For Earth Day 2022, we need to act (boldly), innovate (broadly), and implement (equitably). It’s going to take all of us. All in. Businesses, governments, and citizens – everyone accounted for, and everyone accountable. A partnership for the planet. –EarthDay.org
On Friday, April 22, we celebrate Earth Day – a worldwide annual event to demonstrate support for improving our environment and planet. Sunward is proud to have made carbon emissions reductions a priority, and we are encouraged to see members and employees stand behind our efforts.
WE'RE GOING GREEN AT OUR BRANCHES
At our new Jefferson branch, Sunward decided to xeriscape the existing turf. “The landscaping that Sunward inherited at the new Jefferson location contributed to a monthly water usage of about 115,000 gallons while the building was unoccupied,” says Selby Lucero, Sunward’s Facilities Manager. “And while it’s too early to pull long-term statistics, we’re excited to report that in the branch’s first month of occupancy, we’ve reduced water usage to 18,700 gallons – that’s an 84% reduction over the previous average.”
At other Sunward branches, we monitor energy usage via the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, a free analytics tool provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Our Edgewood, Rio Rancho, and Paseo branches have all received ENERGY STAR certifications – an accolade awarded only to those buildings performing better than 75% of similar ones nationwide. Additionally, a majority of Sunward’s 350-plus employees are eligible to work remotely, which results in lower emissions from reducing daily office commutes.
YOU CAN HELP!
Enroll in online banking. Sunward members can securely access their account information, deposit checks, pay bills, apply for loans, transfer funds, track spending, build budgets, and more, 24/7 – all without driving to a branch. Save time and reduce your use of fossil fuels by enrolling at slfcu.org/OnlineBanking.
Switch to eStatements. Printing and mailing monthly statements can contribute to deforestation, increased fossil fuel use, and water waste. Switching to eStatements is an easy way to lessen that impact. Plus, because they are password-protected, eStatements are often more secure than mailed ones, which may get lost or misplaced. As a result of eStatement initiatives, Sunward has contributed to the planting of over 5,300 trees through donations to the National Forest Foundation. Ready to make a difference? Visit slfcu.org/eStatements to enroll.
As we charge through the digital age, Sunward is proud to offer convenience and security with the online systems provided to our members, and we’re encouraged by increased participation in new technologies that can help save our planet. This Earth Day and every day, we hope you’ll join us in our commitment to reducing our environmental impact.
