SANTA ROSA, Calif. — Redwood Credit Union was recently honoredfor producing one of the “Top Projects in Commercial Real Estate,”after introducing environmentally responsible materials and energyconservation efforts in its newly remodeled corporate facility.

Presented by the North Bay Business Journal, a weekly businesspublication serving Sonoma, Napa, and Marin counties, the TopProject Awards honor recent commercial real estate projects thathave had significant community impact.

RCU was recognized for “Green Reuse” — taking an existingcommercial building and remodeling it for green certification.

“RCU is committed to doing the right thing in all aspects of ourbusiness, so it was natural for us to pursue ways to conserve waterand energy as well as to use recycled and renewable resourcesduring our corporate facility remodel,” said Steve Stapp, RCUexecutive vice president/chief financial officer, and projectmanager for the building remodel. “Not only is it theenvironmentally and socially responsible thing to do, but it willalso realize long-term cost savings which will benefit our members,the environment, our employees, and our communities.”

Green changes such as low-flow toilets and landscaping choicesare projected to save 1.5 to 2 million gallons of water per year,which translates into estimated savings of $60,000 or moreannually.

Noteworthy elements of the credit union's focus onenvironmentally sound practices during the building remodelinclude: recycling building materials from the interior demolition;using recycled materials throughout the building includingcarpeting, linoleum, hardwood flooring, and light fixtures;water-efficient landscaping surrounding the building; automatic“stepped lighting” devices that sense available daylight levels andswitch off when existing light is available; motion sensors thatdetect when a room is unoccupied; EnergyStar compliant appliances;and waterless urinals and dual-flush low-flow toilets.

Throughout the remodel process, RCU remained committed tocreating an environmentally friendly building, which includedpursuing a Leadership in Energy and Environment Design or “green”certification. RCU has applied for, and hopes to receive, SilverLEED certification within the year. The credit union has alsoimplemented internal recycling programs, with recycle bins at eachemployee workstation, and in the copy, meeting, and breakrooms.