First Green Bank in Mount Dora to showcase newest technology for environmental efficiency

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – First Green Bank’s newest headquarters facility in Mount Dora, which will host its official “Grand Green Opening” on Saturday, Feb 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is a marvel of modern environmental engineering that’s as much a museum of science and technology as a working bank.

Kenneth LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank, said he plans to host tours of the bank facility to show off the building’s environmental features, including a unique “living wall” system that helps reduce CO2 and VOC.

“This is the way of the future,” LaRoe said, “and we are very proud to unveil this technology here in Lake County.”

A rooftop solar panel system will generate 17 percent of the total operating energy the building will need, LaRoe said. New LEED parking lights utilize only 20 percent of the typical energy requirements to generate 14,000 lumens — more than enough light to keep the area secure without adding to “ambient light pollution” that blacks out stars and confuses nocturnal wildlife.

Inside, specially designed fluorescent lighting and automated lighting controls reduce energy usage by almost 40 percent.

Ninety percent of the bank’s workers have windows to capitalize on daylight and reduce indoor electrical consumption.

And not just any windows! Engineers designed special green screens, efficient glazing and exterior shades to block infrared heat and decrease energy demand for interior cooling.

Building materials were selected for their environmental qualities. Structured steel studs that reinforce walls were made from 100 percent recycled steel. The plaster finish was made from natural American clay that is non-toxic and environmentally benign. The cedar wood canopy above the drive-through tellers is made from 100 percent locally reclaimed wood. And pine trees removed to make way for the building were used for building construction and interior décor.

“There’s a lot of Lake County in this building,” LaRoe said.

The building’s “butterfly roof” was designed to collect rain water for use in irrigating the Florida native landscaping, and roofing vegetation and reflective material further reduce the building’s energy needs.

The air-conditioning system funnels more than 80,000 gallons of condensate annually to a special cistern so it can be reused to flush toilets and irrigate indoor plants. Altogether, First Green Bank’s water usage is almost 80 percent more efficient than comparably sized buildings in Florida.

Only the second commercial building in Florida to claim the U.S. Green Building Council’s prized LEED standard, First Green Bank was designed to stand out as a local landmark.

“We are a local community bank with a global mission and we are proud of our Lake County heritage,” LaRoe said.