The TD Bank, based in the United States of America is all set to go green this year by opening its first net-zero energy bank at Ft. Lauderdale in Florida of U.S.A. Notably, this is one of the biggest efforts by the bank to label itself as the only bank that cares for environment
What is net-zero energy building?
Net-zero energy building is a residential or a building with very low consumption of electricity and the building that produces more energy than it consumes. The United States Department of Energy (DOE) gives this certification upon examining the building.
The new net-zero energy bank by TD Bank consumes as just as 97,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity in an year whereas it produces 1,00,00 kilowatt-hours of energy in an year with the help of the solar panels on the roof. It may be noted that the Department of Energy has so far recognized only eight buildings as net-zero energy buildings out of which TD Bank’s new branch becomes the only bank in the country that got net-zero building registration.
Briefing the media about the new net-zero branch, Kevin Gillen, Florida Regional President at TD Bank said:
In one year, we have achieved carbon-neutrality throughout our entire footprint and have opened more than 20 environmentally-friendly stores and offices. We are thrilled to open the first net-zero energy commercial bank location in the United States. To us, being environmentally responsible is fundamental to being the better bank.
TD Bank had hit the headlines for going green last year too. The eco-friendly achievements by the bank in 2010 include, 2010 Green Power Partner Leadership Award from the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, powering all its ATMs from Maine to Florida through wind electricity, becoming the largest bank in the United States of America that is carbon neutral, highest level of LEED certification for one of its branches in the New York state.
This year too—TD Bank—is aiming at achieving highest level of LEED certification for its net-zero energy bank.
Jacquelynn Henke, Real Estate Green Strategy Officer, at TD Bank said:
Opening a TD Bank that is energy efficient with solar panels that produce 100 percent of the store’s energy needs is a win for us, but most of all it’s a win for the environment. Building this store in the Sunshine State made absolute sense. The store’s solar panels will get the sunshine they need, but it was also fitting to construct it here after learning that a majority of residents in South Florida believe green buildings have some impact on the environment.
Hope that all banks and commercial buildings—not just in the United States—but across the globe realize the importance of going green.
Source: Media room
