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

Presented by the North Bay Business Journal, a weekly business publication serving Sonoma, Napa, and Marin counties, the Top Project Awards honor recent commercial real estate projects that have had significant community impact.

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

“RCU is committed to doing the right thing in all aspects of our business, so it was natural for us to pursue ways to conserve water and energy as well as to use recycled and renewable resources during our corporate facility remodel,” said Steve Stapp, RCU executive vice president/chief financial officer, and project manager for the building remodel. “Not only is it the environmentally and socially responsible thing to do, but it will also 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 choices are projected to save 1.5 to 2 million gallons of water per year, which translates into estimated savings of $60,000 or more annually.

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

Throughout the remodel process, RCU remained committed to creating an environmentally friendly building, which included pursuing a Leadership in Energy and Environment Design or “green” certification. RCU has applied for, and hopes to receive, Silver LEED certification within the year. The credit union has also implemented internal recycling programs, with recycle bins at each employee workstation, and in the copy, meeting, and break rooms.