Minimizing the environmental impact of our operations is fundamental to our Purpose-driven commitment to grow the good for a sustainable future. Proudly carbon neutral since 2010, in 2020 we reached our goal to annually match 100% of our global electricity use with electricity produced from renewable sources by investing in Renewable Energy Certificates.

Minimizing the environmental impact of our operations is fundamental to our Purpose-driven commitment to grow the good for a sustainable future. Proudly carbon neutral since 2010, in 2020 we reached our goal to match 100% of our global electricity use with electricity produced from renewable sources by investing in Renewable Energy Certificates.

Operational sustainability

Reducing the environmental impact of our operations

As one of Canada’s largest banks, we’re committed to minimizing the impact of our operations on the environment and demonstrating leadership by integrating environmental considerations into our business practices. We continue to find new, innovative ways to reduce our environmental footprint through both enterprise-wide and employee-led initiatives.

Our strategy

BMO’s environmental sustainability strategy guides how we reduce the environmental impact of our business operations.

BMO’s carbon neutral strategy comprises a three-pronged approach:

  1. Reduce emissions from energy use in our buildings and business travel
  2. Invest in renewable energy
  3. Purchase high-quality voluntary carbon credits to close the remaining gap

This strategy also provides a framework for developing new practices, measuring success, charting our progress, promoting transparency, identifying opportunities and encouraging our clients, suppliers, peers and global partners to be innovative and find new ways to protect our collective future. Through grassroots employee programs and partnerships with environmental organizations, we are working in large and small ways to create a greener workplace and planet.

Our work continues

Achieving carbon neutrality in 2010 and first matching our global electricity use with renewables in 2020 were key milestones in our journey — but that journey continues. We are focused on reducing our own energy use and associated greenhouse gas emissions with a robust energy management plan that includes both operational efficiency improvements and capital upgrades to our buildings.

BMO has set a target to reduce its operational greenhouse gas emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) by 30% by 2030 from a 2019 baseline.

In 2023, we saw emissions reduction that surpassed the 2030 target due to significant capital upgrades to our buildings and hybrid working arrangements we put in place following the COVID-19 pandemic. We plan to re-assess our operational GHG emissions reduction target in 2024 to account for the impact of our acquisition of Bank of the West.

Environmental policy and approach

BMO’s environmental sustainability strategy, known as ECO5, guides how we reduce the environmental impact of our business operations.

Environmental targets and performance

Our operational activities are continually revised to achieve improved environmental performance.

Environmental community outreach

Through grassroots employee programs and partnerships with environmental organizations, we’re working to create a greener workplace and planet.