Green Banking Glossary

ATM

Automated teller machine used for banking.

carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e)           

Standard unit for measuring Greenhouse Gases (GHGs). Each GHG has a different global warming potential, and CO2e standardizes them for comparability purposes.

carbon (or GHG) footprint 

The total amount of greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, event, organization, product or service expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). TD refers to its carbon footprint as the GHG emissions it directly causes (Scope 1), and the indirect GHG emissions that it can control (Scope 2 and Scope 3 business travel).

Carbon-neutral

When an individual, business, or organization balances the amount of carbon released with the equivalent amount of reductions, and offsets.

Carbon offset

A carbon offset is a compensatory measure paid by one party for a reduction in carbon emissions made by another party. One carbon offset represents the reduction of one metric tonne of carbon dioxide or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases.

Carbon sequestration

The long-term storage of carbon in plants, soils, geologic formations, and the ocean.

CDP

CDP (formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project) is a not-for-profit that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impacts.

EMS

Environmental management system (EMS) refers to the management of an organization's environmental programs in a comprehensive, systematic, planned and documented manner. TD's EMS is aligned with ISO14001.

ESG

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) refers to the three central factors in measuring the sustainability and ethical impact of an investment in a company or business.

Equator principles  

The Equator Principles is a risk management framework for determining, assessing and managing environmental and social risk in projects, such as pipelines and mining.

(FSC/SFI)

Certified wood and paper products by the  Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the  Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) to promote sustainable forestry practices.

Green Bond

A green bond is like any other regular bond but with one key difference: funds raised by the issuer are earmarked towards financing projects that have a positive environmental and/or climate benefits. Such projects could be in the areas of renewable energy, clean transportation and sustainable water management.

Green Bond Principles (GBP)

GBP are voluntary process guidelines that recommend transparency and disclosure and promote integrity in the development of the Green Bond market, including, by recommending a clear process and disclosure for issuers.

LEED

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED is a rating system used to evaluate a building’s environmental impact by considering: materials, building envelope, roofing, windows, glass, high efficiency HVACs, lighting, water usage, furnishings, equipment and appliances, and where viable, includes the reuse or recycling of construction materials.

Materiality

TD uses the Global Reporting Initiative's (GRI) definition of materiality, understanding that the information we select to report on each year should cover topics and indicators that:

1. Reflect the organization’s significant economic, environmental, and social impacts; or
2. Would substantively influence the assessments and decisions of stakeholders.

Microfinance

A source of financial services for small businesses and entrepreneurs lacking access to banking and related services.

RE100

RE100 is a global initiative of influential businesses committed to 100% renewable electricity.

Scope 1 Emissions

Scope 1 emissions include direct emissions from heating and cooling, leased aircraft and corporate fleet.

Scope 2 Emissions

Scope 2 emissions include indirect emissions from electricity, heating and cooling.

Scope 3 Emissions

Scope 3 emissions include other indirect emissions. TD's reported Scope 3 categories include employee business travel, purchased goods and services, capital goods, fuel and energy related activities, and downstream leased assets.

Sustainable Investing

Any investment strategy which seeks to consider both financial return and social good to bring about a social change.

Taxes Borne

Taxes paid by TD.

UNPRI

UN Principles for Responsible Investment are a voluntary and aspirational set of investment principles that offer a menu of possible actions for incorporating ESG issues into investment practice.

UNEP-FI PSI

United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative Principles of Sustainable Insurance are a framework for the global insurance industry to address environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities.