TORONTO, Sept. 14, 2018 /CNW/ - Scotiabank was recognized for its success in environmental, social and governance initiatives by placing on the 2018 Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America (DJSI), in the top 20 per cent of companies globally, and as one of the largest year-over-year point gainers across the Index itself.

The prestigious Index measures the performance of corporate sustainability leaders through a comprehensive assessment of economic, environmental and social criteria. With the benchmark for inclusion increasing each year, only the top industry leaders are applauded.

"We are thrilled that our hard work, across our environmental and social efforts, have been recognized," says Scotiabank's Meigan Terry, Senior Vice President of Global Communications and Sustainable Business. "At Scotiabank, investing in our communities has been a focus for over 185 years, but our corporate sustainability efforts are about changing the way we do business too. From our work on financial inclusion for underserved populations, through to inclusion in our workplace, and robust governance systems in place to uphold the trust our customers place in us each and every day. A sustainable business is one fit for the future. We are proud to be included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index this year, a reflection of our commitment to a sustainable future."

"I congratulate Scotiabank for being included in the DJSI North America. Companies that compete for a coveted place in the DJSI challenge themselves to continuously improve their sustainability practices and we are pleased to see that the number of companies that commit to achieving measurable positive impacts continues to rise," says Manjit Jus, Head of ESG Ratings, RobecoSAM.

Launched in 1999, the globally renowned Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) is part of the S&P Dow Jones Indices and run by RobecoSAM. Each year over 3,900 listed companies are requested to complete a comprehensive industry-specific questionnaire focused on economic, environmental and social factors. Only the top industry leaders are included in the annual Index.

Scotiabank was previously listed on DJSI North America in 2014.

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank believes that every customer has the right to become better off. When customers succeed, businesses, communities, and entire societies benefit as well. Through our CSR strategy, Better Future, Better Off, we seek to create economic, social and environmental value that benefits every customer. Through our five commitments to Customers, Employees, Communities, the Environment, and strong Corporate Governance practices, we aim to create a better future for both society and Scotiabank. For more information on our priorities and the impact we have made, please visit www.scotiabank.com/csr.

Scotiabank is Canada's international bank and a leading financial services provider in the Americas. We are dedicated to helping our 25 million customers become better off through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of more than 96,000 employees and assets of $947 billion (as at July 31, 2018), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit http://www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @ScotiabankViews.

SOURCE Scotiabank