New and Notable

Video: Greening the 2011 RBC Canadian Open

In July, RBC and Golf Canada partnered with several event suppliers to green the 2011 RBC Canadian Open. Watch our Greening the 2011 RBC Canadian Open video to see what a premier green golf event is all about.

Focus Forward: A Report on Greening Logistics

RBC has partnered with Supply Chain & Logistics Association Canada (SCL) and issued Focus Forward: Enhancing supply chain value with green logistics and transportation report, the second in a series on Business and the Environment. This report examines the risks and opportunities related to Canadian companies involved in transportation, warehousing, inventory management and material handling. It also explores the competitive advantages leading companies have already reaped by making sustainability a business priority. RBC and SCL are hosting discussion panels across the country addressing the top sustainability issues facing logistics companies today.

Spotlight on Supplier Labour Standards

Since 2007, the Shareholder Association for Research and Education (SHARE) has been working with the commercial real estate sector to help improve labour standards in the property service supply chain. A recent report by SHARE entitled "Cleaning up", evaluated nine commercial real estate companies and five financial institutions on their contracting policies for workers who clean, maintain and provide security for commercial buildings in Canada. The report identified RBC as the top Canadian financial institution and fourth company overall for policies addressing labour standards in the property service supply chain. Visit Supplier Standards and RBC Responsible Procurement for more information.

2011 Imagine H2O Prize to Focus on Wastewater Opportunities

Imagine H2O, an organization that inspires and empowers people to turn water challenges into opportunities, announced its 2011 Prize competition, with $200,000 in cash and in-kind services to be shared by water start-ups that have the most viable business plans for wastewater innovations. The competition, now in its third year, expects to attract innovations related to water reuse, treatment, resource recovery, energy production, and other opportunities to generate revenue from wastewater. Competition finalists will be entered into the Imagine H2O Accelerator Program – a recognized path-to-market platform. The RBC Blue Water Project is a founding sponsor of this annual competition.

2011 Imagine H2O Prize to Focus on Wastewater Opportunities

RBC Named to 2012 Dow Jones Sustainability Index

For the 12th consecutive year, RBC has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, an annual review that recognizes the world's financial, social and environmental corporate leaders. RBC was also named to the DJSI North America Index. These indices list leading companies that create long-term shareholder value by embracing opportunities and managing risks stemming from economic, environmental and social developments. They track the financial performance of leading sustainability-driven companies. The annual review influences the investment decisions of asset managers who use the DJSI family as objective benchmarks for sustainability portfolios.

Profile in Green Financing

Evergreen

(photos: Tom Arban)

Since 1991, the not-for-profit Evergreen has been delivering hands-on environmental education by engaging people in creating and enjoying outdoor spaces in Canadian cities. Evergreen funds some of its programming through a social enterprise model centred around its headquarters, Evergreen Brick Works, which is registered for LEED-Platinum certification. Income is generated from office space and event rentals; a garden market; a café; summer camps; parking and other activities. At the same time, Evergreen Brick Works provides a social and environmental return to the community. A former brownfield site, this landmark environmental centre in the heart of Toronto delivers programs and services related to community, culture and nature.

RBC has supported Evergreen every step of the way, from helping manage Evergreen's $55 million capital campaign, to supporting an inner city youth internship program, to advising Evergreen as a social entrepreneur.

Upcoming Events

Webinar: What an Environmental Sustainability Strategy can do for your Business
September 29, 12:30pm to 1:15pm Eastern
Join Jim Hart, Green Business Client Strategy and Sandra Odendahl, Director of Corporate Environmental Affairs at RBC for a discussion of the business case for sustainability today, and a proven five step approach to creating a green plan for your business.
More event info >

Canada Green Building Council Canada House Pavilion at GreenBuild 2011
October 4-6, Toronto
RBC is Supporting Sponsor of "Canada House" by the CaGBC, which is acting as the official host committee at Greenbuild.
More event info > and Greenbuild >

UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Global Roundtable 2011
October 19-20, Washington DC
Sandra Odendahl, RBC Director Corporate Environmental Affairs and Rob Nicholson, RBC Managing Director Power and Utilities are both speaking at the event entitled "The Tipping Point: Sustained stability in the next economy". RBC is also a Silver Sponsor of the event.
More event info >

WWF Panda Ball
October 21, Toronto
RBC is the Presenting Sponsor of the first-ever Panda Ball in Canada, a gala event that will bring together visionaries from the philanthropic and business communities who are leading the next generation of conservation.
More event info >

Pollution Probe 2011 Gala
November 23, Toronto
RBC is a proud Gold Sponsor of this annual Gala which brings together approximately 400 to 500 leaders and enablers for an evening of networking and celebration.
More event info >

Canada Green Building Council – Toronto Chapter Annual Gala
November 23, Toronto
Linda Mantia, RBC Head of Enterprise Services and Chief Procurement Officer, is co-hosting the Toronto Chapter's Annual Gala themed "Building Towards a Low Carbon Future".
More event info >

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