MISSOULA, Mont. – A year ago, city residents went to the recycling lot downtown to bring glass to be crushed into building materials for a new branch of the Missoula FCU. That effort is about to bear fruit with the crushed glass incorporated into the credit union’s new green branch.
Concrete for the new branch is all made of recycled materials, from fly ash and crushed glass. Building panels are made from compressed paper, parking spaces reserved for fuel efficient cars, and the irrigation system re-uses waste water.
The cabinets are made from the shells of sunflower seeds and salvaged lumber. There are also beams made from wood scraps, and carpet made from wool instead of synthetics.
The building also uses solar panels and energy-efficient lighting.
The $250 million credit union plans to explain the green features to members with signs throughout the new structure, which is scheduled to open Friday.
