U.S. Green Building Council honor recognizes excellence in building sustainability

MADISON, Wisconsin—Summit Credit Union has announced its Cottage Grove headquarters earned the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED Silver certification. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the world’s most widely used green building rating system and recognizes organizations that prioritize sustainable construction and operation practices.

“Summit is committed to providing a healthy, energy-efficient atmosphere for our members and employees,” said Summit Credit Union CEO & President Kim Sponem. “We’re proud to receive LEED Silver certification and look forward to playing a continued role in creating a more environmentally friendly world.”

Summit achieved LEED Silver certification by implementing a number of sustainable design features and energy-efficient operations. The 152,000-square-foot, six-story headquarters includes eco-friendly flooring, energy-saving natural lighting and a reflective roof to facilitate cooling. The campus also offers electric car charging stations for employees and members and a 17,500-gallon rainwater harvest system to capture and reuse rainwater. The combination of green practices and engineering results in reduced use of water, energy and greenhouse gas emissions.

“Summit Credit Union’s LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO of USGBC. “LEED was created to make the world a better place and revolutionize our buildings and communities by providing everyone with access to healthy, green and high-performing buildings. Summit is a prime example of how the innovative work of project teams can create local solutions that contribute to making a global difference.”

Designed by Madison-based architecture firm Strang, Inc., construction of the headquarters by J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. began in October of 2017. The building officially opened in March of 2019.

To learn more about Summit’s commitment to earth-friendly business practices and operations, visit https://www.summitcreditunion.com/about/giving-back/sustainability.