WATERLOO REGION — Five insurance companies have joined Sustainable Waterloo, a non-profit organization that helps businesses in Waterloo Region reduce their carbon footprint.

The Economical Insurance Group, Farm Mutual Reinsurance Plan, Gore Mutual Insurance, Sun Life Financial and Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan have joined as observing organizations.

That means they have made the first step in committing to voluntary greenhouse gas reduction targets, Sustainable Waterloo said.