Decorah Bank & Trust says it has reached its goal of being carbon neutral

Decorah Bank and Trust Vice Chairman Joe Grimstad says the financial institution has reached a goal set over ten years ago--to become carbon neutral.

Grimstad says the bank now has a net zero release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.  The business has taken a number of steps to reach its goal.  It converted to 100 percent LED lighting, programmed heating and air conditioning systems to optimize efficiency and engineered its buildings to have tight envelope construction.

After calculating its carbon footprint, it installed 133 kW of electricity-generating solar panels on all three of its properties, then offset the small remaining carbon footprint by purchasing tags from Winneshiek Energy District.

Grimstad notes that in addition to lowering its environmental impact, it has financed over $10 million in solar and wind energy loans.  In a letter to customers, he states, "We are always looking for ways to improve energy efficiency, to add more renewable energy and to lower the impact of employee business travel and commuting."