FirstBank reports major sustainability gains in 2024 recycling, energy use
Puerto Rico’s FirstBank detailed environmental results in its 2024 Corporate Sustainability Report, citing gains in recycling, energy use and ecological restoration.
The bank recycled more than 1.1 million pounds of paper, 24,000 pounds of wood and 6,751 pounds of heavy metals and plastics, along with electronic waste, cardboard, batteries and organic materials. It said the efforts prevented 2,621 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, preserved 13,203 trees and saved 2,098 cubic yards of landfill space.
All branches and offices completed LED lighting upgrades, reducing energy consumption by about 1.3 million kilowatt hours. “The results achieved in 2024, including reductions in energy consumption and significant advances in recycling, are proof that responsible actions generate a real impact on resource conservation and cost reduction,” said Juan Carlos Pavía, chief operating officer.
The bank partnered with a Puerto Rico recycling and composting company to process organic waste into fertilizer for local agriculture.
Its program, “Rescate Costero” (“Coastal Rescue”), planted 11,480 native trees along Puerto Rico’s northern coast in 2024, which the bank said would prevent about 252 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. Plantings occur twice monthly in various municipalities, with public participation available at unoconelambiente.com.
FirstBank said sustainability is part of its operations, intended to protect assets, support communities and contribute to Puerto Rico’s future.
