Newsletter - Vol. 1 issue 2

Saving Takes on Another Dimension at Northpointe Bank

The emphasis is on “saving” with the new banking headquarters designed to achieve USBGC LEED-NC certification for Northpointe Bank. The four-story, 80,000 plus sq. ft. headquarters, rising above Interstate 96 and the East Beltline in Grand Rapids, illustrates Northpointe Bank’s commitment to being a different kind of bank—starting with their building.

Sustainable design and construction, of course, pose special considerations that may not necessarily cost more, but do require conscientious upfront planning. Other options do have higher initial costs, but return the investment in long-term savings in energy consumption, environmental controls, and other costs. The Northpointe Bank building has extensive green building design and construction features that will earn points towards LEED certification, including site development, energy savings, and water conservation. That’s where Contractors Mechanical comes in. The general contractor for the project, Lamar Construction, Holland, MI, chose Contractors Mechanical for design-build services for LEED compliant domestic water supply, wastewater drainage, and stormwater management systems.

“There are three key areas where our contributions will impact the effort to earn LEED certification,” say Steve Johnson, Contractors Mechanical’s Field Manager for the project. “The first is immediate, through construction waste management. Salvageable non-hazardous construction debris is being diverted, collected, and pre-sorted onsite for either reuse or recycling—keeping these materials out of the landfills. Conservation and management of potable water, wastewater, and stormwater are important performance components where this building will also likely earn LEED certification points.” 

Ken Pluta, our design engineer and estimator on the project, says, “Water efficiency is a prime consideration in attaining LEED certification. The goal is to achieve at least a 20% reduction in water usage at Northpointe Bank. Low-flow fixtures coupled with sensors and automatic controls for lavatories, kitchens, and other areas have been specified for systems throughout the building. Of course, the residual benefits of maximizing water efficiency include money saved for the building owner and a reduction in the burden placed on municipal water supply and wastewater systems.” If you wonder just how much of a difference these small improvements make, USGBC calculations estimate that a typical 100,000 sq. ft. office building with low-flow fixtures and electronic sensors and controls can save 1,000,000 gallons per year or more.

Integrated Architecture, Grand Rapids, nationally recognized as a leader for their work in sustainable design and green expertise, designed and engineered Northpointe Bank’s new headquarters. The heavy precast and conventional steel structure integrates an abundance of brick and glass that complete the impressive design while filling the building with natural light and fresh air. 

Michigan ranks eighth in the nation for the number of energy efficient, environmentally friendly building projects presently on the drawing board. You can count Northpointe Bank among the list of 57 Michigan projects that are either completed or being planned that have or should soon earn USGBC green certification.

What better for a different kind of bank than a building that can save?