Companies will donate one tree for each customer who signs up for electronic bill activation or pays three or more bills online
Fiserv, Inc. (NASDAQ: FISV), a leading provider of information technology services to the financial industry, and SunTrust Banks, Inc. (NYSE: STI) announced they will donate one tree for every SunTrust customer who signs up for electronic bill (e-bill) activation or pays at least three bills online or via a mobile phone between April 14 and June 30, 2008. With assistance from the Arbor Day Foundation, Fiserv and SunTrust have set a goal of planting more than 10,000 trees as part of the campaign.
According to a 2007 green banking study by Javelin Strategy and Research, if all U.S. households viewed and paid billsonline, it would save 16.5 million trees each year. In one day a single tree can provide oxygen for up to four people anddischarge up to 100 gallons of water from the ground into the air, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
SunTrust’s free Online Banking with Bill Pay product makes it easy for SunTrust customers to pay bills and sign up foreBills, which contain the same information as typical paper bills. "SunTrust Online Banking with Bill Pay not only enhances convenience and security for clients, it provides us an avenue to educate our clients on how paying bills online, activating eBills and turning off paper statements can helpreduce paper, save trees and improve the environment," said Tom Bennett, director of Consumer Deposits and Access Services at SunTrust.
"Forrester Research recently conducted a survey that found that 48 percent of consumers cited ‘it’s better for the environment’ as the top reason why they stopped receiving mailed statements," said Todd Lesher, executive vice president and general manager, CheckFree Electronic Banking Services, now part of Fiserv. "We are committed to working with our banking partners like SunTrust to further educate the public about the positive impact that online bill payment and e-bills can have on the environment."
Fiserv and SunTrust are members of the Pay It Green™ Alliance, the environmental initiative of NACHA, The Electronic Payments Association and comprised of 20 leaders in the financial and consumer billing industries. The Pay It Green™ Alliance focuses on educating consumers and businesses about the positive environmental impact of choosing electronic bills, statements and payments instead of paper. NACHA – The Electronic Payments Association is coordinating the initiative. For more information, visit www.payitgreen.org.
About SunTrust Banks, Inc.
SunTrust Banks, Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the nation’s largest banking organizations, serving a broad range of consumer, commercial, corporate and institutional clients. As of December 31, 2007, SunTrust had total assets of $179.6 billion and total deposits of $117.8 billion. The Company operates an extensive branch and ATM network throughout the high- growth Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states and a full array of technology-based, 24-hour delivery channels. The Company also serves customers in selected markets nationally. Its primary businesses include deposit, credit, trust and investment services. Through various subsidiaries the Company provides mortgage banking, insurance, brokerage, equipment leasing and capital markets services. SunTrust’s Internet address is www.suntrust.com.
About The Arbor Day Foundation
The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit, environmental education organization of nearly one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at www.arborday.org.
About Fiserv, Inc.
Fiserv, Inc. (NASDAQ: FISV), a Fortune 500 company, provides information management and electronic commerce systems and services to the financial and insurance industries. Leading services include transaction processing, outsourcing, electronic bill payment and presentment, investment management solutions, business process outsourcing (BPO), software and systems solutions. Headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., the company is the leading provider of core processing solutions for U.S. banks, credit unions and thrifts. Fiserv was ranked the largest provider of information technology services to the financial services industry worldwide in the 2004, 2005 and 2006 FinTech 100 surveys. In 2007, the company completed the acquisition of CheckFree, a leading provider of electronic commerce services. Fiserv reported nearly $4 billion in total revenue from continuing operations for 2007. For more information, please visit www.fiserv.com.