BROOKLYN, N.Y.—M&T Bank has begun work on a 4,500-square-foot branch on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, with a new design making it one of M&T’s most contemporary branches in the New York Metro area.

The office will be constructed to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards (LEED) established by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED is a rating system distinguishing high-performance buildings with less impact on the environment.

The design promotes natural light to minimize the need for interior electrical lighting. The plumbing system is designed to conserve water and will reduce use by 30 percent compared with federal water efficiency standards.

Construction work has begun at the corner of Atlantic and New Jersey avenues in Brooklyn. The new branch is expected to open by year-end.

“Investing in our communities has been a consistent part of M&T’s long-term success. This project brings one of the most contemporary and environmentally responsible branches in the entire M&T network into Brooklyn,” said Gino A. Martocci, regional president for M&T Bank in New York City and Long Island.

M&T will relocate from the existing Central branch at 2644 Atlantic when the new office is completed. Manager John Whitchett, who has 33 years of experience at the branch, and a staff of seven employees will relocate to the new building.

The project was designed by Lorenzo Apicella of the international architectural design firm Pentagram. The architect of record is William Collins Architects of Long Island.

“Our customers will feel welcomed in the new open and airy design, featuring large glass windows across the front and side of the office, with contemporary louvers that let in the view but block overheating caused by direct sunlight. M&T has proudly served our customers in this Brooklyn neighborhood for decades, and this new design position us to serve our consumer and small business customers there for years to come,” said M&T Bank Chief Marketing Officer Peter J. Eliopoulos.

M&T Bank has 20 branches in the New York Metro area.