We strive to be more than a bank. Our goal is to bring ethical and inclusive finance to the Bronx and the greater New York City area. As NYC Climate Week kicks off, we want to share our recent pledge to Bank.Green’s Fossil Free Banking Alliance, an organization that recognizes banks that divest from — or, as in our case, have never invested in — fossil fuels.
With this new commitment, we certify that we will not fund the production or extraction of fossil fuels. Pledging with Bank.Green is just one of the ways we take action on our commitment to better banking with Bank for Good, the national movement of banks who recognize their responsibility to address the climate crisis.
We also continue to improve our measures internally. For example, we have been carbon neutral since 2018. As a B Corp, doubling down on our environmental impact is a core value of our ethos.
We’re making certain that we’re not only carbon neutral, but also ensuring that our actions internally and externally reflect the same goals in protecting the environment.
We take a stand against fossil fuels because it not only negatively impacts the environment at large, but they also directly contribute to climate change’s effects on the communities we serve. According to the EPA, “the effects of climate change disproportionately fall on underserved communities who are least able to prepare for, and recover from, heat waves, poor air quality, flooding, and other impacts.” In short, environmental inequity goes hand-in-hand with financial inequity. Taking the Bank.Green pledge and taking action is a part of our vision to build abundant futures for our clients and their families for the long-term.
There is no set plan for sustainability that will work forever. We are constantly evolving in terms of our goals and initiatives to improve our impact.
We adapt to changes as we continue our sustainable journey. With our commitments to Bank.Green, Bank for Good, as well as other climate-friendly initiatives like our E-Bike Loan NYC and Green Personal Checking Account, we are closer than ever to transforming how banks do business for good. We hope to inspire other banks in NY – and across the country – to do the same.
Ready to take climate action? Check out some ways you can go green with us:
- Enroll in paperless statements for your personal checking account, personal savings account, or business checking account.
- Encourage your employer to enroll in our Employee Opportunity Program, so that you and your colleagues can make your commute cleaner and greener when you apply for personal loan through our E-Bike Loan NYC.
- Get your kids involved in nature-based activities, like boatbuilding, sailing, and environmental science with Rocking the Boat, our nonprofit partner.
- Join our nonprofit partners at Bronx River Alliance for a variety of community outdoors activities, including paddling the river, gardening, and volunteering opportunities.
- Interested in learning if your bank is contributing to climate chaos? Find your bank’s report on Bank.Green.
