Go Green

CUs Go Green to Help the Environment

MADISON, Wis. (7/12/07)--It might be easy being green after all--just ask some credit unions that are working to come up with unique ways to preserve the environment.

North Island CU in San Diego broke ground on Wednesday to open a six-story, 130,000-square foot headquarters building in Kearny Mesa, Calif. The building will incorporate "island-inspired" elements and environmentally-friendly features and will seek the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, which is recognized proof that a building is an environmentally responsible and healthy place to live or work.

Efforts have been made in all aspects of design to make the new building as "green" as possible, including the use of recycled water for irrigation, recycled materials, renewable materials (such as bamboo flooring) and the recycling of construction debris.

A focus on efficient mechanical systems and building design will hopefully encourage other credit unions to follow suit, according to Michael Maslak, president/CEO of Island CU.

"We are using locally found and readily available renewable materials to create an energy efficient and environmentally friendly building that will simultaneously provide a comfortable corporate home to hundreds of our employees," he said.

Last month, Boulder Valley CU (BVCU) in Boulder, Colo., announced the installation of a 10-kilowatt Sun Power solar electric system on the roof of its Arapahoe branch. Since July 1, the solar electric system has produced clean, emission-free solar electricity, offsetting 14 tons of carbon dioxide pollution.

The system has a life span of 30 to 40 years--equivalent to planting 1,078 trees or reducing 30,500 auto traveling miles per year.

Sun Power also helps the credit union stabilize its electricity costs. Future plans allow for the installation of additional panels, which will increase electricity production.

"Boulder Valley CU is the first credit union in Boulder to go green and turn to solar electricity for its future energy needs," said CEO Rick Allen. "We hope other companies will follow suit to preserve our environment and public health."

BVCU is celebrating the solar system milestone by offering its members low rates on financing solar electric systems in their homes as well as lower auto rates for fuel-efficient vehicles.

Sydney CU, in Sydney River, Nova Scotia, recently campaigned for its members to not "stand idly by" efforts to save the environment (Cape Breton Post July 7).

The credit union created idle-free zones in its ATM lanes and in the parking lots at all 10 of its branches, with signs encouraging members to turn off their cars.

The environment is very important to the credit union because it is a community-minded institution, noted Leanne Boutilier, credit union manager.

Franklin Mint CU in Broomall, Pa., is encouraging its members to look at more cost efficient, alternative methods of public transportation. In May, two employees promoted this cause by participating in the Delaware County Transportation Management Association's (DCTMA) Bike to Work Day.

John Hargrove, vice president of information technology, and Langston Williams, information technology network administrator, biked eight miles from the credit union's headquarters in Broomall to the DCTMA information tent in Media, Pa.

Not only does biking save the environment, it also has health benefits, Hargrove noted.
"During the summer months, I frequently ride my bike to and from work," he said. "It's good exercise. It keeps me physically fit and reduces my stress level."

Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) in Gainesville, Fla., recently partnered with 1st CU of Gainesville to offer credit union members $1,000 to $10,000 in loans to pay for appliances that will reduce energy consumption (Gainesville Sun July 11).

GRU will fund up to $450,000 in 2008 to bring the interest rates on the loans to 3%. GRU Energy and Business Services Manager Bill Shepherd said 300 to 400 people are expected to take out the loans, and four people already applied.

Shepherd said the loan program helps reach those who can't afford energy-saving measures. The qualifying loans under the program cover items like insulation, solar panels, Energy Star-rated appliances, and efficient cooling or heating systems.

A number of credit unions are offering low-rate loans for members purchasing fuel-efficient vehicles. Members First CU in Mechanicsburg, Pa., has offered a rate discount on loans for the cars (eLumination June 20) and Stanford FCU in Stanford, Calif., has offered "drive green loans." VanCity CU in Calgary, Alberta has also offered its members loans under the Clean Air Auto Loan program (Calgary Herald June 5).

While some credit unions are offering energy-saving incentives, Columbia CU, located in Vancouver, Wash., has been "green" for some time, according to CEO Parker Cann.

"Environmentally friendly business practices are enjoying a huge renaissance right now," he said. "But in truth, Columbia instituted 'green' practices years ago. It continues to be an integral part of our operations and guides our approach to serving our community."

Columbia stays green by:

• Printing marketing materials on recycled paper;
• Rewarding members with environmentally-friendly incentives, such as natural cleaning products or lawn care;
• Sponsoring local tree planting through Vancouver Urban Forestry;
• Being a charter member of the Northwest Biofuels Association; and
• Incorporating sustainable building features into its branches.

courtesy of cuna.org