Corporate Newsletter: Citi

As the Managing Editor for Citigroup’s corporate newsletter, I managed and employed strategic communication plans for Citi’s Public Affairs and financial news.

As part of Citi’s imperative mission to integrate environmental sustainability into their core business, Citi is gearing up to celebrate Earth week, an environmental sustainability initiative that takes place every year during the week of internationally recognized Earth Day, April 22nd. Citi will be hosting events throughout Latin America as part of its global campaign and will highlight Citi’s achievements in protecting the environment we all share.

Citi Brazil initiated projects to promote eco-efficient ways to save energy and save clean water using natural resources. Supported by the Clinton Foundation, Citi Brazil implemented a project that will reduce energy consumption by 29.5% by the end of this year and has partnered with free energy markets for use of low-impact sources. Additionally, an existing water collection system that treats rain and ground water serves as an alternative source in Citi Brazil.

Citi Colombia is making a footprint in environmental sustainability by reducing GHG production. The franchise has invested in $500,000 in eco-efficient equipment, which in turn has reduced energy consumption by 3%. Citi Colombia is maintaining their Energy Star branch certification by aligning its corporate offices with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards, which through altered administrative practices have recycled 11759lbs in paper and plastic. Along with reducing energy consumption and recycling, the Eco Citi Environmental Fair, led by Citi Colombia, contributed to clean air supply by capturing 56 tons of CO2 after planting 200 trees. The project brought more than 1200 employee volunteers. Citi Colombia maintains its commitment to responsible finance, common purpose and leadership by leading the Green Protocol Eco efficiency working table at the Colombian Banking Association.

In Peru, Citi will draw electricity from its first wind farms, where two installations, producing 114MW, were bought in 2012 by Contour Global, a partnered power group based in New York. Citi Paraguay continues to promote More Paper More Scholarships, a program that for the past five years have used recycled paper to fund scholarships for students. Approximately 12,000lbs of paper have been recycled.

Citi Uruguay launched the “Green Citi” campaign, a program designed to educate youth about the importance of being environmentally conscious. In a local retail store, workshops were set up for educational activities while parents were able to shop for school uniforms at discounted prices. Additionally, Citi is developing a new recycling campaign that aims to develop new recycling stations and generate environmental awareness in Uruguay.

Lastly, Citi Costa Rica worked on a green initiative promoting e-statements among clients and implementing recycling among employees.

Citi’s environmental sustainability strategy is based on three pillars: managing the environmental footprint of Citi’s operations, such as energy use administrative offices, proactively assessing and managing environmental and social risk in projects that are financed, and investing in solutions to climate change and other environmental challenges.