Suncoast Credit Union opens energy-efficient branch in Wauchula
TALLAHASSEE, FL (March 11, 2016) — Suncoast Credit Union announces that it has moved its Wauchula branch to a new, energy-efficient building. Suncoast recently finished construction on the new building, which uses 88 percent less annual electricity than a standard building by combining renewable energy sources with energy efficient technologies. The building is a new location for the Suncoast Wauchula branch that opened in 2004.
“Part of improving the health of our local economies is making decisions that are environmentally and economically sustainable where possible,” says Tom Dorety, President and CEO of Suncoast Credit Union. “This branch marks the continuation of our efforts to be a leader in sustainability.”
Suncoast Credit Union has become increasingly active in sustainability efforts, with an overall goal of becoming a more environmentally responsible member of its community. In 2010, Suncoast began implementing environmentally friendly branch prototypes in its new facilities. There are now seven service centers that operate on solar electric systems, with plans to add more.
The new facility features energy-efficient technologies that include groundwater source heat pumps, glass tinted with low-emissivity coatings to optimize the amount of solar heat passing through, high-efficiency LED lightbulbs in the lobby and drive-through windows, LED luminaires in the parking lot, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system and recycled carpet and paper products.
Located at 1451 U.S. Highway 17 N., the branch held a grand reopening event on Friday, March 11. The celebration offered locals an opportunity to see the new space, as well as to interact with branch staff and enjoy a ribbon cutting ceremony, music from a DJ, $50 Visa gift card giveaways and a money machine where participants grabbed cash.
About Suncoast Credit Union
Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in the state of Florida, the 10th largest in the United States based on membership, and the 10th largest in the United States based on its $17 billion in assets. Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, Suncoast Credit Union currently operates 76 full-service branches and serves more than one million members across Florida. As a community credit union, anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Suncoast Credit Union’s service area is eligible for membership. In 2021, Suncoast Credit Union’s field of membership was expanded to include public K-12 teachers, college educators, and educational support staff from all of Florida’s 67 counties. Suncoast is passionate about community support. Since its founding in 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has raised and donated more than $40 million to organizations and initiatives that support the health, education, and emotional well-being of children in the communities that the credit union serves. For more information, visit suncoastcreditunion.com or follow us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
