NORWAY – “NSB is dedicated to being responsible neighbors who facilitate sustainability solutions, from renewable energy to preservation and conservation.”
The words of Dan Walsh, president and CEO of Norway Savings Bank, underscore NSB’s commitment to conducting a wide variety of initiatives that are designed to reduce negative impacts on the environment.
“Moving to an increasingly paperless workplace, limiting our use of single-use plastics, using more solar energy, and other approaches have been successful at NSB thanks to a widespread commitment from team members,” Walsh said.
Among the programs currently making a tangible difference at NSB are:
CLYNK — NSB has collected over 21,000 bottles and aluminum containers since 2024. Proceeds from the program allowed NSB to make donations to four local nonprofits in April (Camp Sunshine of Maine, Pink Feather Foundation, ProsperityME, Junior Achievement of Maine) which were selected by team members.
JUST Water — NSB supplies branches with JUST Water 100% Spring Water, sustainably sourced water in plant-based cartons. Nearly 90% of the materials used to make the cartons start out as plants, creating almost 80% less carbon emissions than plastic bottles. Since the start of 2025, NSB’s plastic bottle ordering is also down 88%.
Docusign — Docusign allows NSB to manage electronic agreements by receiving electronic signatures on the device of a customer’s choosing. Since 2024, nearly 9,000 pounds of carbon emissions have been reduced as a result of the program, totaling around four tons of wood and over 57,000 sheets of paper saved.
Single-Use Plastic Reduction — The bank’s single-use plastic reduction efforts include eliminating plastic dishes and cutlery in NSB branches and offices and replacing them with reusable plates, bowls, forks, knives, and spoons. The leftover stock of plastic utensils are being donated to nonprofits that repurpose the items, including Ruth’s Reusables in Portland, food pantries, and soup kitchens.
Giving Closet —The NSB Giving Closet features a large amount of professional and business casual clothing donated by NSB team members. Men’s and women’s shirts, pants, maternity wear, and more fill the racks with a wide variety of shoes in many different sizes lining the floor. The Giving Closet is always open, and NSB team members can stroll through the collection and take what they need. By extending the lives of these garments, the Giving Closet promotes reuse and a greener future.
NSB has also promoted electronic banking with new and existing customers as a way in which they can assist the bank in its efforts of reducing the amount of paper it uses. In addition, a commitment to solar panels at the Kennebunk branch has helped electricity costs decrease by 42%, and renovation and construction projects like NSB’s new North Conway branch, include energy-efficient and conservation features like LED lighting, energy-recovery units, heat pump technology, three-phase power for HVAC equipment and a smart ATM.
“Small contributions and minor adjustments can make a big difference,” Walsh said. “NSB is proud of this measurable success and the healthier planet it encourages.”
