Alison Coates, BA

Since joining Vancity in 2021, Alison has turned climate ambition into measurable results. Leading a growing team of eight, she’s driven a 45% jump in green assets, launched Canada’s first low-emission home cashback, and created retrofit programs for businesses and non-profit housing providers. She didn’t stop there: operational emissions dropped 9% in 2024, thanks to targeted fuel-switching and heat pump installations, while zero-waste practices are the norm throughout Vancity’s offices. On the policy front, she’s influenced municipal, provincial and federal governments on strata financing reforms, energy labelling, and municipal retrofit strategies. She shows that bold climate leadership in banking thrives on data, experimentation, and a relentless focus on impact.