Environmental Sustainability
For Commerce, environmental sustainability means working to reduce the negative impact our business operations have on the environment while improving the social and business environments in the communities in which we do business.
Our goal is to ensure that our business practices are consistent with our responsibility to shareholders, the good stewardship of natural resources, the well-being of the communities we serve and the health and happiness of our employees.
2011 Goals for our operations and offices
- Consume less paper by further exploiting image technology, migrating to more electronic reports and promoting paper-saving printer options. The combined result of these initiatives is that we have reduced total paper consumption by 31.6% from 2008-2010.
- Continue our programs to reduce energy and water consumption across the enterprise. From 2008-2010, electricity consumption was reduced by 5.4%, gas consumption was reduced by 4% and water use by more than 33%. Encourage recycling company-wide for computer monitors, paper, cans and plastics. From 2008-2010, paper recycling increased by 10%, aluminum recycling increased by 17% and recycling of computer equipment increased by 19%. Not only are we recycling more paper and aluminum but we’ve eliminated 90% of the plastic vending cartons we were bringing into the bank, opting for much more recyclable aluminum cans.
- Continue to refine our branch design to improve sustainability and to provide a healthy work environment. In 2010, we completed our first solar installation, we completed a light harvesting pilot, we added our first hybrid vehicle to our fleet and we completed feasibility studies for geothermal and VRV HVAC systems.
- Encourage and promote broader acceptance of online usage among our customers through www.commercebank.com and Online Banking services for statements and product information. From 2009-2010, e-statement usage increased by 60% among checking account and savings account holders.
- In 2008, Commerce Bank opened Missouri's first LEED-certified bank branch in O'Fallon. The lessons we learned in reducing energy use, minimizing water use, using outdoor lighting and general building comfort still are being incorporated in new branch designs, as well as in remodeling existing facilities.
- Commerce is committed to environmental sustainability and actively works to reduce our environmental footprint. In 2006, we began to place increased emphasis on image-based operations, including a more critical review of print operations. We also focused on reducing energy use through enhanced branch energy audits and by partnering with our principal electric utilities. We currently monitor and manage energy usage and participate in formal curtailment agreements to lower our electrical costs.
- Recognizing that employee commuting and travel costs are a major element of our carbon footprint, Commerce works with area transportation authorities to encourage public transportation, car pools and alternative forms of transportation. Internally, we also invest in video conferencing equipment and promote virtual meetings in lieu of physical travel. The installation of 12 portable, video conference units in 2009 and 3 in 2010 made a large impact on discretionary travel and improved efficiency to the extent that paybacks for these units have ranged from a few weeks to a few months.
- In the area of waste reduction and recycling, we collect and recycle the products we cannot eliminate and ensure that electronic waste is being recycled responsibly. To help deal with waste before it gets in the door, we eliminate many foam and plastic products from the corporate purchasing stream. In 2010, we instituted a composting program in our cafeteria after switching to compostable utensils, paper plates and corn-based, compostable cups. As a result, we’ve reduced waste pickups from weekly to biweekly.
Commerce Bank's O'Fallon, Missouri Banking
Center is the first bank branch
in the state to receive LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.
in the state to receive LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.
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