Western Alliance Bancorporation
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2021, 2022)
Reporting Period: 2021
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- High-Quality Governance Practices
- Inclusive Workplace
- Sustainable Workplace
Environmental Achievements
- Established an Environmental Management System (EMS) to reduce environmental impacts and increase operating efficiency
- Phasing out traditional lightbulbs and single-use plastics in office facilities
- Implementing refill stations to eliminate single-use water bottles
Social Achievements
- Continued progress toward attracting and retaining a diverse workforce (44% ethnic minority, 55% women)
- 47% of women in senior roles, 67% of promotions to female & ethnically diverse employees
- Implemented an AI-capable engagement tool for regular employee surveys
- Annual review of pay practices to ensure equal pay for equal work
- Employees volunteered over 7,000 hours in 2021
Governance Achievements
- Rolled out a new Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
- Board refreshment process resulting in increased gender and ethnic/racial diversity
- Strong BSA/AML and OFAC program with annual risk assessment and independent review
Climate Goals & Targets
Environmental Challenges
- 2021 turnover rate meaningfully impacted by shifting market environment
Mitigation Strategies
- Offering various resources to help employees grow and build new skills (development programs, mentoring, webinars)
Supply Chain Management
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: SASB, GRI
Reporting Period: 2022
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Governance
- Social
- Environmental
Environmental Achievements
- Implemented an Environmental Management System (EMS) to reduce environmental impact and increase operating efficiency.
- Opened a new San Diego regional office in a Silver LEED Certified building.
- Reduced single-use plastics and implemented refill stations.
- Engaged with energy professionals for utility and financial savings.
Social Achievements
- Launched three new Business Resource Groups (BRGs) in 2022.
- Nearly 33% of employees participate in a BRG.
- Implemented an AI-capable engagement tool for employee surveys.
- Offered a comprehensive wellness package including mental health resources and workplace flexibility.
- Provided paid parental leave and other benefits.
- Maintained an industry-leading efficiency ratio through effective headcount management.
- Volunteered nearly 10,000 hours in 2022 and over 12,000 hours of financial literacy training.
Governance Achievements
- Strengthened the Board with four new directors.
- Rolled out a new Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
- Maintained comprehensive corporate governance policies and structures.
- Implemented a robust BSA/AML and OFAC program.
- Established management risk oversight committees.
- Utilized a Three Lines of Defense model for risk oversight.
- Implemented regular employee training on cybersecurity issues.
- Conducted regular external and internal security audits and vulnerability assessments.
Climate Goals & Targets
Environmental Challenges
- Historic industry turbulence in mid-March 2023, including the rapid failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank.
Mitigation Strategies
- Responded quickly and decisively through agility, entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to transparency, and dedication to customers.
- Leveraged longstanding values, seasoned leadership, and a highly engaged Board of Directors.
- Issued multiple additional disclosures with detailed financial information to calm the market.
Supply Chain Management
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: SASB, GRI