| [April 23, 2012] |
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Wells Fargo: $30+ Billion in Environmental Investments by 2020
SAN FRANCISCO --(Business Wire)--
Wells Fargo (News - Alert) & Company (NYSE: WFC) announced today an enhanced commitment
to environmental leadership that includes the following goals to be
achieved by 2020: $30 billion in loans and investments in support of a
"greener" economy, $100 million in community grants for grassroots
environmental initiatives, and a 40% increase in the company's energy
efficiency.
"Our commitment to the environment reflects our belief that Wells
Fargo's responsibility as a corporation goes beyond its mission of
helping customers succeed financially. We also have a major role to play
in promoting the long-term economic prosperity and quality of life of
the communities we serve," said Chairman, President and CEO John Stumpf.
"By bringing our talents and resources to these efforts, we seek to work
jointly with businesses and communities in protecting and preserving
this planet and its precious resources for future generations."
Wells Fargo's comprehensive commitment to investing in environmental
solutions for stronger communities includes three areas of focus through
2020:
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Accelerating the transition to a "greener" economy
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$30 billion in loans and investments to promote a "greener
economy," including wind and solar energy, clean technologies,
energy efficient buildings, environmental innovation, and
environmentally responsible public financing
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An approach to environmental and social risk management focused on
responsible ways of doing business together with our business
customers
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Engage its 70 million customers through marketing and
communications aimed at raising awareness about products and
services that can help customers succee financially as well as
protect the environment - e.g. promotions of paperless banking
services and financing for energy efficient home improvements
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Encouraging stronger and more sustainable communities
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$100 million in community grants and increased volunteerism for
grassroots environmental initiatives, such as programs that bring
people together to plant and care for city trees and open spaces.
Grants also support "innovation" led by nonprofits and
universities aimed at promoting clean technology and breaking down
barriers to a "greener" economy
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Target (News - Alert) $1 billion for low- to moderate-income communities to prove
the added value of community investments with environmental
benefits
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Reducing the environmental impact of Wells Fargo's operations.
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Create a culture of sustainability by increasing team member
environmental stewardship in our communities, at work and in our
daily lives
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Achieve measurable environmental performance goals by 2020:
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40% increase in energy efficiency
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65% waste diversion rate
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35% reduction in absolute greenhouse gas emissions below 2008
levels
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35% of buildings will achieve Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED®) certification
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Engage suppliers to enhance its environmental performance through
increased accountability and transparency in its supply chain
"Our research shows more than 80 percent of our consumers think
environmental issues are important," said Mary Wenzel, Wells Fargo's
director of Environmental Affairs. "We share their values and concerns
and are acting on them through a broad-based, financially powerful
approach to the environmental opportunities and needs we see on the
horizon. We hope to demonstrate that progress for Wells Fargo and for
the communities we serve does not have to come at the expense of the
planet we share."
Find more information about Wells Fargo's environmental initiatives and
join us in a conversation about these important issues on Wells Fargo
Environmental Forum, blog.wellsfargo.com/environment.
About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a nationwide, diversified,
community-based financial services company with $1.3 trillion in assets.
Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides
banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial
finance through more than 9,000 stores, 12,000 ATMs, the Internet
(wellsfargo.com), and other distribution channels across North America
and internationally. We want to help all of our customers succeed
financially and create long-term economic growth and quality of life for
everyone in our communities. In 2011, the Company invested a record
$213.5 million in grants in 19,000 nonprofits, and team members
contributed more than 1.5 million volunteer hours around the country.
For more information, please visit: www.wellsfargo.com/about/csr.

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