Bank Plans Second Green Roof in Denver

DENVER — UMB Bank Colorado , a chartered bank of UMB Financial Corporation, is building the second green here.

The roof will feature drought-resistant plants native to Colorado , including a blue spruce, the state tree.

The roof is designed to decrease the amount of rainwater runoff, and reduce water pollution and the urban heat effect.

The building also includes sensors that shut off lights when the space is not in use. All bathroom fixtures are low-flow and equipped with automatic sensors. High-performance glass windows allow natural light to fill the bank and protect the interior from unwanted heat gain. The carpet is made from recycled materials, and the paints, ceiling treatments and wall coverings are all environmentally friendly products.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s regional headquarters building was the first building in the city to plant a green roof, with 27,000 plants — dragon’s blood and red carpet — covering the multi-tiered roof.