As a purchaser of products and services, ranging from printed forms and marketing materials to computers and photocopiers, building materials, furniture and carpet, we incorporate environmental considerations into our purchasing processes. Some examples in 2007 include:

• Janitorial services: Contracts specify that our suppliers must use environmentally friendly cleaning products and equipment (including hepafilter vacuums and microfibre cloths) for servicing our domestic branch network.
• Carpeting: In 2007, we purchased 46,546 square yards of environmentally friendly carpet throughout various Scotiabank facilities. As a result, 593 short tonnes of certified carbon dioxide credits have been permanently retired, which represents the total life-cycle impact of this purchase. This environmentally friendly carpet is now the standard carpet that we use for our branches and office premises around the world.
• Chairs: New chairs purchased for both our domestic and international locations are composed of up to 44 per cent recycled materials, and each chair is 99 per cent recyclable by weight.
• Supplier selection: In 2007 we reviewed the CSR criteria included in our standard supplier request for proposal documents (RFPs), advising suppliers that adherence to CSR principles is a factor in the Bank’s sourcing process. Scotiabank RFPs can require applicants to describe their CSR and environmental management system policies and practices, relevant CSR or environmental accreditations, programs to deliver energy efficient products and services, recycling and disposal methods and employment practices that support diversity.