Please describe the innovative energy saving technologies or practices you have incorporated into your business and how they have affected your business operations?
Rockville Bank in Connecticut made environmental history this year with the opening of the state’s first bank branch constructed entirely through green technology and engineering – indoors and out. The community bank recently was honored for its management’s environmental efforts with a Connecticut Quality Improvement Award, America’s first state level quality award using the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for Performance.
Rockville Bank’s 21st branch has green workspaces and facilities, including energy-efficient appliances and lighting control to adjust the output for bright or cloudy days and time of day. Windows open to allow fresh air in, unlike most commercial buildings. Landscaping features indigenous materials to eliminate the need for watering once plants take root. There even is a reserved parking space for hybrid vehicles. Amenities include bicycle racks and a shower for employees who cycle or jog to work.
The branch receives environmentally friendly energy through Community Energy, Inc.’s voluntary CTCleanEnergyOptions program. All electricity usage is matched with renewable energy from New Wind Energy from the Mid-Atlantic region, and National Wind Energy and Low-Impact Hydro Energy from New England. Even the office cleaning products are “green-approved”.
The entire property has been registered with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), and Rockville Bank has applied for Silver Leadership in Energy and Engineering Design (LEED) Certification (New Construction and Major Renovation).
Rockville Bank’s green initiative hasn’t stopped with construction. This year, we introduced banking products designed to encourage customers to conserve energy and become more environmentally aware. Customers enrolling in our Green 2-Year Option IRA receive a Living Green Tips wheel with ideas on ways to reduce their carbon footprint, and a Going Green grocery bag. Rockville Bank also became the first community bank in Hartford, Tolland and New London counties to institute banking by cell phone. Our wireless banking encourages electronic statements and green initiatives. And, our bank’s remote deposit service enables businesses to make deposits right from their offices. Both new products eliminate trips to the bank, saving customers gasoline and automobile expenses.
How have you financed the project and how long will it take to recapture your investment (for instance, savings through less energy use for lighting, heating and cooling, fuel, transportation costs, other)?
We expect to recoup our construction investment within 10 years. The variety of energy and cost-savings incentives – including an HVAC system which utilizes outdoor temperatures to regulate the temperature indoors, and a lighting system which can be controlled by individual teller stations instead of illuminating the entire branch at all times – make us confident about this projection.
What prompted your business decision to implement this project?
When we decided to build, we took this opportunity as a responsible company to ensure that our new branch would be as environmentally friendly as possible, from initial planning to every aspect of development. Even the construction process was green, as 75 percent of the waste from the build itself was recycled. This was only the latest green project for this 150 year-old banking institution with a social conscience and deep roots in the communities we serve. We hope our green branch is a model for all businesses, and not just those in financial services.
What advantages exist for your customers and clients to do business with a company that operates in an environmentally conscious way?
Reaction to the branch building and our green banking products has been terrific. Customers ask questions about green features and tell us that we were environmentally responsible in constructing this way. Our Green Option IRA promotion opened 430 new IRA accounts in less than two months. And, sign-ups for the new green electronic statements are strong at 125 per month.
This only confirms what we expected: our green initiatives are a smart business decision for our company and a smart investment for our planet.
Senior executive: William J. McGurk, president & CEO
Location: Rockville-based
Local employees: 236
Category: Innovation
