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Operational sustainability
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.

Growing our impact in a new footprint

BMO ranks as most sustainable bank in North America for fourth consecutive year and eighth in the world

BMO ranked one of the most sustainable companies in North America on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices

BMO announces bold renewable energy goal

BMO’s Environmental Policy

Listen to our Sustainability Leaders podcast

Carbon Neutrality: Achieving our Goal
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:
- Reduce emissions from energy use in our buildings and business travel
- Invest in renewable energy
- 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 2022, we saw emissions reduction that surpassed the 2030 target, due in part to the implementation of improved cooling efficiency initiatives in our data centres, and largely attributable to COVID-19 related remote working conditions. Return to office could increase emissions in future years but the overall emissions reduction target from the 2019 baseline will continue to be pursued.

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.