Environment in the news

For Immediate Release
Contacts: 
Jane Yedinak 
(415) 765-3241 
jane.yedinak@unionbank.com 

Daniel Weidman 
(213) 236-4050 
daniel.weidman@unionbank.com 

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, August 20, 2013 – In an effort to further its commitment to corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability, Union Bank, N.A. today announced its participation in the 2013 ENERGY STAR™ National Building Competition: Battle of the Buildings, a contest that represents excellence in energy performance. 

The competition is held among commercial and public-sector buildings, in an effort to save energy and combat climate change. With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s ENERGY STAR program, participants will measure, track, and report their monthly energy consumption using Portfolio Manager, EPA’s online energy management tool. The building with the greatest percentage-based, weather normalized, reduction in energy use over the duration of the contest will be recognized as the biggest energy loser. 

“Participating in this Energy Star Battle of the Buildings competition reflects our commitment to being an environmentally sustainable organization,” said Vice President and Environmental Specialist of Union Bank’s Environmental Stewardship Department Kim Luu. “Union Bank is committed to continually raising the bar on energy efficiency and carbon reduction in our buildings by engaging our employees and raising environmental awareness. Energy Star programs such as this are essential in measuring our progress.” 

Union Bank Senior Vice President and Director of Facilities Management David Gunter said, “The Corporate Real Estate team is thrilled to partner with the Environmental Stewardship Department and all of our employees in this competition. This initiative demonstrates Union Bank’s commitment to supporting programs that help to positively impact our communities.” 

Responsible operating policies, practices, and energy efficiency improvements that contribute to the competition also align with Union Bank’s corporate commitment to sustainability. Union Bank has already implemented energy-efficiency projects, launched employee training programs, and actively tracked resource consumption. In 2012, thirty-one Union Bank retail branches throughout California were awarded the U.S. EPA Energy Star certification, a national mark of superior energy efficiency. 

Click here to learn more about Union Bank’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability. 

About UnionBanCal Corporation & Union Bank, N.A. 
Headquartered in San Francisco, UnionBanCal Corporation is a financial holding company with assets of $102.3 billion at June 30, 2013. Its primary subsidiary, Union Bank, N.A., provides an array of financial services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, and major corporations. The bank operated 422 branches in California, Washington, Oregon, Texas, Illinois, and New York as well as two international offices, on June 30, 2013. UnionBanCal Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., which is a subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. Union Bank is a proud member of the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG, NYSE:MTU), one of the world’s largest financial organizations. In July 2013, American Banker Magazine and the Reputation Institute ranked Union Bank #1 for reputation among its customers. Visit http://www.unionbank.com for more information. 

About ENERGY STAR 
ENERGY STAR was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the ENERGY STAR label can be found on more than 50 different kinds of products, new homes and commercial and industrial buildings. Products and buildings that have earned the ENERGY STAR designation prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy-efficient specifications set by the government. In 2006, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved about $16 billion on their energy bills while reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 27 million vehicles.