FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MEDICAL DISTRICT BRANCH EARNS LEED® SILVER
MEMPHIS, TN (October 3, 2017) —The recently opened branch of Orion Federal Credit Union, located at 821 Poplar, Memphis, Tennessee, has earned Silver certification through the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building program.
The building, located in Memphis’ Medical District, was constructed on a remediated brownfield site, which was once home to a gas station. The site was inactive, contaminated and rundown. Orion chose the site based on its commitment to impact the community.
“We wanted to go beyond reactivating a dead street corner. We wanted to build something that members and the neighborhood would be proud of, and even more, would reflect the change and evolution going on in the area. For us, that meant a state-of-the-art LEED Silver® facility, and a design that would embody openness and connection to the people we serve. We’re proud to reside in the Medical District and even our footprint is positively impacting this neighborhood,” stated Daniel Weickenand, Orion CEO.
The plan and construction of the building was guided by sustainable design and building principles that take into account social, environmental and economic priorities. This results in a high-performing building that is more energy efficient, uses less water, and has a higher indoor air quality.
Entegrity served as the LEED consultant, and provided commissioning and energy modeling services. “The Orion project was particularly rewarding as the company cleaned up and reclaimed land in the Medical District,” said Entegrity founder, Chris Ladner. “This in and of itself is an accomplishment. Achieving LEED silver underscores Orion’s commitment to the environment and the community.”
Project highlights for the building include:
- Remediation and redevelopment of a Brownfield site, protecting future users from harmful materials and greatly reducing the need for the construction of new utilities or roads.
- Location that is walkable for staff and customers, with easy access to public transportation.
- Energy cost savings of 25% compared to a typical building of this type, utilizing efficient HVAC systems, all-LED lighting, and smart building construction.
- Low-VOC materials and increased outside air in HVAC systems, ensuring fresh, healthful air for building staff and customers.
- Materials used in construction containing high recycled content and sourced regionally when possible.
- Water-saving landscape design, using drought-resistant plantings that eliminate the need for irrigation.
“Orion successfully transformed a contaminated urban property into a flourishing downtown commercial development. I applaud them for initiating this project and impacting a neighborhood vital to Memphis’ economic growth,” said Jeff Phillips, Tennessee Department of Environmental and Conservation.
Archimania served as architect for the project, and Grinder, Taber & Grinder, Inc. was the general contractor.
About ORION FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
Founded in Memphis in 1957, Orion FCU has grown to become the largest credit union in west Tennessee, with over 60,000 members and $700 million in assets. Orion offers a full spectrum of banking options ranging from savings and checking accounts to home, auto, commercial, and personal loans. For more information on Orion FCU, go to https://orionfcu.com/
About LEED
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is an internationally recognized green building program that provides building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions. For more information on LEED, please visit www.USGBC.org
ABOUT ENTEGRITY
Entegrity is a sustainability and energy services company specializing in the implementation of energy conservation and renewable energy projects with offices in Memphis and around the country. Entegrity is uniquely qualified to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to Optimize Building Performance. We help our clients realize long-term operational savings by focusing on their needs: selecting the most cost-effective scope, contract structure, and financing strategy available to them. Our comprehensive service package includes energy savings performance contracting, commissioning, energy modeling, building testing, lighting solutions, renewable energy, water conservation, and sustainability consulting. For more information about Entegrity visit www.entegritypartners.com.
About USGBC
The U.S. Green Building Council® is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our
nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. With a community comprising 78 local affiliates, more than 20,000 member companies and organizations, and more than 140,000 LEED® Professionals™, USGBC® is the driving force of an industry that is projected to contribute $554 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product from 2009-2013. USGBC leads an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students. USGBC is the developer of the LEED green building certification program and the convenor of the Greenbuild® International Conference & Expo. For more information please visit www.USGBC.org.
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Contact: Casey Condra
Director of Marketing
Orion Federal Credit Union
