our Members.
At Calgary Co-op our purpose is to enrich our member communities by taking actions that positively impact the well being of the communities we serve. Through our environmental, social and governance initiatives, our goal is to protect our environment, foster our shared passion to support those who most need it, and ensure our co-operative’s long term sustainability.
Environmental Initiatives
We can all do our part to reduce our impact on the planet. Calgary Co-op is continuously taking steps to reduce waste and increase energy efficiency.
Keep yourself and the environment clean with the launch of our new Cal & Gary's Carbon Capture Bar Soap! All six fragrances are made with Calgary's recycled carbon dioxide (CO2) using a clean carbon capture program. This unique product assortment demonstrates our dedication to the planet and offers our members a high-quality, clean ingredient, natural product that is both better for you and for the environment.
Plug in and power up at one of our two EV charging stations, located at our Sage Hill and West Springs stores. We’re excited to now provide this service and we're just getting started. Watch for more EV charging stations to pop up at our other locations.
We’re taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint across all our stores. Our new Sage Hill food store is small and mighty at only 30,000 square feet, using less energy but offering the same conveniences as other stores. Sage Hill along with many others has LED lighting throughout that uses 80% less energy than traditional lighting. We’ve upgraded all our refrigeration systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and we give used equipment a new life by repurposing it in our stores. All of our recent and future store renovations include energy efficient upgrades.
Social Initiatives
Community is at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s helping address food insecurity, helping local groups or fundraising for important causes, Calgary Co-op makes sure no one is left behind
As part of our commitment to the communities we serve, we have created space in a number of our food stores that can be used free of charge by community groups. Access to registered, licensed charities, non-profit groups, youth and adult sports teams and more is available.
Contact your local Co-op location to discuss your requirements and make a booking today!
Calgary Co-op's Fresh Food Rescue program sends fresh foods to the Calgary Food Bank as part of their Fresh Tote Food Rescue, as well as to other community Food Banks. By planning ahead, we’re able to redirect perfectly consumable foods to the food bank, rather than the compost bin. All Calgary Co-op food stores donate fresh produce, meat and fish, dairy and eggs, bakery, deli and prepared meals, dry groceries and frozen items to the Food Banks for collection, and same-day distribution through emergency food hampers. The result is an effective program that is transforming lives in our community and helping to reduce waste. In 2022, we donated over one million pounds of fresh food.
Calgary Co-op is honoured to have received the 'In Cahoots' award, presented by Food Banks Alberta for our Fresh Food Rescue Program in partnership with the Calgary Food Bank!
Calgary Co-op Cares charitable foundation provides support our most vulnerable including: seniors, children, the homeless and families at risk. We also provide members an opportunity to provide a donation when they are shopping at our stores.
Calgary Co-op is dedicated to improving the lives of Calgarians. In 2022 we donated $2.8 million back into the community through food drive programs, partnering with other agencies or directly through the Calgary Co-op Community Foundation. In 2023 we’ll continue to look out for our community and the people within it with a goal of donating $3.1 million.
Governance Initiatives
Owned by members, Calgary Co-op is now one of the largest retail co-operatives in North America. Four committees form the backbone of our governance model. The Audit, Governance, Human Resources, and Nominations Committees all provide oversight to the Board’s most complex areas.
The share you purchase when you join Calgary Co-op allows you to participate in the “one member-one vote” democratic process to nominate an eligible Member-owner as a candidate for the Board, vote in Director Elections and actively participate in meetings of Member-owners.
It pays to be a member at Calgary Co-op. Whenever you shop at any Co-op store with your membership number, you’ll earn towards an annual member refund proportionate to your annual spend.
