We've noted that going green has several core business benefits, such as cost savings. But there are public relations and marketing benefits as well. TD Bank seems to understand that, as it just announced the construction of a "net-zero" energy bank branch scheduled to open this spring in Florida.

According to the DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a net-zero energy building "produces and exports in a year at least as much renewable power as the total energy it uses." TD Bank said the new branch will require approximately 97,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity a year from a local utility to operate, but it will produce a minimum of 100,000 kWh a year on the site.

The green branch will feature a solar drive-thru canopy that produces nearly 20 percent of the buildings' annual energy needs as well as solar panels on the store's roof and a field of solar panels on the building's surrounding property. The building also features a host of design enhancements to gain maximum green efficiencies.

TD Bank plans to garner the highest level of LEED certification, LEED Platinum, for the building. It intends to be the first bank to register a net-zero energy building. Only eight buildings in the nation are registered as net-zero with the DOE as of now.

Other banks have designs to improve their branches. We're seeing some interesting high-tech approaches. Perhaps green initiatives should complement that activity.

For more:
- here's the release

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