The Midcounties Co-operative has received a 5 star rating, the highest score, in Business in the Community’s (BITC) Corporate Responsibility (CR) Index for the second year in succession. The Society achieved a score of 100% and was one of only 3 businesses who received this accolade in 2017.
The 5 star rating recognises the Society as one of the best businesses in the UK for its Corporate Social Responsibility programme as assessed by the BITC’s leading experts.
Ben Reid, Group CEO of Midcounties, said, “We are proud to be one of only three businesses awarded five stars in the 2017 Corporate Responsibility Index. Whether offering a 100% Green Energy tariff in Co-operative Energy, Fair Tax payments or exceptional community investment we strive to lead on truly sustainable development”.
The Society’s commitment to leading on sustainable development is also reflected in it achieving the Fair Tax mark three years in a row, this year with the highest score ever realised by a business trading solely in the UK.
The 5 star rating was awarded because of the Society’s ongoing commitment to the local communities it serves including Co-operative Energy’s work to promote community renewable energy projects throughout the UK by putting in place multiple Power Purchase Agreements.
This has resulted in over 45% of the energy purchased by Midcounties coming from renewable sources, allowing the business to offer a 100% green electricity tariff. In addition it has continued to sponsor the Community Energy Fortnight, the UK’s largest annual gathering of community energy practitioners.
Midcounties colleagues have also engaged with over 9,000 young people through a range of initiatives including its Green Pioneers programme working with over 50 schools and Higher Education partners across its trading area. Last year, the Society distributed £390k to over 500 local good causes in its trading area while colleagues and members donated over 70,000 products to 40 food banks, helping over 1000 families in need.