Scotiabank's standard request for proposal (RFP) documents asks applicants to describe their CSR and environmental policies and practices, relevant environmental or CSR accreditations, and programs to deliver energy-efficient products and services, recycling and disposal methods, and employment practices that support diversity and human rights.
Examples of sustainable sourcing include:
- High-efficiency roof-top HVAC units: Installation, where possible and within the Bank's control, of high-efficiency heating and cooling rooftop units in new Canadian and international branches. These units reduce energy consumption and employ friendlier, non-CFC refrigerants.
- Modular furniture: Scotiabank purchases most of its modular furniture from a supplier that is an industry leader in sustainability. Furniture is manufactured with a high content of recycled material and items can be recycled when no longer useful. This furniture does not contain any volatile organic compounds, ensuring a healthier indoor environment. In the interest of reducing negative environmental impacts associated with construction, Scotiabank also tries to limit premature replacement of ergonomic furniture during renovation projects, and strives to work with suppliers to maximize the lifespan of such furniture as long as possible.
- Fabric and wallcoverings: Whenever possible, Scotiabank specifies and purchases sustainable furniture fabrics and wallcoverings.
- The centralized janitorial services contracts in Canada specify that suppliers must use eco-friendly cleaning products and equipment to service branches.
- Environmentally friendly carpet is the standard carpet used for Scotiabank offices around the world. It contains a minimum 45% recycled content and meets the highest indoor air quality rating, as established by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI Green Label Plus). In 2012, 54,736 square yards of environmentally friendly carpet for various Scotiabank facilities were purchased and installed. As a result, we permanently reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 810 tonnes, representing the total life-cycle impact of this purchase. All of the Bank's carpets are recycled at the end of their useful lives.
