Because of the building design and the mechanical and electrical systems being used in the Russell Street Branch, our power usage will be considerably lower than if we had just used standard practices. But we didn’t feel that was quite enough, so MFCU has committed to the purchase of “Renewable Energy Certificates” to cover 100% of the power it will consume at this branch over the next two years. This means that we are supporting alternative energy production at a level to replace what we will consume. This website explains the process much more clearly: http://www.renewablechoice.com/node/308
Bottom line…100% of the power we will consume at this branch will come from renewable sources—solar panels (stay tuned for more about those in coming installments) and wind power.
Hello! I just stumbled upon your blog and am happy to see that your new building project is being done in such an environmentally conscious way. As a longtime MFCU member, it pleases me to see my money used so positively. I have a few questions about the details that I hope you’ll be able to answer for me.
You say that you’re going to use RECs to cover “100% of the power” the new branch will use over the next two years. Does that include both electricity and gas or is it just electricity? Will the new building use any gas? What is your plan for RECs following the initial two years?
In another blog post you say that you’re building the new branch “to LEED specifications.” Which of the four LEED levels are you building to? Are you planning on getting the project LEED certified?
-Justin
I think this project is fantastic! I hope that more businesses in Missoula will follow suit. Knowing that MFCU is committed to helping our environment makes me very proud to say that I’ve been a member for 27 years! Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the comments. The RECs cover 100% of the electric power to the building. The renewable energy (wind powered for instance) is generated and put into the general electrical power grid. We plan to continue to purchase RECs for this branch well beyond the initial two years.
Our Russell Street Branch is aiming for platinum certification from LEED (the highest they award). We have commitments from all our sub-contractors to provide all the documentation LEED requires to substantiate our application. The process is very time-intensive. Check out the US Green Building website and you can even see the entire application…it’s a doozy!