Environmental Footprint

Key Highlights of our Progress:

• Released the RBC Employee Environmental Stewardship Guidelines on Earth Day 2009, to help all employees reduce and rethink our environmental footprint at work.
• Converted all office paper purchased in Canada and the United States to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified sources. Converted all office paper in the British Isles to either FSC, Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification or 100% recycled content.
• At the end of 2008, RBC had a total of 76 branches in Alberta and Ontario powered by “green" emission-free power, reducing our carbon footprint by 2,095 metric tonnes. RBC is committed to using green power in branches in provinces where green power is available.
• Updated the electrical, mechanical and architectural standards for our Canadian branch network to eliminate excess capacity and to improve energy efficiency.
• In 2008, performed 19 lighting retrofits in Canadian branches with an estimated energy savings of 463,000 kWh per year, and associated 80 tonnes GHG emission reduction.
• Continued a multi-year server virtualization program at RBC data centres in Ontario, which to date reduced the number of computer servers by 2,602 physical units. This has resulted in an estimated annual energy savings of 7,100 MWh and a reduction in GHG emissions of approximately 1,290 metric tonnes per year.
• Launched Energy Smart, an internal program developed and managed by CRE to promote energy conservation in our branch and office building premises.
• Integrated green building standards into the new RBC Centre, located in downtown Toronto, scheduled for completion in 2009. The new building includes a system for using rainwater in toilets, high performance windows, ultra-low flow taps, a comprehensive energy monitoring system, and daylight and occupancy sensors for lighting needs. The new RBC Centre is aiming for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification for new construction. 
• Drafted the RBC Responsible Procurement Policy that will increase the acquisition of environmentally and socially preferable products and services.
• Initiated a Canadian recycling pilot project intent on expanding recycling programs at properties where “free” municipal commercial recycling programs are under utilized.
• Continued our Furniture Reuse Program that diverted an estimated 30 tonnes of furniture from landfills by finding ways to reuse or donate the furniture to charities.
• Offset the carbon emissions associated with the production of the RBC 2008 Annual Report, Proxy Circular and Corporate Responsibility Report through the purchase and retirement of certified emission reduction credits recognized under the Kyoto Protocol.
• Purchased green power for some of our larger events, including our annual general meeting of shareholders, the BLUE Gala for Lake Ontario Waterkeepers, and other events.