Going Green

First Bank & Trust—in an effort to lead the way for the community and foster the same mindset both by example and, soon, by incentive for those around us—has been studying the opportunities to increase our position as a “green bank.” While we’re still in the early stages of this pursuit, we do have some news to report.

First, we recently met with Carolyn Collopy, the Sustainable Programs Coordinator for the City of Evanston, to hear what was planned for the city and to see how we might fit into those plans. The most immediate results will be that we will be one of the recipients of a bike rack, part of the citywide installation that will occur this spring. Please watch for it and bike on over to see us.

We are continuing our support of our adopted school’s toner recycling program. The bank recycles used toner cartridges through the Funding Factory, a company that rewards participating schools with computer equipment and other technology support and, in turn, makes these cartridges usable again.

Our brochures are printed on recycled paper and every effort is made to recycle as much of our used paper as possible. Our architects, Behles and Behles, are in the preliminary stages of obtaining LEED certification under the oversight of the Green Building Council and are most proactive in ensuring our new locations will take advantage of all opportunities to be environmentally responsible. In fact, our Skokie location, though not a new building, has light fixtures that are twice as efficient as the ones they replaced.

As time goes on we’ll be implementing additional practices and will be letting you know how we’ll be able to support YOUR efforts as well.