LAKELAND, Fla. – Community First CU is building a green branch that is designed to wrap around an existing Bruster’s Ice Cream Shoppe (which will remain open during construction), increasing the area’s development density while minimizing changes to infrastructure and local traffic.
The 4,151-square-foot branch passively reduces energy required for both structures’ cooling loads by reducing the total amount of exterior walls that are subject to the central Florida climate; therefore each building will be more efficient than if they were designed to be stand-alone structures.
The building will also feature a roof-mounted photovoltaic system that provides on-site renewable energy. The system is designed to generate 85,717 kilowatts of electricity per year, more electricity than the $100 million credit union is expected to use.
In addition to solar energy, rainwater reuse is also a key design component affecting both the building and the site. Using the roof as a collector, a cistern system will support both water closets and drip irrigation. With harvested rain water and low flow fixtures, calculations show the building will use 80% less potable water than a conventional design.
The branch interior is designed to be sustainable as well. Many finishes, including tile, carpet and counter tops, have been selected due to their recycled material content. The lighting system includes digital controls and photo sensors that automatically dim the interior lighting when natural daylight sufficiently illuminates a space. Additional occupancy sensors automatically turn lights off in unoccupied offices.
