CHE As Sete Bicas CRL, Matosinhos - ICA Housing

87
An integrated approach is followed to meet members’ needs, to improve the inhabitants’
quality of life and to fulfil the commitment to society. This is
achieved by:
• Culture, sports and leisure centres and outdoor events,
• Innovative equipment and services for young persons and the elderly, like
day nursery, early childhood centres, kindergarten, theatre, ball-room, listening
rooms and social action centre. These facilities were built up in
several phases: 1985: Early childhood centre (for 3-6 years old children);
1989: Day nursing centre (for up to 3 years old children) with a Sete Bicas
“team” including kindergarten-workers, child nurses, cooks, cleaning staff
etc.; 2008: Construction of dwellings and introduction of equipment for
the elderly managed together with CIVAS offering a complete range of
services for the elderly.
• Offers for members’ holidays (two apartments in Algarve which can be
rented for co-operative prices).
Good co-operative corporate governance
The society works according to the quality co-operative housing charter of
FENACHE, quality management is certified.
Co-operation among co-operatives and with other partners
The co-operative society applies the quality co-operative housing charter of
FENACHE; it participates in the SHE Project “Sustainable Housing in Europe”
holding a pioneering position of co-operative housing regarding sustainability,
dissemination of best practice in construction through seminars, conferences,
radio and television programs, newspaper and magazine articles. It works together
with other co-operatives on sustainable development, building healthy
dwellings with appropriate level of environmental comfort, low consumption of
water, energy and gas at low cost.
Concern for community
The co-operative society adopts a proactive profile as a service agent in the pursuit
of the communities’ well being. Since 1982 the co-operative society shows
concern for green and neighbourhood spaces, e.g. humanisation of outside space
by pathways, children’s parks, sculpture pieces, swimming pool and sports
fields, enabling members to meet their multiple needs during their lives. From
2002 it applies new ways of protecting the environment and saving energy by
new construction methods.
CHE As Sete Bicas CRL practices solidarity towards environment, society and
members.