Energy & Atmosphere

Buildings annually consume more than 30% of the total energy and more than 60% of the electricity used in the United States. While energy efficiency is built into this facility, we still encourage staff members to be vigilant about turning off equipment when not in use.  Building efficiencies are further enhanced by the following features:

• Green Power: Scott Credit Union initially purchased two years worth of green power for 70% of the facilities power requirements. The impact of SCU’s action helps avoid up to 1,334,462 pounds (605 metric tons) of carbon dioxide emissions from being emitted into the atmosphere. The project has a similar impact as 5,492 fully mature trees planted or 1,345,117 miles not driven by an average passenger car.
• Heating & Cooling: The building utilizes a ground source geothermal heat pump to heat and cool the building. There are 100 wells under the site and parking lot. The wells are twelve inches in diameter and 300 feet deep to transfer heat between the ground and building to reduce energy consumption. Benefits include:
  • 30% more efficient when compared to minimum design requirements of similar buildings
  • Reduced environmental and economic impacts associated with excessive energy use
  • Reduced stratospheric ozone depletion
• Lighting: LED lamps instead of incandescent lamps are used throughout the building to reduce energy consumption.