The Bank of Bermuda is going 'Green' on World Environment Day in a bid to promote environmental awareness among its customers and employees.

In an effort to cut down on paper usage and encourage clients to get electronic statements instead, the bank is donating $5 to the Bermuda National Trust for every customer who signs up on June 5 and 6.

Funds raised will be used to plant native and endemic trees and shrubs in woodland reserves and to enhance and maintain open spaces. Each customer will also receive a free environmentally friendly gift, which includes a canvas shopping bag, a CFL light bulb, plastic recycling bags, a recycling information flyer and a recycling activity book with crayons for children.

Getting in the spirit of the event, the Bank of Bermuda's branches will be decorated with plants, tellers will be dressed in 'be part of the solution' t-shirts, and there will be a number of internal educational initiatives to raise awareness about climate change among employees.

Chief financial officer, Nigel Crow, who also heads the Bank's environmental committee, Live Green, said: "Bank of Bermuda, as part of the HSBC Group, joins 60,000 colleagues in over 35 countries who are organising events focusing on how employees can 'be part of the solution' and raise awareness of climate change.

"We felt we had an opportunity to reach out to our customers and partner with a local charity to make difference."