Pillars of Being Premier
Sustainability
600k
We procure over 600,000 kWh of renewable energy annually to run our operations.
$30k
Donated $30,000 to sustainability-related causes in 2022.
26k
We diverted over 26,000 pounds of electronics waste from members since 2022.
Being a sustainable organization means that we value the communities in which we operate, the people we serve, and the nature we rely on as much as we value our ability to thrive and grow financially.
Sustainable Efforts
At Premier Members, we began our sustainability journey many years ago, and proudly continue to support our the holistic lives of our communities today. We will always strive to increase the adoption of sustainable practices across Colorado’s Front Range and be an example for other financial institutions.
Our Sustainability Mission
To change what sustainability means in the financial industry by handcrafting a future alongside our community to ensure we’re all here for each other in the long-term, while still supporting our local areas today.
To find out more about our progress and actions that we are taking, please view our latest report!
Resources
As the Artisans of Banking, we view ourselves as much more than just tellers, loan officers and executives – we’re stewards of our community because we love living here, too. So, we’ve put together some ways to show you what actions you can take in your own lifestyle at home, work and in our community. Have any solutions of your own that you’d like to share with the community? Send your ideas to our Sr. Sustainability Specialist, Garrett Chappell at GChappell@pmcu.org and it could end up on this page!
Achievements
Our Carbon Impact
Sustainability isn’t just a talking point for us, it’s part of who we are as the Artisans of Banking. We have began the exciting process of a full enterprise carbon analysis of our origination so that as our member, you can see what your environmental impact is when you bank with us. Check back on this page periodically to see updated information, and concrete goals in our reduction efforts.
Below are our measurable Scope 1 (direct emissions from our facilities like on site natural gas usage) and Scope 2 (indirect emissions because of our facilities like electricity usage).
Scope 1 (Direct Emissions)
247 Metric Tons CO2e
Scope 2 (Indirect Emissions)
770.8 Metric Tons CO2e
For Our Members
We love that our members are as into sustainability as we are, so we want to mention a few ways that you can be more eco-friendly just by how you bank. If you have suggestions for us, please let our Sr. Sustainability Specialist, Garrett Chappell, know at GChappell@pmcu.org.
- Sign up for eStatements and our renovated Digital Banking
The days of printing everything can be over if you want them to be. Our Online Banking and Mobile Banking platforms make your digital experience feel like you’re walking into your neighborhood branch, but with added layers of security and much less paper. Your statements are kept in an online archive for up to 7 years and you can avoid the hassle of wasting paper, checks and stamps when paying bills. Sign up today! - Checks on Recycled Paper
We understand, some people just want to feel the paper in between their fingers, no problem. If you’re a tactile person, please consider choosing the Recycled Checks option on your next re-order.
Partnerships
It takes a village, and we’re proud to be part of a swiftly growing sustainable community that shares our core belief of developing a future that we can all share. Let us introduce you to our partners, and please support them if you can. Our collaborative innovation on sustainable solutions knows no bounds!
The Alliance Center
The Alliance Center exists to solve systemic problems. Their award-winning co-working space is a demonstration site for sustainability in action and houses many of the state’s leading nonprofits focusing on social, economic and environmental wellbeing.
City of Longmont
The City of Longmont Sustainable Business Program‘s goal is to support and recognize businesses in the local community making meaningful efforts to reduce their environmental impact, act socially responsible and contribute to the economic vitality of Longmont.
City of Louisville
The City of Louisville Green Business Program awards local businesses for their sustainability, and we’re grateful to have been honored since 2019. They also put on webinars and networking events to help businesses, and provide a host of other green energy programs.
City of Westminster
Established in 2020, The City of Westminster SAGE program recognizes businesses for their efforts in driving sustainability through their operations and culture. They’re always looking for more business to help guide through the process, and they even have sustainability resources for residents.
Colorado Agrivoltaic Learning Center
Agrivoltaics is co-developing the same area of land for both solar power as well as for agriculture. At the Colorado Agrivoltaic Learning Center, which partners with Jack’s Solar Garden, we support educational tours for students and teachers to learn about the benefits.
Colorado Green Building Guild
The Colorado Green Building Guild is a non-profit trade organization representing a wide range of green building leaders, and serving the community at large by making green building common practice and accessible to all. Based in Boulder, CGBG strives to ensure the widespread adoption of sustainable practices to increase the efficient use of resources, create healthier buildings, and support vibrant, sustainable communities throughout all of Colorado!
Drive Clean Colorado
Drive Clean Colorado is a non-profit member organization that delivers a variety of programs to support equitable clean transportation and efficient mobility choices with the goal of reducing greenhouse gases for cleaner, healthier air for Colorado.
Eco-Cycle
Eco-Cycle launched recycling in Colorado in 1976, and today is one of the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit recyclers and a leader of the Zero Waste movement. They work with every sector of the community to innovate, implement, and advocate for local and global Zero Waste solutions to foster a more regenerative, equitable, and climate-resilient future.
Efficiency Works
Efficiency Works unites the energy and water efficiency offerings of the northern Colorado utilities of Estes Park Power and Communications, Fort Collins Utilities, Longmont Power & Communications, Loveland Water and Power and Platte River Power Authority. Efficiency Works offers home and business energy advising to help folks save energy, water and money.
Jack's Solar Garden
Jack’s Solar Garden, is a nationally-known community solar panel “farm” that we procure roughly 250,000 kWh of renewable energy from each year. Their agrivoltaic approach to community solar studies the impacts on water usage, crop yield and quality, and natural habitat restoration under elevated solar panels. One of our most unique partnerships, they’re leading the agrivoltaic movement in Boulder (and the US).
PACE
Partners for A Clean Environment provides free expert advisor services, financial incentives and a certification program in Boulder County to help businesses measure and gain recognition for their energy, waste, water and transportation achievements. We’re proud to be a PACE Partner.
Resource Central
Resource Central is an award-winning environmental nonprofit dedicated to helping people save water, reduce waste, and conserve energy. With over 40 years of experience, their programs make it easy to conserve natural resources.
Sustainable Resilient Longmont
Since 2015 Sustainable Resilient Longmont has worked with Longmont residents, businesses, and city staff to cultivate a sustainable and thriving community as the hub for education advocacy and action they support the three core pillars of sustainability: environmental protection, responsible economic growth, and social equity.
United in Sustainability
United in Sustainability is a consortium of credit unions focused on creating a sustainable future. As a group, we strategize new products and engagement across our supply chains, develop tools for scaling sustainable efforts, and share best practices. This effort is headed up by the United Nations Federal Credit Union in New York.
Women in Sustainability
At Women in Sustainability, we provide a safe place for like-minded individuals to connect and learn in order to fight climate change and social injustice. We welcome women and allies working, studying, or pursuing sustainability during all stages of their sustainability journey. All industries and sustainability thought leaders are welcome to join the WIS community. We need everyone’s voice heard so we can work together to find common ground for a better future. Collectively, we know we can make a difference, and the time to act is now.
Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy has a host of programs for their customers, from rebates and incentives, to clean energy programs, to auditing services. We’ve conducted energy audits at seven of our branches and continue to implement solutions to reduce our energy footprint.
Projects
When we say we’re active in building a sustainable future with our community, this is what we mean. Take a look at some of our projects that we’re currently working on with local organizations.
Community solar
We’ve subscribed to approximately 600,000 kWh of community solar in Broomfield, Boulder and Pueblo, helping increase the amount of renewable energy in the utility mix, and supporting adoption of renewables throughout Colorado.
Rightcycle
As the pandemic increased our need for disposable personal protective equipment for branch employees and members, we identified a nitrile glove recycling program in partnership with Kimberly Clark called RightCycle. We have been able to recycle over 135 lbs. of gloves since 2020, and continue to recycle through this program.
Water audits and irrigation savings
By conducting water audits through Resource Central’s commercial Slow the Flow program, we’ve been able to reduce our water usage by over 20% across our enterprise since 2018 (over 500,000 gallons per year).
Zero waste
Our 2021 Earth Day event at our Arapahoe branch collected over 27,000 pounds of electronics to break down and divert from the landfill. Over 600 members and employees dropped off during the week, in what was stated as the most successful private collection event held in partnership with Eco-Cycle.
We hold regular E-Waste pickups at our branches, so make sure you are connected to our email and social media accounts to hear when we’re holding one in your neighborhood!
Additionally, every Premier Members branch has zero waste stations for employees and members. We collect recycling and compost, and divert over 25,000 pounds from landfill each year.