Buildings in Peru, Chile and Mexico Join Bank Landmarks Across Canada in
    Earth HourTORONTO, March 27 /CNW/ - For the second year in a row Scotiabank will
participate in the global climate change awareness initiative Earth Hour.
Highly visible Scotiabank landmarks across Canada and in an increasing number
of international locations will switch off non-essential lights, services and
equipment.
    "As a responsible corporation, it is important for us to recognize Earth
Hour, promote awareness on climate change, and to demonstrate leadership in
promoting environmental sustainability all year round," said Kaz Flinn,
Scotiabank Vice-President, Corporate Social Responsibility. "At the same time,
all ABM, online and telephone banking services will continue to be available,
and all security measures will remain active."
    Earth Hour is an international lights out event taking place from 8:30
p.m. - 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 28th. The goal is to get as many
individuals and businesses as possible to turn off their lights for one hour
in a worldwide effort that helps raise awareness about climate change.Canadian participating Scotiabank locations include:
    Scotia Plaza, Toronto, including the ticker sign on King Street
    650 West Georgia, Vancouver
    Scotia Place, Edmonton
    Scotia Centre, Calgary
    Tour Scotia, MontrealFor the first time this year, several of Scotiabank's largest
international locations are also taking part with buildings in Peru, Mexico
and Chile turning out non-essential lights.
    "Scotiabank is committed to improving its environmental footprint and
encouraging our customers and employees to do the same, both in Canada and
around the world", said Ms. Flinn. "While Earth Hour raises the important
issue of climate change, we are committed to improving our practices for the
longer term."
    The following are examples of measures Scotiabank is taking to help
address the important issue of climate change and reduce our overall
environmental impact:-   In 2008 we launched the Scotia Global Climate Change Fund, a mutual
        fund that helps Canadians invest in companies that mitigate the
        impact of climate change.
    -   A recent lighting retrofit in our Canadian branches led to a decrease
        in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 4,367 tons per year, the
        equivalent of enough energy to power 800 average Canadian homes for a
        year. In 2008 we arranged for the environmental disposal or reuse of
        more than 24,000 pieces of computer equipment.
    -   Scotia Capital actively supports the development of renewable energy
        by financing clean energy projects. In the past two years, Scotia
        Capital provided financing and raised more than $2 billion in
        financing for the renewable energy sector.
    -   Scotiabank recently introduced an internal Environmental Paper Policy
        to help reduce paper consumption and promote sustainable forestry
        practices.
    -   External signage in both Canadian and international locations use LED
        lighting for new individual letter signs. We also install timers on
        exterior signs to ensure lights only turn on after dark.
    -   Scotiabank supports environmental conservation and education projects
        including the Tides Canada Foundation project to help preserve
        British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest, and greenlearning.ca, an
        online learning and research centre designed for teachers and
        students in Grades 1 through 12, focusing on the issue of climate
        change.
    -   Scotiabank has been recognized as a Carbon Disclosure Leader in
        Canada for providing investors with transparent climate change
        information.Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and
Canada's most international bank. With more than 69,000 employees, Scotiabank
Group and its affiliates serve approximately 12.8 million customers in some 50
countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a diverse range of products and
services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking.
With more than $509 billion in assets (as at January 31, 2009), Scotiabank
trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information
please visit www.scotiabank.com.