Turning the Town Green in 8 Cities to Raise Environmental Awareness

Apr 7 2008

Chase has signed on to help eight large U.S. cities enjoy "America's largest Earth Day celebration" with Earth Day Network and the Green Apple Festival. A weekend of music and environmental awareness will culminate on Sunday, April 20th with free festivals occurring simultaneously at landmark locations in some of the largest cities in the U.S.

Furthering its environmental commitment, JPMorgan Chase is increasing its global greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal to 20% by 2012 using a 2005 baseline and adding 20-30 green bank branches this year in Texas, Colorado, the New York Tri-state area and Chicago area. The new Chase branches will seek Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification with low irrigation plant landscaping, solar reflectance, recycled materials in walls, floors and ceilings, higher efficient HVAC units, and Energy Star appliances.

"Chase has pledged more than financial support for the weekend-long Festival," says Peter Shapiro, founder and executive producer of the Green Apple Festival, "They've come onboard with man-power, ideas and additional resources in a way that extends their involvement with local communities to positively impact the environment."

"As presenting sponsor of the festival, we continue our commitment to preserving and enhancing the environment," said William Daley, head of JPMorgan Chase's Office of Corporate Responsibility. "By pooling resources with Green Apple Festival and the Earth Day Network, we can engage communities across the country and help protect the environment for future generations."

Chase and JPMorgan volunteers are helping local organizations raise environmental awareness and clean up parks, waterfronts and neighborhoods in six of the festival cities.

As part of their Green Apple Festival commitment, Chase is also supporting the Earth Day Network's Green Schools pilot program in low to moderate income schools in New York, Chicago and Denver. Teachers will plan environmental curriculums to help students learn about plants and ecosystems. Schools will conduct energy audits, install energy-efficient roofing, and use recycled materials and non-toxic products as a future model for schools nationwide.

"We are honored that Chase has agreed to support the Green Schools projects this year, which will bring healthier schools and environmental learning to these model schools," said Kathleen Rogers, President of Earth Day Network.

In 2004, JPMorgan Chase created its Office of Environmental Affairs to sharpen its focus on the environment and to implement environmentally responsible strategies and partnerships. The firm seeks to minimize its internal footprint by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and constructing its headquarters buildings to Platinum LEED standards. It also purchases renewable energy credits, invests in alternative energy, develops market mechanisms to manage climate risks, and promotes environmental and social responsibility in project financing. Through partnerships with non-profits, Chase supports initiatives to help children learn to protect the environment and to promote water conservation, forestry and biodiversity, as well as fostering public discussion on climate change.

Earth Day Network/Green Apple Festivals and Concerts:

Approximately 500,000 people are expected to attend the interactive and free public Green Apple Festivals and Earth Day on the National Mall on Sunday, April 20th at the following locations: