MONTREAL, Aug. 22, 2011 /CNW Telbec/ - TD Bank Group is proud to announce it will be a presenting sponsor of the Ecocity World Summit 2011, held from August 22 to 26, 2011, at the Palais des congrès de Montréal. More than 1,000 participants and speakers will be attending this international event to exchange ideas on transforming urban areas into ecocities. Several themes will be addressed at the summit, including: climate change, sustainable mobility, urban planning, the economy and governance.

This sponsorship is a natural fit for TD. In recent years, the financial institution has become a leader in green banking and was the first North American-based bank to take its business operations carbon-neutral. According to Bernard Dorval, Deputy Chairman of TD Canada Trust, "The Ecocity sponsorship reflects our commitment to communities in Canada in which we operate. Over the past 20 years, through the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF), TD has provided more than $54 million in support of over 20, 000 grassroots projects aimed at protecting the environment, nature and wildlife across Canada".

Economics of ecocities

The Ecocity World Summit 2011 program will explore six themes, one being the economics of ecocities. TD will be presenting this theme, which will focus on economic development in ecocities and defining terms such as "sustainable development," "prosperity," "well-being" and "quality of life." As Bernard Dorval explains, "Exploring this theme will help us better understand the financial and economic challenges of ecocities. Our discussions will surely inspire us to find solutions and better ways of balancing economic development with the environment," he explains.

TD Kiosk: Pedalling toward a smaller carbon footprint

Summit attendees can also stop by the TD kiosk and do their part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the summit. They'll have the opportunity to experience our stationary bikes which track the amount of energy produced. Participants will also be able to enter a contest for a chance to win $2,500 toward reduction of their energy bills at home. The kiosk will offer a wealth of information, an opportunity to meet industry experts and gifts to participants, making it one of the most rewarding stops at the Ecocity World Summit 2011.

Making the community greener
Participants will also have the opportunity to make their community greener by planting a tree. The TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) will invite participants to virtually plant a tree at the TD Kiosk. TD FEF will then plant a real tree for this virtual tree during a TD Tree Day, an environmental community involvement program for TD employees, their families and friends.

Can we insure ourselves against climate change?

As part of the summit, TD Insurance, in association with Deloitte, the Insurance Board of Canada and ClimateWise, will be holding a breakfast symposium on the issue of insurance and climate change on Thursday, August 25, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. in room 516 ABC of the Palais des congrès de Montréal. According to experts at the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, the cost of natural disasters is expected to rise due to climate change. What role can insurers play in this context? Henry Blumenthal, Vice President and Chief Underwriter at TD Insurance, will address this question and lead a panel discussion held by insurance industry experts.

For the list of panelists participating in the TD Insurance symposium and for further information on TD's involvement in the Ecocity World Summit 2011, visit: www.sessionplan.com/ecocity2011.

About TD Bank Group

The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Group (TD). TD is the sixth largest bank in North America by branches and serves more than 19 million customers in four key businesses operating in a number of locations in key financial centres around the globe: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Canada Trust and TD Insurance; Wealth Management, including TD Waterhouse and an investment in TD Ameritrade; U.S. Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank; and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities. TD also ranks among the world's leading online financial services firms, with approximately 7 million online customers. TD had CDN$630 billion in assets on April 30, 2011. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades under the symbol "TD" on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges.