Credit Union in B.C. model of sustainable design

A bank in Vancouver has become the first financial institution in Canada to receive LEED certified status by the U.S. Green Building Council.<br>
The Leed certification is given to buildings that pass tests for having been designed in an environmentally responsible manner.<br>
The 9,000-sq.ft. Credit Union, Willoughby branch office in Langley has nearly 360-degrees of daylight, so that the artificial lights can be left off during long periods.<br>
The branch also offsets 100% of its greenhouse gas production and energy use through the purchase of BC Hydro’s Green Power Certificates. For each Green Power Certificate purchased, the utility guarantees that it will buy and add to the grid an equal amount of “green” electricity.<br>
Approximately 16 per cent of the materials used in the construction of the Credit Union bank contain recycled content and nearly 50% of them were manufactured locally. The building also has dual flush toilets and waterless urinals.<br>
Consultants on the project were Weiler Smith Bowers (structural), Falcon Engineering (electrical) and Cobalt Engineering (mechanical). Civic Consultants were the civil engineers, and the architect was Toby Russell Buckwell and Partners.<br>
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