KeyCorp's business practices are becoming as green as the currency handled by its nearly 1,000 branches nationwide, according to a recently released 2013 Corporate Responsibility (CR) Report.

In earning its eighth consecutive "Outstanding" rating on the Community Reinvestment Act exam, the financial institution has emphasized its conscientious approach to banking, citizenship and operations. That responsibly includes establishing operational policies that protect the environment, notes KeyCorp head of sustainability Andrew Watterson.

Last year, the corporation invested more than $6 million in energy efficiency improvement projects in KeyCorp buildings nationally. This includes lighting retrofits and HVAC improvements, diversion of waste from landfills, and nearly 5,000 tons of recycled office paper.

In addition, over 900 KeyCorp facilities are engaged in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program, an effort promoting power saving products and buildings in order to reduce pollution and energy consumption. On the local front, the bank's Tiedeman Road offices are platinum-certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system.

Meanwhile, the institution has invested upwards of $1.2 billion in its renewable energy portfolio. This funding has gone largely to utility-scale wind and solar farms that carry the capability of producing massive megawatts.

An environmental focus aligns nicely with KeyCorp's overriding mission of helping the community thrive, says Watterson.

"Sustainability is in perfect alignment with that purpose," he says. "It's an important component of being a responsible corporate citizen."