PNC Bank's New Net-Zero Energy Branch To Produce More Energy Than It Consumes

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Aug. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- PNC Bank announced today that its new net-zero energy bank branch is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2013.  PNC expects the branch to exceed LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification and to be its most energy efficient, using 50 percent less energy than a typical branch.  The 4,900 square foot building will be located at 1153 S. Andrews Ave. in Fort Lauderdale.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120820/NE59295 )

"This is another example of PNC's commitment to innovation and energy efficiency," said Gary Saulson, PNC's director of Corporate Real Estate. "We expect the net-zero energy branch to spur business growth and development in the area.  Ultimately, we hope it will inspire other businesses to adopt similar green building practices."

PNC has more newly constructed LEED-certified buildings (118) than any company on Earth.  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 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 percent recycled material have also been selected for all ceiling tiles and walls.
• NATIVE PLANTS AND IRRIGATION: The landscape design is composed of native Florida species, minimizing irrigation needs. Natural drainage channels lined with plants will filter out pollutants and permit ground absorption, diverting 90 percent of site stormwater from municipal sewer systems.
• SOLAR SHADING: A canopy covers the building's southern exposure to reflect sun during the hottest part of the day while allowing natural daylight into the building, resulting in reduced cooling costs.

These and other features will yield annual energy savings equivalent to the energy needed to power a 1,600 square foot house for one year. 

"Cutting energy consumption in a building by 50 percent compared to code and adding renewable generation requires corporate commitment and a strong eye toward strategy," said Michael Baechler, senior program manager at the U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. "Over the past few years, PNC has taught the DOE and national labs how corporations can manage and benefit from a commitment to energy efficiency."

PNC Bank collaborated with Gensler, a leading global design firm, and the Department of Energy as part of the DOE's Net-Zero Energy Commercial Building Initiative, which aims to significantly improve the energy efficiency of new and existing commercial buildings. Gensler has worked with PNC since 2006 and is the design architect, while Paladino & Company has worked with PNC since 1998 serving as sustainability and green building consultant. 

PNC Bank is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (www.pnc.com).  PNC (NYSE: PNC) is one of the nation's largest diversified financial services organizations providing retail and business banking; residential mortgage banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management.  Follow @PNCNews on Twitter for breaking news, updates and announcements from PNC.

EDITOR'S NOTE:  Renderings of PNC's net-zero energy branch are available at http://pnc.thedigitalcenter.com.  Please notify Zoraya Suarez at 407-271-2694 if you are interested in visiting the construction site to photograph the installation of solar panels, occurring this week.

CONTACT:

Zoraya Suarez
(407) 271-2694
[email protected]

SOURCE PNC Bank