Environment

    The Environment

    Schwab researches, develops and implements environmentally friendly practices in order to leave as small an environmental footprint as possible.

     

    Many of the operational practices we follow are good for the environment, good for our clients and employees, and good for our business.

     
    Energy Conservation

    Schwab promotes energy savings in the workplace wherever possible.

    • We encourage our employees to turn off computers and printers at the end of the day.
    • Fax machines and copiers are set on Energy Saver mode
    • Employees are encouraged to use duplex copy mode whenever possible.
    • A “lights out” policy is in force in non-occupied rooms (e.g., computer and mechanical rooms, storage rooms, conference rooms).
    • We use high-efficiency compact fluorescent accent lighting whenever possible.
    • All Schwab headquarters facilities and service centers participate in the Energy Star rating program.
    • HVAC hours are programmed to reflect business hours only.

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    Recycling and Reuse

    For all client, shareholder and employee communications, we use paper products with high recycled content whenever feasible.   

    • All business cards, letterhead and business envelopes are now on 100% recycled post consumer waste paper.
    • On Investing magazine and other client newsletters are printed on paper with 10% to 50% recycled content.
    • The Charles Schwab Corporation annual report is now printed on recycled paper (cover and editorial sections on paper with 100% post consumer waste; the financial section printed on paper that consists of 30% post consumer waste). In 2008, the annual report was distributed electronically for the first time to all Schwab employees.
    • Schwab’s applications, forms and statement envelopes have 30% recycled content.
    • Recommended paper stock for printed collateral materials all have post consumer waste content and/or are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certified.


    Schwab is aggressive about recycling in other areas of operation as well.

    • Paper recycling bins are on every floor in each of our facilities, and many of our facilities also have recycling bins for cans and plastic and glass containers.
    • Cell phones, wireless devices and all other electronic equipment are recycled appropriately through authorized recyclers.
    • Old computers and office equipment are recycled or donated whenever possible.
    • Toner cartridges for printers are recycled.
    • Schwab has a battery recycling program and a confidential paper destruction program that recycles.
    • A Bring-Your-Own Mug initiative aims to phase out disposable cup use.
    • During the period July 2008 through May 2009, Schwab spent $251,000 on recycled products via Staples.

     

    Schwab uses iReuse to dispose of old or unused furniture through the environmentally friendly practice of donation or sale. iReuse effects the reuse through donation or sale of more than 90 percent of business-related materials, significantly reducing expensive moving, hauling, and dumping fees. During 2008, more than 65 tons of Schwab furniture and miscellaneous materials were reused, resulting in the elimination of an estimated 603 metric tons of greenhouse gases.*

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    Paperless Environment

    Schwab continues to pursue a “paperless” work environment for employees. This reduces costs, saves trees and increases productivity by eliminating manual tasks, decreasing printing costs and streamlining workflow. It also reduces the need for physical office space since many Schwab employees can gain access to work documents electronically, from any location.

     

    We also encourage our clients to go paperless by signing up for electronic trade confirmations, account statements and tax reporting documents, all of which we archive for 10 years. Not only is this good for the environment, but it enables clients to receive important information electronically – even if they’re away from home – and reduces the threat of mailbox theft, which continues to be one of the greatest areas of vulnerability with respect to I.D. theft and fraud.

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    Employee Commuting

    Schwab offers a Commuter Tax Savings Plan, administered by WageWorks®, which allows employees to pay for public transportation using pre-tax dollars. In parts of the country, Schwab is aggressively implementing a Trip Reduction Program to discourage individual car use and encourage employees’ use of alternate modes of transportation.

     

    Other commuting measures include:

    • Guaranteed Ride Home (paid cab ride home for unplanned emergencies)
    • Preferential parking for carpools and vanpools
    • Bike parking
    • Support of Annual Bike to Work Day
    • Employee Commuter Alternative Awareness Fairs
    • Employee telework opportunities for qualified employees

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    Corporate Headquarters Green Initiative

    Schwab works with property owners and landlords to make its San Francisco buildings “green,” up to and including qualification by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

     

    The LEED Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance environmentally-friendly buildings. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

     

    Schwab’s major facilities in San Francisco are either LEED-certified or scheduled to be qualified within the next two years

     

    In January 2009, one of Schwab’s corporate headquarters buildings, 215 Fremont Street, won the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s prestigious Energy Star, the national symbol for superior energy efficiency and environmental protection.

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    Other Eco-Friendly Practices
    • We use drought-tolerant plants and xeriscaping.
    • All Schwab employee cafes use pure vegetable oil, styrofoam with no CFCs, and recycled paper napkins.
    • Restrooms have pressure-assist water-saving toilets and low-flow urinals. 
    • Schwab participates in "Green Design" wherever feasible; for example, both Milliken and Interface carpets are manufactured with recycled materials, and old carpet is recycled.
    • Schwab uses ecologically and environmentally friendly cleaning supplies that are non-fuming, non-toxic, and people-safe.
    • Environmentally friendly integrated pest control methods are used.
     
    * CO2e, is an internationally accepted measure that encapsulates all GHGs (greenhouse gases) that contribute to global warming.  The metric tons reflected is the amount of CO2e reduced by reuse efforts, which results in less methane in landfills, fewer emissions in manufacturing/distribution, and preservation of natural resources.  The calculation was developed by iReuse in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency.