Current Category: Going Green

Service One Credit Union's "green" building became the final stop for community members who toured "green" facilities in Bowling Green on Saturday, October 3. Not only did tour members make the 10:00 news on WBKO and WKCT, but they found a front page article about the tour in their Sunday Daily News. The WKU Herald reporters also wrote an article. I appreciate the coverage that our local news media gave this Allied Alternative Energy Bowling GREEN Tour.

The comment has been made to me "Yes, Service One is serious about sustainability, but what will the new building be used for? Did we spend our members' money just to be green? The answer to that last one is "No," but, it has certainly drawn attention to what a business can do to position itself for future energy savings. It is our intention to save up to 90% on energy expenditures over the life of this building, thus saving our members money. Not only will we save costs through a 25% increase in insulation value from the living roof installation, this roof will not have to be replaced for forty years. Earth berms, insulated concrete walls, and insulated windows along with a geo-thermal energy system provide for a comfortable building for our employees.

The existing office structure, built in 1987, needs a great deal of maintenance and drains electricity. Work requirements have changed since '87 and new offices and a secure computer room are required. We chose to eliminate the small employee breakroom and restrooms in the existing building and design a more comfortable space for our employees in the new addition. The first floor features a larger kitchen with a recycling center and Energy-star rated appliances, dual-flush toilets and a shower in the restrooms, and a training area and a computer repair shop. The second story will be used for staff and board conferences and meetings. We included space for temporary offices during the renovation process on the main building as well as space for future growth requirements.

I hope that you will be able to attend our open house on Thursday, November 12, along with other "green" leaders in the state. The governor, Steve Beshear, Mayor Elaine Walker, and WKU President Gary Ransdall will be invited to join us in celebrating this grand opening event. If you cannot attend, we plan to provide scheduled tours several times a week so that our members can view this beautiful space designed for their credit union employees.

Please contact me if you have any questions or comments. I trust that you will be proud of the steps that your credit union has taken to be a good financial and environmental steward.

Email Brown on this subject

Last night at the 45th Annual Shareholders’ Meeting, I had the pleasure to announce to an enthusiastic membership that Service One plans to build a “green” addition to the Campbell Lane Office. David Bryant, Architect, and Rob Atnip, SOCU’s Facilities Manager, displayed the plans for this new addition during the Financial Fair and discussed the concept with members. The plans show a well-insulated, sustainable, energy-efficient building that will add needed space for employees and board members at that location, and serve as a community room after working hours.

The design utilizes the following technology:
1) natural daylighting;
2) geothermal heating and air conditioning;
3) photovoltaic cells, or solar panels;
4) a water containment system which recycles water for irrigation and toilet flushing;
5) a roof with vegetation rather than asphalt shingles;
6) bio-retention areas for storm water runoff; and,
7) natural and recycled materials for interior finishes along with energy-star appliances.

We expect this addition to be certified at the “platinum” level by the U.S. Council for Green Buildings. Rebates and incentives will be available from this council as well as from TVA. We appreciate the assistance that BGMU and TVA have given in planning for electric generation from the solar panels and the geothermal technology.

I am very excited about this project as it will add value to the membership and serve as a model in the community for green building practices.

Service One received from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and U.S.Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) copies of the 2008 Model Year EPA/DOE Fuel Economy Guide. Copies of this report can be obtained at www.fueleconomy.gov. I am also ordering 100 copies for the branch offices. Let me know if you want me to send one to you.

The web site contains fuel economy data for new and used pasenger vehicles dating back to 1985, allows side-by-side vehicle comparisons, and offers fuel-saving tips. It also contains vehicle-specific air pollution emissions information and safety ratings, and provides links to car buying web sites.

Service One wants to assist our members gain the knowledge to make informed decisions thereby saving money, reducing our nation's dependence on imported oil, and promoting cleaner air in our communities.