HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 22, 2010 -- M&T Bank unveiled a new branch today in Chambersburg, Pa. that utilizes "green" technology and innovative architecture to greatly reduce energy consumption and improve customer experience.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101122/NY06457 )
The architecture of the new M&T Bank branch has a contemporary look, but is actually based on traditional bank design fused with energy-reducing elements. One of the primary features of the 4,600-square-foot branch is a colonnade with a high canopy that wraps around two sides of the building to reduce direct sunlight into the branch, while providing shelter from the elements to customers as they walk from their vehicles.
The branch, located at 860 Norland Ave., also has louver screens offset from the building on the colonnade, which allows natural light to enter the full-height glass walls, but reduces direct sunlight and glare. The secondary function of the louvers is to allow the glass walls to be free from blinds or drapes, thus reducing dependency on artificial lighting and offering customers a more transparent and welcoming view into the branch.
In addition to the glass walls, the remaining walls are highly-insulated, steel panels constructed from recycled materials.
"This new design creates a signature look for M&T, but more importantly, the branch enhances customer service and reduces our carbon footprint," said Michael Murchie, regional president for M&T Bank. "We believe our local customers will find the branch design improves their banking experience with us, and the community will benefit from the reduced use of natural resources."
Inside the M&T Bank branch, the main lobby offers a large, open space that is reminiscent of banks in the early 20th Century, but equipped with technology like a large digital screen and energy-saving lighting from a combination of skylights, LEDs, fluorescent lamps, and ceramic metal halide lights.
The lights are controlled by an automated system that conserves energy by using sensors to dim or increase lighting based on available sunlight.
Heating and cooling are achieved by a geothermal heat pump system, which uses the constant temperature of the earth to reduce energy usage. An energy recovery wheel further increases efficiency of the system to nearly 97 percent by reclaiming heat from the building's exhaust air.
An automated system monitors air quality to maintain both fresh air ventilation and temperature. This system also has a "free cooling" mode to draw in outdoor air to cool the building.
A rain water recovery system is used to provide water for toilets and outdoor use. This reduces water consumption by 30 percent compared to Federal Water Efficiency Standards.
The new M&T Bank branch even offers parking spaces for hybrid and electric cars, as well as racks for bicycles.
M&T Bank's Norland Avenue branch was constructed to LEED standards (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) established by the U.S. Green Building Council. The building is the first bank branch to be built in Franklin County according to LEED standards.
This branch is also only the second of its kind to be built. M&T Bank opened the first newly designed branch in West Seneca, N.Y. in March, and has already won two awards and been recognized in architectural publications for its innovative design.
The new branch design will serve as a model for future M&T Bank branch construction and renovation of existing branches.
The project was designed by Lorenzo Apicella of the international architectural design firm Pentagram, working with local architects David Black Associates, located in Chambersburg.
Two of M&T's existing branches located at 278 Lincoln Highway East and 1750 Philadelphia Ave. in Chambersburg will be consolidated into the new Norland Avenue branch.
M&T Bank, founded in 1856, is one of the top 20 independent commercial bank holding companies in the nation, with $68 billion in assets and more than 725 branch offices in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Ontario, Canada. M&T Bank has over 200 full-service branches and more than 600 ATMs in Pennsylvania. Read more about M&T Bank online at www.mtb.com/newsroom.
Media Contact:
Kent Wissinger
(717) 237-6110