Enhancing Our Environmental Performance

Cool Carpet tile is considered a climate neutral product because all carbon dioxide emissions associated with its life cycle are offset with emission reduction credits (ERCs). Projects that reduce or avoid the use of fossil fuels can generate ERCs, which eventually can be verified, traded, used and retired. In 2012, CIBC installed approximately 47,000 square metres of environmentally preferred Cool Carpet tile in our retail and corporate premises, which reduced greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 800 tonnes.

Furthermore, CIBC reduced annual water consumption across our retail branch network by installing new lower flow aerators on faucets. In 2012, new aerators were installed at more than 750 branches throughout our network.

CIBC maximizes the natural light penetration into all of our new or renovated work spaces through our “Right to Light” design criteria. “Right to Light” is a CIBC standard design principle that focuses on designing offices and meeting spaces on the interior of floors that leaves the exterior window areas available for employee workstations. “Right to Light” also incorporates glass fronts on offices, meeting rooms and common areas.

CIBC continues to seek Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED®) certification in select office spaces. In 2012, CIBC was awarded LEED® Gold certification from the Canadian Green Building Council (CaGBC) for our renovation projects on the fifth floor of the Commerce Court West office building in Toronto and for all five CIBC floors in Toronto’s Bell Trinity Square office building. The certification was awarded through the LEED® Canada for Commercial Interiors (CI) rating system, which is the recognized system for certifying high-performance green interiors that have a reduced environmental footprint and that promote a healthy and productive work place.

Participation in industry groups CIBC participates in a number of industry groups in order to remain current on environmental best practices. CIBC is proud to be a corporate member of the CaGBC, whose mission is to lead and accelerate the transformation to high-performing, healthy green buildings, homes and communities throughout Canada. CIBC was proud to be a Gold sponsor of the Greater Toronto Chapter of the CaGBC’s 2011 Annual Gala. Proceeds from the Gala went towards maintaining the Chapter’s numerous education and training programs and events. In 2012, CIBC renewed its participation in the CaGBC’s Green Up building energy benchmarking program. CIBC is also a member of Greening Greater Toronto’s Commercial Building Energy Initiative and Leadership Council. In 2012, CIBC continued our participation in Greening Greater Toronto’s Race to Reduce initiative. This four-year race challenges participants to reduce total energy use by 10 per cent in the Greater Toronto area by 2014. As a landlord and/or tenant, CIBC has registered our major Toronto office buildings and is working with other landlords and tenants to achieve this goal.