Several banks have won accolades for their green initiatives. Most of these efforts were focused on data centers (data center news)and large buildings. But TD Bank is winning attention for the recent launch of its LEED Platinum-certified branch in Queens Village, N.Y., which it is touting as a big step toward being a more green bank overall.

The Canada-based bank has a long-term goal of cutting its carbon footprint by 5 percent. The new 3,800 square-feet prototype was designed to cut energy consumption 50 percent, with nearly 20 percent of the store's energy being produced onsite through solar panels and solar drive-through canopies. The new store will also feature wood from sustainable managed forests; products that emit little-to-no VOCs (volatile organic compounds); mats and filters that trap particles of dirt, dust and pollen for improved indoor air quality; insulated glass with a coating to help keep a balanced, temperate environment; and sensors to control lighting. In addition, the branch will be maintained with green cleaning products and will recycle everything it can, including disposable batteries.

The vast majority of new TD Bank stores constructed in 2011 will be LEED certified and all stores thereafter. We'll see if the big boys of consumer banking follow suit. One side benefit is a nice press hit locally, a way to portray yourself as a good neighbor. The value of which is only going up in such tough times in the industry and the economy. 

For more:
- here's the release

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