ROCKVILLE, Md., Dec. 13, 2010 -- M&T Bank will launch its new signature eco-friendly branch concept in Maryland with the opening of the Pike Center location in Rockville on Wednesday (12/15).  

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101213/NY16560 )

The contemporary look of the new M&T branch, located at 12161 Rockville Pike, fuses traditional bank design with environmentally friendly elements.  A signature look of the architectural design is the colonnade with high canopy intended to reduce direct sunlight into the branch.  

Outdoor louver screens allow natural light to enter the branch's full height glass walls; all while minimizing direct sunlight and glare.  Inside, an intuitive light sensor system monitors sunlight levels and dims the artificial lighting in spaces with sufficient sunlight.  

"Our new Pike Center office is another great location for our customers in Montgomery County and it's also friendly to the environment," said Stephen Heine, M&T Bank's Greater Washington Market Manager.  "We believe our customers will enjoy the modern look and feel of the branch while we all will benefit from the reduction of our carbon footprint."  

The branch's overall design reduces energy usage by 25 percent and its plumbing design reduces water usage by 30 percent.  Renewable energy credits have been purchased to supply power to the facility through sustainable sources.  

The office was 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 project was designed by the international design firm Pentagram working with local firm, Ammon Heisler Sachs Architects, located in Baltimore.  The new branch design will serve as the model for future M&T Bank branch construction and renovation of existing branches.

The Pike Center branch is M&T's 9th in Rockville and 38th in Montgomery County.  Branch manager, Julia Omotade, will lead a team of experienced professionals who will work to understand customers' unique needs and deliver personalized solutions through the bank's full product line.  Business clients can meet with Omotade or business banker, Phil Becker, to discuss a customized strategy for meeting their financial goals.  

The branch is equipped with traditional features, including three drive-up lanes, an ATM, safe deposit boxes and a night depository.  

Customers can visit M&T's new location from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.  

M&T Bank's Greater Washington regional headquarters is located in Rockville.  Founded in 1856, M&T Bank Corporation is one of the 20 largest U.S. bank holding companies with more than 725 branch offices and 1,800 ATMs in Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia and Delaware.