Missoula Federal Credit Union takes going green to the EXTREME.
Missoula Federal Credit Union was recently awarded with the highest rating from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building System for their newest “green” branch.
The LEED system is a third-party certification program managed by the Green Building Council, and provides a benchmark for the design and construction of environmentally-responsible buidlings. The building will be only the second in Montana to receive the highest possible Platinum rating.
Most outstanding features include:
- recycled glass in the concrete
- reclaimed timbers and wood in the interior
- countertops of pressed paper and glass
- recycled denim insulation
- cabinetry made from pressed sunflower seeds
All of the materials used in the construction are either recycled or highly sustainable materials. The building also makes use of low-water use landscape plants and a gray-water system for irrigation.
In addition to the environmentally-responsible design, the building puts technology to good use. All regular tellers serve both lobby and drive up members via live video feeds. The drive up is a stacked design to allow for faster service and less idling time. The building is highly energy efficient, and includes special features to maximize natural light, thereby cutting down the amount of light needed from fixtures.
This project also marked the start of an eco-conscious shift among Missoula Federal CU staff as well. Employees have formed a Green Team, which examines ways to make daily work at MFCU more efficient and environmentally responsible.
Missoula Federal Credit Union is a community-based financial cooperative, serving members in Lake, Missoula and Ravalli counties. MFCU, currently $270 million in assets with about 42,000 members, has six branch locations.
CEO, Gary Clark, is a member of the Filene Research Council and Missoula FCU is a Sustaining Member of Filene Research Institute. For more insights and ideas on sustainability, please download a free copy of Filene’s report entitled, Back to the Future: Integrating Sustainability into Credit Union Strategy.
Post a comment