Scotiabank's Real Estate department develops real estate solutions globally for the Bank and its customers with due consideration of environmental matters. The following are some examples:
- The Bank is participating in the Canada Green Building Council's (CaGBC) GREEN UP program to assess and improve buildings' performance, to share ideas and best practices, and shape a new approach to managing the energy and environmental performance of all buildings in Canada. This program examines utility information to create a baseline and standards to help measure utility consumption and GHG emissions. This information will help us reduce energy consumption.
- In 2012, Scotiabank added three new green branches, bringing its total to 25 green branches, most of which have been certified under the Green Globes (greenglobes.com) benchmarking program, an internationally recognized environmental program. These branches were audited by an independent third-party assessor and have been certified as Green Globes facilities, indicating excellent progress in achieving eco-efficiency results through current best energy and environmental design practices. Scotiabank will continue to analyze the effectiveness and benefits of green branches and look to repeat these environmental benefits when opening new locations or renovating existing ones.
Ongoing energy-saving measures
- Interior lighting: Energy-efficient interior lighting is used in Canadian branches, including 28-watt T8 lamps.
- External signage: In Canadian locations and, where possible, in international locations, the Bank exclusively uses highly efficient LED lighting for new individual letter signs. In addition, Scotiabank is equipping new Canadian branches with astronomic time clock switches to automatically turn on exterior lighting only at dusk and off again at midnight, thereby saving energy. In 2012, the Bank undertook to retrofit all existing Canadian branch locations with these devices.
- Roofing: White-coloured roofs were included in new Canadian and international branch design specifications for climate-appropriate locations. These roofs reflect heat during warmer months of the year, reducing air conditioning consumption and keeping heat in during winter months.
- Heat recovery ventilators: Wherever applicable, ventilators are being installed to recover waste heat from exhaust air, which is then used to preheat incoming fresh air.
- Rooftop solar: Solar panels have been installed and are monitored on the roof of a branch in the Greater Toronto Area.
- Remote monitoring: The Bank will pilot a system that allows cooling, heating, lighting and signage, and security systems at five retail branches in Ontario to be remotely monitored and controlled from a central location. This system is expected to reduce both electricity and gas consumption.
- Efficient toilets: In new Canadian and international branches, Scotiabank is installing more efficient toilets that use less water than conventional models.
- Nightly thermostat adjustments: Scotiabank is equipping new Canadian branches with programmable setback thermostat devices to automatically adjust temperatures based on occupancy, saving energy. In 2012, the Bank undertook to retrofit all existing Canadian branch locations with these devices.
- High-efficiency rooftop HVAC units: Scotiabank is installing high-efficiency heating and cooling rooftop units where possible in new Canadian and international branches.
- Heat-sensor light switches: "Passive radiant heat" sensors are being installed in utility rooms in new Canadian branches. Lighting turns on and remains on only while people are in the room.
- Exhaust-fan timer controls: For all new Canadian branches, controls that automatically shut off exhaust fans in lunchrooms and bathrooms are being installed where possible.
- Window coatings: Installation of low-E windows continues in new branches, wherever practical and within control. These windows reduce both heating and cooling loads by reflecting sunlight in warmer months while allowing sunlight to pass through the windows in colder months.
- Employee awareness: Branch administrative manuals contain instructions and information to help employees reduce their environmental impact in the workplace.
- Bicycle racks: To encourage low-impact transportation, Scotiabank is installing bicycle racks at new Canadian branches and, wherever possible, at newly renovated branches.
At Scotia Plaza in Toronto:
The Bank is proud to occupy over 800,000 square feet in Scotia Plaza, which has a LEED Gold Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance (EB: O&M) Certification. This certification represents the ongoing commitment to environmental performance to maximize operational efficiencies and minimize environmental impacts. Scotia Plaza is the largest LEED Gold EB: O&M-certified building in Canada and one of the first in Toronto to receive the certification. The LEED Rating System considers the following:
- Energy efficiency
- Water efficiency
- Recycling programs and facilities
- Indoor air quality
- System upgrades designed to meet green building standards
- Exterior maintenance programs
Scotiabank continues to operate a successful waste diversion program. As a result, the 2012 waste audit results show that an 85% diversion rate of waste produced in Scotia Plaza is diverted from landfill.
