Wachovia's environmental management efforts within our own real estate facilities and operations make an immediate and positive impact on the environment. Read on for information about environmental initiatives in the following areas:
Wachovia works to incorporate sustainable design practices and emerging technologies in our building construction and ongoing property maintenance. These efforts enable Wachovia to reduce energy consumption while continuing to meet customer and employee needs.
As part of our Commitment on Climate Change, Wachovia will, beginning in 2007, measure and report annually on the energy consumption and related carbon dioxide emissions from its own operations. By 2010, we will reduce our absolute carbon dioxide emissions by 10% from 2005 levels.
Here is an overview of some other recent progress:
Designing and building new office building in Charlotte, NC— more than 1.2 million square feet, in accordance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards.
One of just a few member companies partnering with the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) in the Portfolio Program that enables Wachovia to green our Financial Centers in a cost effective way without sacrificing the technical rigor and integrity of the USGBC LEED Rating System.
Incorporating high efficiency lighting and HVAC systems to replace older, inefficient systems in targeted Financial Centers.
Purchasing renewable energy for Financial Centers where available; in Texas, 10% of Wachovia's electricity is supplied by wind power— a renewable source.
Wachovia has made great strides in the recycling arena, and continues to identify new ways to reduce waste.
Recycled more than 20,000 tons of paper in 2005.
Introduced an enterprise-wide recycling program for empty used toner cartridges and recycled 22,500 cartridges in 2005.
Elected to deliver employee pay statements online, reducing paper consumption and energy consumption.
Implementing recycling of glass, plastic and aluminum containers in pilot regions; developing plan to expand to most office buildings.
Partnered with property managers in the northeast United States to coordinate recycling of cardboard materials.
Testing biodegradable plates, bowls, and cups with two food suppliers. These items completely decompose in 50-75 days, as opposed to never for Styrofoam and plastic.
In Charlotte, our headquarters city, Wachovia has been the recipient of awards including the Business Recycling Award, Environmental Responsibility Award and the Recycler of the Year Award.
In June 2005, Wachovia received the Tandus Environmental Stewardship Award for its commitment to recycling. Tandus, a leading manufacturer of commercial floor coverings, collaborated with Wachovia to recycle more than 65,000 pounds of vinyl-backed carpet.
Wachovia works closely with vendors and suppliers to minimize waste and use recycled or biodegradable materials where possible.
Used recycled-content paper for 91 percent of 2005 print materials, including customer correspondence, marketing materials and the corporation's Annual Report to shareholders.
Negotiated agreements with our major copy center suppliers to use recycled-content paper.
Requires companies participating in "Request for Proposals" to submit details regarding their environmental stewardship.
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