New Resource Bank: Serving Customers and the Environment
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 11.14.06
Wall Street Journal (subscription only) reports that “One of the nation's first "green" banks -- focused on investing in clean technology and other green ventures -- has started here [San Francisco Bay area] with backing from a roster of Silicon Valley and other business heavyweights. Named New Resource Bank, the institution is set to hold its grand opening today with an initial equity infusion of $24.7 million from 240 founding investors, …” The bank plans loans in alternative energy, organic farms and green construction and “would try to encourage it’s borrowers to be greener, such as by introducing them to green associations and techniques related to their businesses”. Guess that means its customers will be reading TreeHugger!
NRB reports their internal green upgrades include:
"Our office is built to standards of a Gold LEED CI Certification for green buildings.Our employees receive incentives for public transit, so they save energy and don’t lose time in traffic jams.
Our mobile customer service representative will use efficient modes of transportation, including a gas-electric hybrid, to serve you when needed.
Our use of secured and reliable technology replaces old, non-mission critical use of paper.
Our use of recycled products saves money and resources".
Address:
New Resource Bank
405 Howard Street, Suite 110
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 995-8100
An interview with the bank's founder is posted here:
http://www.insidegreentech.com/node/328
=== author's response follows ===
Thanks Dallas.
While this is certainly welcome news, there are already green banks in North America. One of my favourites is EcoTrust and EcoTrust Canada.
Check them out, please