Thanks to a push by
PNC Bank to design environmentally friendly buildings, green isn't just the color of money � it's the color of the place where money changes hands.
The financial services group is the first major corporation to design and build LEED-certified bank branches known by the PNC trademarked term "Green Branches." The most recent of these opened in Charles Village, bringing the number of LEED-certified buildings built by PNC to 66 (the most built by any company in the world). A new branch with green elements opened earlier this year in Harbor East and "Green Branch" is slated to open in Annapolis this fall.
Like all PNC Green Branches, at least 50 percent of the Charles Village was constructed with materials that were locally manufactured or made from recycled or environmentally-friendly materials, including flooring, wall covering and furniture fabric. Its cabinetry is made with non-ureaformaldehye substrates and the carpet in the entryways is made of hog's hair. Interior carpet tiles are made from 72 percent recycled material that is 100 percent recyclable back into carpet at the end of its lifecycle, and the hard floor surfaces are made from recycled rubber.
The location is also energy-efficient, using at least 35 percent less energy than a traditional branch and about 4,000 gallons less water due to high-efficiency systems, insulation, and window walls that are three times more efficient than code. During construction, wood, steel, aluminum and cardboard were recycled or salvaged to minimize waste, and non-chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants were selected for the cooling system to protect the ozone.
According to PNC representative Darcel Kimble, the decision to pursue green construction was led by Senior Vice President Gary Saulson beginning in 2002 at a time when the bank began expanding its branch network. He, along with senior management, decided upon a win-win scenario of making buildings that were less expensive to maintain and kinder to the Earth.
"We are really excited to be part of the Charles Village community," said Annie Spain, PNC Charles Village branch manager. "Our Green Branch is an example of how businesses can have a positive impact on the community without compromising the environment."
While the branch already is open for business, a grand opening event is slated for the fall.
Writer: Lucy Ament
Source: PNC Bank