Here's another reason to love your local credit union: The Spokane Valley’s first 240-volt charging station for electric cars opens to the public when Spokane Teachers Credit Union starts serving members at its new South Valley Branch location on Monday, December 12th.

From Dan Hansen:

That level II charging station, paired with two parking spaces reserved for electric cars or chargeable hybrids, is just one of the earth-friendly features designed into the branch at 13211 E. 32nd. Others include:

• Solar panels that at times will generate a surplus of power.
• A rooftop and parking lot that reflect heat, rather than absorbing it.
• Building materials that were mostly mined or produced within 500 miles of the construction site.
• A shower for employees who walk or pedal to work. (The branch also is located on a bus route.)
• Lights and a heating system that are highly energy efficient.
• A no-smoking policy that includes the parking lot.

“We set out with a goal to make this the most environmentally sustainable full-service branch operated by any financial institution in the region,” said Patsy Gayda, STCU vice president of branches. “Our members expect us to be good stewards of resources.”

Nystrom+Olson Architecture designed the 3,496-square-foot branch to meet U.S. Green Building Council standards for LEED Gold certification for sustainable building and development practices.

“Designing to LEED Gold certification has numerous advantages,” including nearly 50 percent energy savings over conventional buildings of similar size, said Evan Verduin, a LEED Accredited Professional and project manager for Nystrom + Olson.

“The high-performance mechanical systems, photovoltaic panels and energy efficient envelope contribute to a substantial reduction in energy use, increased environmental stewardship and increased employee comfort,” Verduin said. During construction, 78 percent of waste materials were either reused or recycled, said Barry Baker, owner of Baker Construction & Development, one of the region’s oldest and best-known contractors.

“This is the most innovative green building we have been involved with and we applaud the design team and STCU for their stewardship of the environment,” Baker said. With a current population of 91,836, Spokane Valley is expected to grow by about 16,000 people in the next 20 years, according to the city’s comprehensive land-use plan. Growth also is expected south of the city limits, in the Freeman School District. 

Founded by educators in 1934, STCU is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative with branches in Eastern Washington and North Idaho and more than $1.5 billion in total assets and 100,000 members.

For inquiries, contact Dan Hansen at 509-344-2208 or email at danh@stcu.org.
 

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