TD Bank said Thursday it has achieved carbon neutrality and is the largest US bank to do so.
TD Bank has purchased a block of wind energy large enough to power its
network of 2,600 ATMs. TD Bank has also purchased 31,000 metric tons of
carbon offset credits to eliminate its remaining emissions.
The bank also is lowering its energy consumption and constructing greener buildings.
TD Bank has pledged to develop LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified stores. In 2011, the vast majority of new TD Bank stores constructed will be LEED certified and all stores thereafter.
It will open its first green prototype store in Queens Village, N.Y., in the spring of 2010 and is targeting LEED Platinum certification. The bank expects to open about five to 10 new green stores in 2010.
TD Bank’s new 3,800 square-feet prototype stores will reduce energy
consumption by 50% compared to previous designs, with nearly 20% of the
store’s energy being produced onsite through solar panels and solar
drive-thru canopies. The new stores will feature: wood from sustainably
managed forests, products that emit little-to-no VOCs (volatile organic
materials), walk-off mats and air filters that trap particles of dirt,
dust and pollen for improved indoor air quality, insulated glass with a
low-E coating to help keep a balanced, temperate environment, and
sensors to control lighting. Stores will be maintained with green
cleaning products, and will recycle paper, cardboard, glass, metal,
plastics and disposable batteries.
The bank has already opened LEED certified offices at 200 State Street in Boston, Mass., and in 2010 plans to open a call center in Auburn, Maine, which it intends to LEED certify.
