Investing in a sustainable future
When it comes to keeping our planet healthy and clean, we believe we are all on the same team. From our branches and headquarters, to our operations centers and offices throughout the Midwest, we pay close attention to the impact our business has on the environment. Our commitment to environmental sustainability informs our work at every level, from how we approach construction to the ways we reduce energy consumption in our day-to-day operations. We work to ensure we are practicing sustainable development to meet the needs of our stakeholders today while fostering a healthy environment for future generations.
Highlights from our latest environmental impact assessment
Each year, we conduct a review of our environmental sustainability programs to assess our environmental impact. Here's a look at the results of our efforts in the past year.
23+
metric tons of computer hardware recycled
483+
metric tons of paper shredded and recycled
36,000+ kWh
of clean energy produced through investment in
solar farm
606,000 kWh
of clean energy
from solar panels installed
on our branches
4,333 reported
EV charging
stations sessions
in 2021
Reducing our environmental impact
As a bank, we have modest environmental impacts, but we seek ways to mitigate our impact and explore alternate forms of energy to reduce consumption. One of our key initiatives in this area has been to upgrade the lighting systems in our branch buildings to LED lighting to conserve energy. This reduces our annual energy consumption by an estimated 72,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) each year. Recognizing the impact our waste has on the environment, we also maintain programs to recycle paper and computer hardware used as part of our operations.
Embracing alternate forms of energy
Part of our focus on sustainable development is to invest in alternate forms of energy to reduce our long-term environmental impact. In recent years, we have been installing solar panels at our branch locations to reduce our use of electricity. We’ve also invested in a solar farm in Hays, Kansas to generate clean energy for our operations.
We host electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at several branches in our footprint. Our EV stations enable customers to charge their vehicles while taking care of errands at Commerce Bank or in the area.
Building environmental sustainability into our footprint
As we continue to improve our physical footprint, we pay close attention to our customers’ and team members’ needs to ensure we are practicing sustainable development and best supporting their needs. When constructing or renovating buildings, we take several factors into account, including environmental impact and long-term sustainability, no matter how small the project is. From the materials we use to the energy systems we install, we look for every opportunity to reduce the carbon footprint of our building projects.
We work closely with each project’s contractor and architect to align with local regulations and incorporate LEED best practices as much as possible. To date, we have completed our first LEED-certified building in O’Fallon, Missouri, and continue to look for opportunities to build and remodel along LEED principles. Here are some of the many factors we consider when designing a project:
- Preference for working with local suppliers
- LED lighting
- Waste reduction and recycling
- High-efficiency HVAC
- Sustainable materials such as insulation, carpet and paint
- Volatile organic compounds
- Runoff
- Positive work environment boosted through lighting and air quality
For more information, download our Environmental, Social and Governance report.[PDF]
