Climate First Bank- Winter Park

Climate First Bank has opened its second branch, located in Winter Park, Florida, which underwent a deep retrofit to maximize efficiency, achieving LEEDv4 Commercial Interiors Platinum certification. Climate First Bank is committed to creating LEED-certified branches as part of its mission to promote sustainable and community-focused solutions to address climate change.

“I hope the community is inspired by our renovated building to do their part in our fight against the climate crisis by making sustainable upgrades to their homes and businesses,” said CFB Founder and CEO Ken LaRoe.

To get the 2,120-square-foot Climate First Bank branch as close to net-zero energy as possible, 27.1 kW of solar panels wrap the south and west facade of the building and cover the roof. Translucent solar panels are placed in front of the windows, allowing for maximum renewable energy production and natural light into the space. The building thus accrues over 127% of renewable energy by cost, resulting in 119% total energy cost savings, going above and beyond the standard baseline building. “My biggest hope is that when people drive by or walk into our branch, they’ll see that shiny wall of solar panels and be inspired to take the plunge,” said Chary Gonzalez, Branch Manager.

For the interior, easily recyclable aluminum is used for the building’s casework. In the lobby, a stunning green wall brings nature’s beauty indoors and improves health and air quality for staff and customers. Those occupying the space also have 100% individual and shared occupant thermal controls, such as thermostats, and floor and desk fans. 90% of regularly occupied spaces also have dimmable lighting controls. Additional upgrades include energy-saving LED lights and improved MERV 13 air filtration.

Acoustic performance is vital in a bank, where customers need to feel secure when discussing private matters. The project’s wall design minimizes sound transfer, ensuring that noise from one area, such as a bank office, stays contained, while the Bank’s maximum reverberation limits ensure clear communication in other areas.

The branch has also incorporated all-gender restrooms, reinforcing a sense of inclusion for both staff and customers, while offering free menstrual hygiene products through sanitary pad and tampon dispensers. Old bathroom fixtures were replaced with low-flow toilets and waterless urinals for approximately 45% more efficient water use.

Out front, two electric vehicle charging stations and bike racks have been installed to accommodate employees and guests. The project site also has a Walk Score of 85, indicating the location of the branch is ideal for employees and customers to be able to access other nearby amenities and services without the use of a car.

While the Bank has a strong digital banking platform, to serve the community best, Climate First Bank has strategically opened three physical branches across Florida and is committed to building LEED-certified branches so that their physical footprint embodies the bank’s purpose to promote healthy, sustainable, community-focused solutions to combat the climate crisis.

The branch was designed to be an example of cutting-edge green building technology. This is important to the Bank because the project successfully serves as proof that mission and business can and should run hand-in-hand by having the project embody the company’s mission.

The Winter Park branch was awarded Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) Platinum certification in recognition of the branch’s charging ports and the bank’s commitment to supporting clean transportation. Additionally, Climate First Bank was given the Sustainable Initiative of the Year recognition by USGBC during the 2022 Central Florida Leadership Awards ceremony for their work that deepens or scales sustainability in a new or unique way.