Bank of the west 1 for the planet

1% For the Planet

Bank of the west 1 for the planet

Location:

Burlington, VT

https://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/

Website:

1% for the Planet is a global organization that exists to ensure our planet and future generations thrive. We inspire businesses and individuals to support environmental nonprofits through membership and everyday actions. We make environmental giving easy and effective through partnership advising, impact storytelling and third-party certification.

Why We Love

1% For the Planet

1% For the Planet makes it easier for all of us to vote with our dollars, an exceptionally important tool in a complex economic landscape. I know that I'm supporting companies and organizations that align with my values when I buy from 1% Members, which is why we [Atmos] didn't hesitate to become a 1% Member ourselves. I am in awe of the model this team has created and the work they have done to funnel resources to the most impactful orgs around the world, unlocking the impact of collective action. - Pete

Bank of the west 1 for the planet

Bank of the West, a subsidiary of BNP Paribas, has teamed up with 1% for the Planet to launch its first checking account designed for climate action. Bank of the West will donate 1% of net revenues generated from the account to support environmental non-profit organizations focused on creating a healthier planet. The first recipient of any funds generated by the initiative will be Protect Our Winters (POW).

“When you talk about climate change people are often at a loss as to what they can do personally to effect change,” said Ben Stuart, chief marketing officer at Bank of the West. “The 1% for the Planet Account allows consumers not only to bank with a group that is progressive on energy policy and is striving to meet the demands of the Paris Accord, but also that donates 1% of the account’s revenue to address climate change at no cost to the consumer.”

Key features of the 1% for the Planet Account include a carbon tracking tool that allows customers to view the carbon impact of every purchase made with the 1% for the Planet debit card; a debit card made from 100% biodegradable/compostable plastic; and no monthly service charge with one qualifying deposit per statement

“The planet needs support, and our growing network is doing its part to increase giving. Our business and individual members have donated more than $265 million to our environmental nonprofit partners to date,” said Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet. “Our members lead with purpose and commitment, values that consumers support. We’re excited to welcome Bank of the West with their 1% for the Planet Account to our global network. Whether you’re a long-time supporter of environmental causes, or prioritizing them for the first time, the 1% for the Planet Account is an easy way to give back at no expense to you.”

The launch of the 1% for the Planet Account is the latest action Bank of the West has taken to support a more sustainable planet through policies and investment. It has restricted the financing of fossil fuels, big tobacco, palm oil and other activities harmful to the planet

“When I learned that Bank of the West teamed up with 1% for the Planet to benefit POW, I couldn’t wait to sign up for a new checking account,” said professional skier and climate advocate Chris Davenport. “In fact, I recently switched all of my banking to Bank of the West because I don’t want my money to indirectly impact the planet in negative ways. I’m confident that as more people learn how their banking choices impact the planet, making a change will come easily.”

To learn more about the account and sign-up online visit: www.bankofthewest.com/OnePercent

Bank of the west 1 for the planet

See the results

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As a challenger brand, Bank of the West found themselves increasingly drowned out by big national banks shouting the same tired, over-used banking tropes: convenience, friendly service, and low fees. Worse, Bank of the West was seeing their market share decrease in California, their most important market, where new players such as Chime and Varo are emerging, and consumers feeling increasingly comfortable with digital only banking outlets.

In the face of this challenging market dynamic, Bank of the West tapped into a growing desire for brands who put principle alongside profit. Their financing policies were so unique that they brought them to the forefront—to reveal what the Bank was NOT financing with their customers’ money, like Big Tobacco, Fracking, and Arctic drilling. With this fresh angle relevant to the human agenda, Bank of the West captured new interest and awareness.

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Bank of the West is not typically the first bank that comes to mind when consumers consider switching banks. To change that, we needed to zero in on consumers who value more than just cash offers or convenience and are interested in what the Bank stands for and their financing policies. Therefore, our objective was to increase consideration among likeminded Californians by demonstrating how the new 1% For the Planet Checking Account could give their money agency, and thereby boost acquisition around the unique product.

Millennials is a generation with strong opinions on who they will do business with and why. 91% of our Millennial target believes overwhelmingly in climate change and are deeply concerned. It’s a belief they’re taking action against, with 81% expecting brands to make public declarations of corporate citizenship and 91% declaring they would switch brands to one associated with a shared cause. Which makes them the perfect audience for Bank of the West’s value focused messaging around sustainability and social responsibility.

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The media campaign focused on showcasing the 1% For the Planet Checking Account in action in digital and social media where we had natural editorial alignment with environmental issues and sustainable living. Wavemaker activated this strategy with multiple media partners such as the Guardian and NowThis.

We brought the brand story to life through sponsored videos, featured editorials and social amplification. Additionally, Wavemaker sought out first-to-market video opportunities that enabled consumers to take action. The charitable trailer was featured on the Guardian’s homepage, the Guardian donated $1 to 1% For the Planet for every video view.

Through programmatic digital tactics, Wavemaker created synergy across upper funnel and acquisition media, ensuring that we re-engaged with prospects who were exposed to OOH or digital TV, driving consumers to Bank of the West website and ultimately, converting them into new-to-bank customers. The most successful tactics Wavemaker managed jointly with the Bank’s acquisition agency partner led to a 61% increase in conversion rate in acquisition

With offline channels, as proximity to branch is a key consideration for switching banks, Wavemaker leveraged Addressable TV Zone targeting and programmatic OOH based on the Bank’s branch locations to reach our target audience in key DMA’s, layered with Experian data that targeted “green” mindset and behaviors.

Results

This first-of-its-kind account drove interest in the Bank that we literally couldn’t buy: the highest consideration levels in Bank history. Not only did we outperform our peer banks in new to bank customers we also surpassed pre-pandemic forecasts by 139%.

+29%

lift in aided awareness

+16%

lift in consideration

Growth Stories

Does Bank of the West invest in fossil fuels?

Since 2017, we have not financed any new coal-fired power plant projects and we also do not finance coal-fired power plants that are not actively involved in the transition to sustainable energy production.

What does Bank of the West do?

Bank of the West is a financial services company headquartered in San Francisco. With community bank roots dating back more than 140 years, Bank of the West operates a network of retail, wealth, commercial and business banking branches and offices in 24 states.

Is Bank of the West Sustainable?

You may like Bank of the West if you want a bank that supports environmental justice and sustainability. Bank of the West does not finance arctic drilling, fracking, or coal-fired power generation. It's also a member of several eco-friendly organizations like the Conservation Alliance and Sustainable Ocean Alliance.

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