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The Co-operators has completed a land deal for its new head office, which will be built to meet international green and wellness standards.
The insurer’s new location is at 101 Cooper Drive in the south end of Guelph. According to a release, The Co-operators will pursue WELL Certification for the building through the International WELL Building Institute – making the insurer the first financial services company to aim for WELL certification in Canada.
The WELL Building Standard focuses on the health and wellness of the people occupying the buildings. The performance-based system measures features of the building that impact occupants’ health and wellbeing.
In addition to WELL, The Co-operators will also pursue LEED Gold Certification from the Canada Green Building Council.
To meet both certifications, The Co-operators will prioritize natural light throughout the building. The facility will also feature in-house athletic facilities, healthy food services, and outdoor nature trails and activity areas.
“We’re thrilled to unveil our new location as we get ready to put down some new roots in the same community we have proudly been a part of for more than 50 years,” The Co-operators CEO Rob Wesseling said in a statement. “Pursuing both the WELL and LEED-Gold certifications aligns with our co-operative values and commitment to fostering the health and well-being of both our employees and the environment on which we depend.”
Construction of the building is set to begin spring 2021; The Co-operators projects that it would be moving 1,200 employees into the building by 2023.
