New RBC retail banking and insurance locations to be green powered

RBC today announced a significant initiative to reduce the environmental impact of its Canadian operations by expanding its commitment to purchase clean, renewable green power for all new locations expected to open across the country throughout 2007 and 2008. This initiative will boost RBC’s green energy consumption to more than 7,000 megawatt hours.

By the end of 2008, more than 70 retail banking and insurance locations across the country will be powered by clean, renewable sources that meet Environment Canada’s EcoLogoM standard.

“We have a responsibility to our clients, our communities and our employees to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and seek out opportunities to preserve and protect the environment,” said James Westlake, head of Canadian Banking. “Using green power in our new locations, encouraging clients to switch to e-statements, and decreasing our own energy and paper consumption, are a few ways in which RBC is further reducing our operational footprint and reinforcing our environmental commitment.”

RBC is also integrating green building practices into new leased facilities. For example, the RBC Centre under construction in Toronto will use deep lake water cooling and will include an under floor air distribution system and a rainwater re-use system. By taking ongoing steps to cut energy consumption and stepping up the use of green energy, by the end of 2008 RBC expects to reduce greenhouse gases by over 5,000 tonnes annually, and other harmful emissions by more than 20 tonnes annually.

As part of this initiative, RBC announced it is renewing and expanding its current contract with Bullfrog Power for new retail locations to be opened in Alberta and Ontario. RBC currently purchases green power from Bullfrog Power for 23 locations in these provinces.

“RBC’s commitment to use renewable energy sources demonstrates its leadership role in sustainable business practices,” said Tom Heintzman, president, Bullfrog Power. “RBC was the first financial institution in Canada to purchase green power from Bullfrog in 2005 and we are proud to help them continue to create a cleaner, healthier environment for their clients.”

Bullfrog Power is a leading provider of 100 per cent green electricity. Founded in 2005, Bullfrog provides homes and businesses in Alberta and Ontario with an easy way to go green and help create a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations. All of Bullfrog’s power comes from clean, renewable sources like wind power and low-impact water power that displace polluting and carbon-intensive sources like coal. Bullfrog sources power exclusively from generators that have received Environment Canada’s Environmental ChoiceM Program EcoLogoM certification. Thousands of Canadian homeowners and hundreds of businesses have made the decision to become “bullfrogpowered™” and support the generation of clean, renewable power.

RBC is considered one of Canada’s most respected corporations and leading employers, and is recognized among the world’s financial, social and environmental leaders. RBC was named Canada’s Best Corporate Citizen in 2007, and is included on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, the Jantzi Social Index, the FTSE4Good Index, and the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations ranking. In 2007, Newsweek magazine ranked the company first among large corporations worldwide for its ability to manage environmental risks and opportunities. The company produces an annual Corporate Responsibility Report outlining its sustainability performance.