Bank Retrofit Focuses on Holistic Sustainability
CHICAGO — GreenChoice Bank will open two new "holistically sustainable" community bank branches on February 1 after completing the retrofit of a pair of century-old buildings.
Last July, GreenChoice Holding Co., the parent company of the bank, acquired Family Federal Savings of Illinois, which was established in 1910, and began retrofitting and re-engineering its structures. The renovation of the two new branches, located in Cicero and Lockport, are part of the Bank’s goal to rebrand by including green technologies and sustainable practices into all aspects of the bank’s existing structures.
"We are re-engineering how banking is done to use minimal waste in back-office operations through paperless processes, electronic document distribution, image-based check processing, online banking and e-statements," says Steve Sherman, LEED AP, the bank’s chief operating officer and director.
The banking facility features furniture that is re-used or repurposed with materials locally sourced, high efficiency lighting, offices built with reclaimed Hayworth wall systems, diverted from landfills, and walnut planks reclaimed from a turkey coop. GreenChoice also utilized Nurazzo Marble Line floor tile made from natural marble from local quarries, and InterfaceFLOR carpet tile with GlasBacRE backing that contains 65 percent recycled content.
The bank’s Turtle Tiles walk floor mats are made from 100 percent recycled PVC, and no-VOC paints are used, helping to maintain good air quality. Sherman said that the bank plans to purchase more environmentally friendly products offer debit cards made of 100 percent recycled plastic, and offer special checking and savings accounts with higher rates designed for "those actively embracing sustainability."
GreenChoice will also plans on offering advantaged terms to commercial clients who build sustainably and create green collar jobs, while promoting the use of public transportation and community volunteer work among employees.
The bank is currently seeking LEED EB O&M certification.
The architect on the GreenChoice project was Chicago-based 2 Point Perspective Architecture and the general contractor was Helios Design + Build.