Although LEED becomes ever more ubiquitous, reaching the rating system’s highest level remains a serious undertaking. Just ask Emily Wilbrandt, whose job it was to ensure the GreenChoice Bank‘s flagship location met LEED Platinum’s exacting standards.
The lobby of the bank’s Logan Square location features reclaimed wood once used on a former turkey farm. Signage helps educate customers and visitors about the eco-friendly features. Photo: Courtesy of GreenChoice Bank
Wilbrandt is part of Chicago-based 2 Point Perspective, an “eco-architectural” firm helmed by Ron and Lisa Elkins and which led the design of GreenChoice Bank’s headquarters at 2545 W. Diversey Ave. The bank, which held a ceremony to celebrate its LEED Platinum distinction in February, is a corner tenant of the Green Exchange, a 270,000-square-foot former lamp factory located in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood.
President Steve Sherman discusses his vision for a financial institution that is in relationship with the community, through its business practices as well as environmental policies. Photo: AJ Kane
Chief lending officer and LEED AP Jon Levey explains the bank’s many green features, which include sophisticated sensors that help regulate light and temperature. Photo: AJ Kane
The project features a laundry list of intelligent green features, accompanied by signage designed to educate customers (even the signs are printed on eco-friendly materials with soy inks). Among the more notable elements are GreenGuard-certified desk chairs by Haworth, a feature wall made with wood reclaimed from a former turkey farm, refurbished furniture in the break room, and high-efficiency climate and lighting controls, including daylight sensors.
Ron and Lisa Elkins and designer Emily Wilbrandt make up 2 Point Perspective, which is responsible for the bank’s LEED Platinum interior. Photo: AJ Kane
Our own managing editor Tim Schuler and account manager Eric Henley pose with the plaque after the ceremony. Photo: AJ Kane
The LEED Platinum dedication event was attended by a number of Green Exchange tenants, including craft brewer Ale Syndicate, as well as members of local community groups, such as the Logan Square Neighborhood Association and Green Chicago Restaurant Coalition. After formal remarks, executive vice president and chief lending officer Jon Levey gave a tour of the space, which earned 42 out of 57 possible points under LEED’s Commercial Interiors rating.
Community members and Green Exchange tenants talk with the bank’s leadership before the ceremony gets underway. Photo: AJ Kane
Ale Syndicate’s Samuel Evans chats with Katie Tuten of the Hideout. Photo: AJ Kane
Eric Henley talks to Green Chicago Restaurant Coalition’s Sarah Hidder and GreenMark PR’s Beth Burdin. Photo: AJ Kane
A group photo of GreenChoice Bank employees. Photo: AJ Kane
