At First Credit Union (FCU), environmental responsibility isn’t a campaign, it’s a commitment rooted in cooperative values. With eight branches located throughout the south coast of BC, FCU’s climate action journey began with a simple, powerful force: member feedback.
From a green team to a full sustainability strategy
In 2017, FCU members shared that environmental leadership mattered to them. The credit union listened and acted. What started with a Green Team of passionate employees quickly grew into a full strategy: measuring greenhouse gas emissions across all operations, embedding sustainability into everyday decisions, and building a culture of shared responsibility.
Since day one, FCU committed to measuring Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, recognizing that how employees commute, how paper is used, and how business travel happens are just as critical as building energy use. “We knew that small daily choices would add up to big changes over time,” says Caitlin Bryant, Impact Manager at First Credit Union. “It wasn’t about chasing perfection – it was about staying in motion.”
Carbon Neutral and BC Green Business certified
Over the years, that motion has created real impact. FCU achieved carbon neutral status in 2022, partnering with the Indigenous-owned Great Bear Rainforest Carbon Project to offset operational emissions while continuing to focus on reductions first. They didn’t just measure progress—they built it into the fabric of the organization.
A major milestone in 2024 was earning BC Green Business certifications across seven of our eight FCU branches. In 2025 FCU went on to certify all eight branches, with locations achieving Green, Gold, and Water Friendly designations. Working with BC Green Business helped FCU look closer at branch-level footprints, identify practical, cost-effective improvements, and engage managers and employees directly in the work. “We learned that sustainability isn’t just a corporate priority – it’s something people connect with personally,” Bryant shares. “Whether it’s swapping car lone commutes for e-bikes and carpooling, finding ways to cut paper, or making buildings more efficient, every branch found its own wins to celebrate.”
A continuous journey
Every year brings new data, new challenges, and new opportunities to do better. Looking ahead, First Credit Union plans to deepen its work by improving data collection at the branch level, supporting low-carbon commuting options, and finding more ways to make sustainability visible and achievable for employees and members alike. “We see this as a journey we’re on together—with our people, with our communities, and with other changemakers across BC,” says Bryant. “There’s always more to learn, and that’s the exciting part.”
For First Credit Union, environmental responsibility is not just about emissions numbers, it’s about connection, resilience, and building a future worth believing in.
Learn more about FCU sustainability strategy and initiatives at firstcu.ca