by Shane Henson — August 31, 2012—PNC Bank recently announced that its new net-zero energy bank branch is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2013. Given the branch’s impressive sustainable features that led it to produce more energy than it uses, PNC expects the branch to exceed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification and to be its most energy efficient, using 50% less energy than a typical branch. The 4,900-square-foot building will be located at 1153 S. Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.
PNC claims to have more newly constructed LEED-certified buildings (118) than any other company. The Fort Lauderdale branch will feature innovative green technology and amenities, including 211 solar panels, a fitness path for the public, paving designed to reduce rainwater runoff, high-efficiency LED lights and Energy Star appliances. Some of these may become standard in the next generation of PNC’s green buildings, the company notes.
The branch will also feature:
- Solar Energy and Daylight Harvesting: The branch will be powered by the sun using the most efficient photovoltaic (solar) panels on the commercial market. Daylight harvesting will be achieved through the use of sensors that control dimmable light fixtures as natural sunlight increases.
- Occupancy Sensors: Occupancy sensors will prompt lights and computer monitors to shut off automatically in unoccupied spaces.
- Energy Recovery Ventilation: This system captures and transfers energy from conditioned air as it exits the building to fresh air as it enters the building, and results in reduced cooling costs.
- Recycled Materials: PNC is using local and recycled building resources for structural and shell materials, as well as finishes. Special products made with more than 80% recycled material have also been selected for all ceiling tiles and walls.
- Occupancy Sensors: Occupancy sensors will prompt lights and computer monitors to shut off automatically in unoccupied spaces.
