RBC opens its 100th bullfrogpowered branch in Brantford, Ontario

    
     Canada's first financial institution to use Bullfrog continues its
    commitment to renewable energy by making all new branches in Ontario,
                 Alberta and British Columbia bullfrogpowered
    

TORONTO , Nov. 23 /CNW/ - RBC today opened its 100th bullfrogpowered branch in Brantford, Ontario. RBC was the first financial institution to partner with Bullfrog Power to source low-impact, renewable power in 2005. The 100 Canadian branches powered by Bullfrog use 9,800 MWh of certified emission-free power.

"The decision to become bullfrogpowered at 100 of our branches supports our commitment to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions footprint across our operations," said David McKay, group head, Canadian Banking, RBC. "This goal will be achieved through a combination of conservation and energy efficiency measures, as well as the sourcing of clean renewable energy like Bullfrog Power."

RBC is committed to increasing the percentage of certified green power used in its Canadian branch network through purchasing clean, renewable green power for all new branches in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and the Maritimes, where Bullfrog currently has operations. In 2009, RBC opened 25 new green-powered branches in Canada .

"RBC demonstrated leadership in their industry when we began our partnership four years ago," said Tom Heintzman , president, Bullfrog Power. "We are proud to help RBC continue to create a cleaner, healthier environment for their clients and communities."

"As a result of RBC's commitment to Bullfrog power, we reduced our carbon footprint by approximately 3,300 tonnes in 2009, and our emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides by approximately 9,000 kg and 4,850 kg, respectively," said Sandra Odendahl, director, RBC Corporate Environmental Affairs. "We are pleased to support the development of renewable energy in Canada through our commitment to clean energy in our operations and our growing financing activities in the renewable energy sector."

The Brantford branch, located at 300 King George Rd ., will host a grand opening community celebration on December 12, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

About Bullfrog Power

Bullfrog Power, Canada's 100 per cent green electricity provider, offers homes and businesses a clean, renewable electricity choice. Bullfrog's electricity comes exclusively from wind and hydro facilities that have been certified as low impact by Environment Canada under its EcoLogo program instead of from polluting sources like coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear. Thousands of Canadian homes and businesses are doing their part to address climate change and air pollution by switching to green electricity with Bullfrog Power.

About RBC and the Environment

RBC is proud of its long track record of caring for the environment, and the awards and recognition received for its commitment to environmental responsibility. In 2009, RBC was named one of the world's top 100 sustainable companies, one of Canada's Greenest Employers, one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers, one of Canada's 50 Most Socially Responsible Corporations and one of the Best Workplaces in Canada . RBC is also listed on the Jantzi Social Index, FTSE4Good Index and was named to the Carbon Disclosure Project Canadian Leadership Index.

For further information: Rina Cortese, RBC Corporate Communications, [phone]; Matt Gierasimczuk, RBC Media Relations, [phone]; Meghan Ney, Media Relations, Bullfrog Power, [phone] ext. 221