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Sustainability at YNCU

We believe being a good financial partner means being a good steward of the communities and planet we’re part of. That means looking honestly at how we operate, finding ways to reduce our environmental impact and making more responsible choices along the way. We know there’s always more we can do, and we’re committed to keep learning, improving and holding ourselves accountable. In 2022, we partnered with Sustainable Waterloo Region to set measurable goals and strengthen our approach to sustainability. That work was recognized with the organization’s Rookie of the Year Award in 2023 and Partner of the Year Award in 2024. In 2023, we also became a Certified B Corporation, joining a global community of businesses committed to using business as a force for good—for people, communities and the planet. See YNCU's B Impact Assessment Score and learn more about the global movement for B Corp certification.

See our B Impact score

How is YNCU making an impact

Emissions tracking
YNCU reports its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions and is actively working to track and measure its Scope 3 emissions.

It's electric
Our branches in Windsor and Stratford, as well as our Corporate Office in Kitchener, feature new electric vehicle charging stations, and our YNCU corporate vehicle is a plug-in hybrid electric van.

Centralized waste and recycling
In 2023, we instituted central recycling centers at our locations along with a waste reduction system and an improved corporate-wide recycling program. Recycling efforts were increased, and single-use plastic garbage bags were reduced through central waste stations in all offices.

Branch and office enhancements 
YNCU first partnered with sustainability solutions provider Bullfrog Power to choose green energy for our Kitchener corporate office. As of May 2025, we have expanded this partnership to include our Weber, Stratford, and Windsor branches. In addition, all YNCU EV charging stations are powered by 100% green electricity, further supporting our commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future. We have also begun installing low-temperature heat pumps across select locations to reduce our reliance on natural gas for heating. These high-efficiency systems significantly lower emissions while maintaining comfortable indoor environments year-round.

Flexible work arrangements
At YNCU, some of our staff have been able to implement hybrid work arrangements, meaning they can choose a flexible schedule that consists of hours spent working at the office and from home. These arrangements eliminate some travel between work and home, thus reducing carbon emissions.

Paper-reduction strategy
 We’re reducing paper across YNCU by replacing brochures and large posters with digital signage in renovated branches, and using OneSpan eSignatures to make loan and mortgage funding paperless. It’s a simpler way to work, while helping us cut waste along the way. 

Recycled and repurposed technology
As part of our commitment to sustainability and digital inclusion, we proudly support The Working Centre’s Computer Recycling Program in Kitchener. Through our donations, we help extend the life of technology, reduce electronic waste, and ensure that refurbished computers are made accessible to those who need them most. This partnership reflects our values of environmental responsibility and community impact.

Working together for a more sustainable future

We know meaningful change doesn’t happen alone. That’s why we work with organizations that challenge our thinking, share their expertise and help turn good intentions into measurable action. Together, we’re finding better ways to reduce our impact, strengthen our communities and keep raising the bar.

Working together

Sustainable Waterloo Region

YNCU partnered with Sustainable Waterloo Region in 2022 to help advance sustainability practices and set measurable targets.

Recognized work

Rookie of the Year and Partner of the Year

YNCU received Sustainable Waterloo Region’s Rookie of the Year Award in 2023 and was named Partner of the Year in 2024.

Certified impact

B Corp Certified

In 2023, YNCU became a Certified B Corporation, joining a global movement of organizations working to benefit people, communities, and the planet.

Local impact

The Working Centre

Through The Working Centre’s Computer Recycling Program in Kitchener, we help extend the life of technology, reduce electronic waste, and support access to refurbished computers.

Meet the YNCU Green Team

Sustainability isn’t something we want to leave to a policy or a checklist. The YNCU Green Team brings employees together to turn good ideas into practical action—from reducing waste and emissions to creating greener workplaces and getting our people involved. The team shares knowledge, builds awareness and makes it easier for employees to make more sustainable choices at work and in their everyday lives. That work has grown into initiatives with a real footprint: pollinator gardens in Kitchener and Sault Ste. Marie, composting and centralized recycling, employee carbon-reduction and active-transportation challenges, community tree planting and a YNCU micro-forest in Cambridge. More recently, the team has supported expanded renewable energy, EV infrastructure, emissions-reduction efforts and reforestation initiatives.