Sustainable Building for UFCU Ben White Branch in Texas

The Ben White Branch of the University Federal Credit Union in Austin, Texas was designed by Jackson and McElhaney Architects. Intented to be a model of the “green” mission of the credit union, the project is a sustainable approach that pays special attention to the site in order to minimize impact and reduce the urban heat effect. It addresses issues such as orientation, type and location of glass, shading, landscaping in order to make the facility a comfortable branch credit union and efficient use for the customers. The architects choose carefully the sustainable materials and methods and create an interesting bulding design that looks great both inside and outside. were chosen based on their recycled content, sustainable certifications, local sources, low VOC content and overall sustainability. The bank exceeds energy code requirements by 41% and is achieved through a variety of strategies including a reflective roof coating, solar passive design, high-efficiency glazing, high performance insulation, and energy-efficient lighting. A photovoltaic system on the drive-through roof produces up to one-quarter of the building’s energy needs.