JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Community First CU of Florida received the 2008 Environmental Protection Board Award from the city of Jacksonville for having the first CU location in northeast Florida to be LEED certified.
"We're thrilled with the honor," said David Branham, facilities and security manager for the $1-billion CFCUF, who also suggested the credit union was just as pleased with the monthly energy bills from its new Hodges Road branch. Branham said the eco-friendly location cuts electric expenses by 30%.
What's significantly contributing to those savings are numerous solar tubes, a skylight that captures sunlight via small domes mounted on the roof, Branham said. A white membrane covers the branch's roof to reflect the heat from the sun.
Other savings are coming from the branch's drip irrigation system. "We planted Bermuda grass instead of St. Augustine since it requires less water and allowed us to forego the full irrigation system," Branham said.
Costs to erect the branch were about 2% above standard building costs, said Branham, who confirmed that green construction costs continue to drop.
