TORONTO, April 23 /CNW/ - As part of its ongoing commitment to promote excellence in environmental stewardship, Scotiabank today announced its lead sponsorship of 'I am Green Power', a new campaign by Environmental Defence. to recognize Canadians who are already participating in clean energy, while showing others how they, and the environment, can benefit.

"We are excited to partner with Environmental Defence, an organization that is renowned for providing Canadians with environmental education and solutions for twenty five years," said Sue Graham Parker, Senior Vice President, Public, Corporate and Government Affairs. "Scotiabank recognizes that Canadians want to make a difference in the environment and the 'I am Green Power' campaign will help by providing conservation ideas and practical information on renewable energy technologies."

The centrepiece of the campaign will be an interactive website, www.iamgreenpower.ca, featuring stories from Canadians on how they are making an environmental difference as part of their every day lives. The stories will also be televised nationally through a series of public service announcements. Visitors to the site can ask questions about green power, sign a pledge to support green power, and send in their own stories about how they are green power. The best story submitted by August 2010 will be used in a future public service announcement. The campaign launches today at the Green Living Show where Scotiabank will also participate in an executive panel discussion on strategic approaches to sustainability.

"From solar power to energy-saving home renovations, thousands of Canadians are already using and benefiting from green power. With Scotiabank's support, we are telling these stories, and helping more Canadians get involved," said Dr. Rick Smith, Executive Director, Environmental Defence. "It's innovative partnerships like this that are needed to build a vibrant green economy."

The partnership with Environmental Defence builds on a series of recent environmental initiatives and acknowledgements for Scotiabank. On April 22nd, Scotiabank was named by Macleans and Canadian Business Magazine to THE GREEN 30 - a list of Canadian companies whose employees believe their employers best incorporate environmental stewardship into their business models and corporate cultures.

Over 200 Canadian organizations were eligible for consideration for THE GREEN 30. The list of 30 companies was independently compiled by Hewitt Associates, gathered from their Best Employers studies. As with the Best Employers and Best Small & Medium Employers studies, earning a spot on THE GREEN 30 list was based on the opinion of each employer's workforce.

"We are extremely pleased to be named to THE GREEN 30," said Kaz Flinn, Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, Scotiabank. "Our employees have played an important and enthusiastic role in achieving this recognition and I would like to commend them for their commitment. With environmental decisions now an ongoing part of how we do business, we are continually looking for and introducing new goals and innovations."

Scotiabank's recently released 2009 Corporate Social Responsibility Report outlines some of the Bank's recent major environmental initiatives and accomplishments, including:

-   a five per cent paper reduction target which employees met and
        doubled a full year ahead of schedule;
    -   a 2009 Canada-wide study of branch energy consumption laying the
        groundwork for development of tactics to reduce utility consumption;
    -   pilot 'green branch' innovations;
    -   Scotia Global Climate Change Fund - a Canadian mutual fund that
        invests in companies developing strategies to adapt to or mitigate
        the effects of climate change;
    -   naming to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, which recognizes
        corporate leaders in financial, environmental and social performance;
        and,
    -   Earth Day clean up and recycling activities at offices and branches
        across Canada.

"Real change comes when we all work together," said Ms. Flinn. "Through our partnerships, and corporate and employee activities, Scotiabank is proud to do its part to support environmental sustainability."

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2009 the Bank provided about $39 million in sponsorships and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas of healthcare, education, social services and arts and culture. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.