Tower FCU Opens 'Green' Branch in New Arundel Mills

Contact: Carla Burger     
800-787-8328, ext. 7144
carla.burger@towerfcu.org

While many businesses are downsizing, Tower Federal Credit Union is expanding. The 123,000+ member credit union opened its newest branch on December 6 at 7065 Arundel Mills Circle in the Arundel Mills Shopping Center in Hanover, Md. The new construction is Tower’s first two-story branch, and incorporates a long list of “green” features to protect the environment, reduce costs, and promote a healthy and comfortable workplace for Tower employees. The new site nearly doubles the square footage of Tower’s original Arundel Mills branch, previously located on Arundel Mills Boulevard.
One significant “green” feature of the new branch is the use of geothermal heat pumps for heating and cooling. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), geothermal heat pumps are the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean and cost-effective systems for temperature control.  The new site also has bio-retention ponds to cleanse run-off from the parking lot before it gets to the development’s main retention pond, and, ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay.
To reduce water consumption, the landscaping includes indigenous plants and trees that are hardier and require less irrigation. Inside the branch, Tower installed low-flow toilets and faucet aerators in the restrooms and kitchen.
 Along with conservation, Tower’s President and CEO Martin Breland says creating a healthy work environment for employees was also a priority. “The building is designed with a bright, open feel and all employees have visual access to daylight,“ he says.  To achieve this, Breland says, the new branch has windows all around, tinted and insulated for heat reduction and energy-efficiency. “There is even a large letter “T” comprised of windows on the front of the building,” he says. “It’s very striking and easy to spot, and we tell our members to just ‘look for the giant T’.”
 All interior carpet, paint, adhesives and wall coverings, Breland notes, are low in volatile organic compounds (VOC), which can be toxic. Ceiling tiles contain a broad-spectrum antimicrobial solution to resist the growth of mold and bacteria. All carpet is CRI Green Label-certified with 10 percent post-consumer recycled content and 4 percent pre-consumer recycled content.
 Throughout the construction process, Breland says Tower used local businesses whenever possible. “We want to support local businesses and help the regional economy,” he says. “Plus, working with a local company cuts delivery costs, lowers gas usage and decreases fuel emissions. Shipping material is also reduced, so less ends up in a landfill.”
 According to Breland, the added expense of green materials and features is worthwhile and will be offset by savings down the road. “We’re always looking for opportunities to expand and grow to meet our members’ needs. But we feel it is just as important to do what we can to support the local economy and protect Maryland’s natural resources.”
  The new Arundel Mills branch is one of 16 Tower branches located throughout Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard and Prince George’s Counties. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for early February.
 
Tower Federal Credit Union’s new Arundel Mills Branch, located at 7065 Arundel Mills Circle in Hanover, Md. opened for business December 6.

About Tower Federal Credit Union
Tower Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, non-profit financial institution with headquarters in Laurel, Maryland. Established in 1953, Tower is the largest federal credit union in Maryland with over $2.4 billion in assets. It provides a full array of financial products and services and serves over 123,000 members worldwide. Tower serves its local-area members with eleven branches in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, and Prince George’s counties and five branches at Fort Meade, as well as online services and Mobile Banking at towerfcu.org.