Communities cannot achieve economic prosperity if entrepreneurial activities and residents' health are compromised by toxins in the land, air and water, or if natural resources are consumed in an unsustainable way. Therefore, to build strong sustainable communities, we must also focus on environmental issues.

How does a banking corporation address environmental issues?

First, by adopting sound conservation principles for its own operations – reducing energy and paper consumption, reducing and recycling its waste and buying products made of recycled materials.

Second, by providing information to its customers that shows how their choices have long-term environmental impact.  Homeowners, if they know how, can reduce their electric and gas usage, benefiting their pocketbooks as well as the environment.  Businesses, if they know how, can also reduce their energy consumption, waste and potentially their use of toxic chemicals.

Third, by providing financing for physical improvements that benefit the environment.  These physical improvements can include building modifications, equipment upgrades and restoring vacant buildings to new economic life.  These investments also directly benefit the community by revitalizing its real estate, leading to improved perceptions and higher property values.

Since 2000, when ShoreBank began focusing on environmental issues in all its locations, it has invested over $1 billion in loans that contribute to a healthier environment.  Almost all these loans also had direct community development impact since most financed real estate rehabilitation.