Commerce Bank is a regional super-community bank, committed to understanding customers’ needs, listening closely and providing tailored solutions. Its tagline — “Ask. Listen. Solve.” — reflects not only its approach to customer service, but also its leadership as a Leader Level participant in the 2025 St. Louis Green Business Challenge.
Sustainability is a key part of Commerce Bank’s approach to environmental stewardship, and the company achieved several meaningful accomplishments in 2025. In May, Commerce Bank hosted an e-recycling event at its Olive Boulevard location, collecting 1,780 pounds of electronics. Earlier in the year, the Green Team partnered with St. Louis Green Business Challenge resource advisor Jean Ponzi to host a webinar on ecological landscaping and Homegrown National Park, followed by a Green Team-led Eco-Expert Trivia event in July to engage employees in sustainability topics.
During the 2025 Challenge, Commerce Bank was also recognized for several innovative facility improvements. At its Clayton building, the bank reduced surface area in its parking garage, decreasing water runoff by 40% while increasing green space by 371%. The Facilities Team also identified and replaced 142 failed microinverters in its solar array, restoring full energy production capacity. Across its St. Louis and Kansas City footprint, Commerce Bank maintains solar panels on 19 buildings, generating more than 741,000 kilowatt-hours of clean, renewable energy in 2024.
In addition, renovations to the fifth and sixth floors of the bank’s 8000 Forsyth building are nearing completion and will feature a biophilic design. Incorporating elements such as wood panels, plants and expansive interior glass, the space is designed to bring natural elements indoors and enhance the workplace environment.
“The Green Business Challenge has provided us with valuable opportunities to learn each year from the programs offered to members, where companies and organizations working across the St. Louis area share their sustainability initiatives and perspectives,” said Ron Daugherty, AVP Senior Manager, Regional Facilities for Commerce Bank. “These insights and resources inspire ideas that help Commerce Bank develop events to educate our employees about environmental stewardship. Additionally, the information gained through the Challenge supports our decision-making process, ensuring that we carefully consider environmental impacts as we operate our facilities.”
Commerce Bank’s efforts extend beyond recognition in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge. Through facility upgrades, renewable energy investments and employee engagement, the company is helping reduce environmental impact and support improved air quality across the region—demonstrating how sustainable business practices can benefit both communities and the environment.
For more information about Commerce Bank or to get involved in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, subscribe to the bi-monthly E-Newsletter or visit stlouisgreenchallenge.com. For more on how sustainability supports better air quality, visit the Clean Air Partnership website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X @gatewaycleanair.
