Connect Power with Trees. Local utilities like Duke Energy or Piedmont Gas may be willing to spearhead the promotion of trees as an energy saver, potentially through participation of the newly established Energy Saving Trees (EST) program. EST is a research-based tool created by the Arbor Day Foundation, intended to help homeowners and utility companies save energy and money by strategically planting trees.
Utility companies across the country are signing up as partners to help reduce energy use through strategic tree planting. This program enables utility companies to provide free or reduced-cost trees to their customers who plant trees to save energy, and allow property owners to map out online exactly where to plant their tree to get the most benefits. The energy bill insert at the right shows how one of the EFT partners—PepCo—has initiated this program in the Maryland/DC area. |
Bank of America has partnered with American Forests to provide $250,000 to fund an assessment of the urban forest and climate change in five US cities.
"We have a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, which helps us better support our customers, clients and the communities where we do business," says Cathy Bessant, Bank of America’s Global Technology and Operations executive and chair of the company’s Environmental Council. "Our partnership with American Forests will help community leaders understand and respond to impacts occurring to the biological infrastructure on which our cities depend.” Bank of America cites their "goal is to help create economically vibrant regions and communities through lending, investing and giving. By partnering with our stakeholders, we create value that empowers individuals and communities to thrive and contributes to the long-term success of our business. We have several core areas of focus for our CSR, including responsible business practices; environmental sustainability; strengthening local communities with a focus on housing; hunger and jobs; investing in global leadership development; and engaging through arts and cultural." Source: Bank of America |