TD Bank Goes Carbon Neutral

Last month, TD Bank announced itself as the largest bank to go carbon neutral in the United States. To achieve this TD Bank has built greener buildings with lower energy consumption and invested heavily in renewable energy. TD bank has also pledged to develop LEED(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified stores throughout the nation.

TD Bank’s new prototype stores will cover 3,800 square feet and cut energy consumption in half. Every inch will be dedicated to the green effort, from the solar panels on the roof to the wood from sustainable forests. Within the store, they will also use green cleaning products and recycle paper, glass, metal, batteries, and other materials. Other notable features include:

• Solar drive-thru canopy: a translucent canopy sheltering drive-thru areas that produces electricity for the bank’s use
• Kid’s center: a place for children to learn more about the bank’s green and financial aspects
• Customer service islands: a convenient information center for customers to learn more about the bank’s products and services
• Drive-up ATM: open 24 hours a day for convenient use by customers to access their accounts

In a recent interview the head of retail, Fred Graziano, shared some thoughts about TD Bank’s outlook on the green industry.

Green Street Journal: What factor or event ultimately led to the decision to go carbon neutral?

A: We can reduce our energy consumption, save money, and operate our business in a more sustainable manner. If we can build stores with solar panels – that generate energy we can use to power the store – for the same price or less than the stores we used to build, then that just makes good sense. We are proud of these first steps and know we have a lot of ground to cover, but we are happy to say that we are carbon neutral.

Green Street Journal: Do you think the decision to go green will have a significant impact on the decisions of potential customers?

A: We’re taking the environment seriously and we strongly believe this is the right thing to do for our business, customers, employees and the community. We want TD Bank to be as green as our logo.

Green Street Journal: Which of the renewable energy sources do you feel is the most promising? Are there any recent developments that lead you to believe so?

A: With the purchase of wind power, all 2,600 TD Bank ATMs from Maine to Florida will be green. TD Bank has purchased a block of renewable energy large enough to power all of its ATMs. We are using solar and hydro power as well. We think these are all great resources and we will try to use what makes sense for our operations.

The bank has made plans to open five to ten more green stores in the next two years. Their main goal is be constructed LEED certified to continue their commitment to stay green. This spring, TD bank plans to open a new store in Queens Village, N.Y. targeting the highest level of LEED certification, platinum.