In 2012 FGB built its headquarters in Mt. Dora to meet LEED Platinum standards. Later the Winter Park branch's renovation achieved LEED Gold and net-zero energy. The bank is now seeking to raise the bar on its own green building standards. Inspired by the Bullitt Center in Seattle, the world's greenist commercial building, the bank plans to construct a new facility for its Clermont branch that goes well beyond LEED, with the goal of achieving the strictest standards of International Living Building Institute certification.
First Green Bank’s headquarters in Mt Dora is currently only the seventh privately owned commercial building in the state of Florida to achieve LEED Platinum certification. The branch is sited on over 37,000 square feet of forested open space exceeding LEED standards by almost 400 percent, and features 100 percent recyclable structured steel studs. Reflective roofing materials and vegetation along with light-colored, permeable paving in the parking lot reduce the heat island effect. The parking area and vegetated roof were constructed to ensure that no storm water runoff carrying nonpoint source pollution escapes into ground water or waterways. LED parking lot lights are designed not to compete with the night sky and with respect for the habits of nocturnal animals. Rooftop solar provides 17 percent of operating energy. Free electric charging stations are installed in the parking lot, and carpools and alternative fuel vehicles get preferred parking spaces. The employee gym houses reclaimed exercise equipment.
When First Green Bank renovated the interior of its Winter Park Branch to LEED Gold standards, it chose many of the Mt. Dora branch’s green building design enhancements. In addition, oak trees from the original site were milled and installed as flooring and ceiling accents, and solar power provides for 69 percent of the building’s energy needs. Green renovations to First Green Bank’s Orlando branch now meet LEED Silver standards.
When First Green Bank renovated the interior of its Winter Park Branch to LEED Gold standards, it chose many of the Mt. Dora branch’s green building design enhancements. In addition, oak trees from the original site were milled and installed as flooring and ceiling accents, and solar power provides for 69 percent of the building’s energy needs. Green renovations to First Green Bank’s Orlando branch now meet LEED Silver standards.
| More on Seattle's Bullitt Center In April 2015 the Bullitt Center became the first office building to earn Living Building certification, achieving the highest level of sustainability in the built environment. The Center meets extraordinarily rigorous standards — including energy and water self-sufficiency. | |
The following features of the building were incorporated to meet the International Living Building Challenge: .
- A pedestrian-, bicycle-, and transit-friendly lifestyle site
- Rainwater collected on the roof, stored in an underground cistern and used throughout the building
- A solar array generating as much electricity as the building uses.
- Construction promoting occupant health, including stairways, windows and other features that promote walking and resource sharing
- Contains no hazardous materials commonly found in conventional construction, including PVC, cadmium, lead, mercury and hormone-mimicking substances
- All workstations within 30 feet of large operable windows, offering all workers access to fresh air and natural daylight.
- A green roof and other native plantings, and a revitalized pocket park.
BULLITT CENTER RESOURCE GUIDE:
Financial Case for Living Building (Executive Summary)
Financial Case for Living Building (Full case study)
Financial Case for Living Building (Executive Summary)
Financial Case for Living Building (Full case study)
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