Environmental Sustainability

For Commerce, environmental sustainability means working to reduce the negative impact our business operations have on the environment while improving the social and business environments in the communities in which we do business.

Our goal is to ensure that our business practices are consistent with our responsibility to shareholders, the good stewardship of natural resources, the well-being of the communities we serve and the health and happiness of our employees.

2009 Goals for our operations and offices

  • Consume less paper by further exploiting image technology, migrating to more electronic reports and promoting paper-saving printer options
  • Continue our programs to reduce energy and water consumption across the enterprise
  • Encourage recycling company-wide for computer monitors, paper, cans and plastics
  • Continue to refine our branch design to improve sustainability and to provide a healthy work environment
  • Encourage and promote broader acceptance of online usage among our customers through www.commercebank.com and Online Banking services for statements and product information

Commerce Bank's New Green Building in O'Fallon, Missouri
Commerce Bank's O'Fallon, Missouri Banking
Center is the first bank branch in the state
to receive LEED certification by the U.S.
Green Building Council.
Commerce is committed to environmental sustainability and actively works to reduce our environmental footprint. In 2006, we began to place increased emphasis on image-based operations, including a more critical review of print operations.  We also focused on reducing energy use through enhanced branch energy audits and by partnering with our principal electric utilities. We currently monitor and manage energy usage and participate in formal curtailment agreements to lower our electrical costs.

In 2008, Commerce opened Missouri's first LEED-certified bank branch in O'Fallon. The lessons we learned in reducing energy use, minimizing water use, using outdoor lighting and general building comfort are being incorporated in new branch designs, as well as in remodeling existing facilities.

Recognizing that employee commuting and travel costs are a major element of our carbon footprint, Commerce works with area transportation authorities to encourage public transportation, car pools and alternative forms of transportation. Internally, we also invest in video conferencing equipment and promote virtual meetings in lieu of physical travel.

In the area of waste reduction and recycling, we collect and recycle the products we cannot eliminate and ensure that electronic waste is being recycled responsibly. To help deal with waste before it gets in the door, we eliminate many foam and plastic products from the corporate purchasing stream.

Disclosures:

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