Columbia CU Hosts ‘Greenbreaking’ on Environmentally Friendly Branch

WASHOUGAL, Wash. – Officials of Columbia CU will join local dignitaries later this week to break ground on the area’s first financial institution built to LEED “Green” standards. The facility, the first of three green branches planned by the $800 million credit union for 2008, will incorporate environmentally friendly aspects and be rated under Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards. The building will incorporate sustainable elements such as rainfall and natural light into the building’s functionality. Collected rainwater will provide water to flush toilets and irrigate the landscape. High-efficiency heating and cooling will ensure comfortable temperatures while lowering energy consumption. Natural lighting from skylights will boost the mood of workers and members and natural ventilation will reduce energy use to cool the building.