Redwood Credit Union lights up large HQ solar array
Construction has been completed on a 2,036-panel solar array atop Redwood Credit Union’s administrative offices in Santa Rosa.
Designed and installed by Novato-based SolarCraft, the $1.2 million system produces up to 662 kilowatt-hours of power and will provide an estimated 61 percent of the annual electrical energy requirements of the building, located at 3033 Cleveland Ave. It is the latest environmentally responsible upgrade to the LEED-certified facility, which has served as the credit union’s headquarters since 2007.
“The addition of solar to our administrative building is a demonstration of our commitment to sustainable and earth-friendly practices,” said Brett Martinez, president and CEO. “The additional benefit of long-term savings on power costs allows us to return even greater value to our 240,000 members.”
Significant savings in electricity costs are expected to allow RCU to recover the cost of the system within seven years. ZFA Structural Engineers of Santa Rosa and VeriSol of Windsor were consultants on the project.
To accommodate ongoing growth in membership, staff and services, RCU purchased the 104,000-square-foot building in 2005. The institution then embarked on a significant and environmentally minded remodel of the site, employing measures that helped obtain the Silver level of U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED green building–certification system in 2008. It was the first commercial building in Santa Rosa to do so.
The location now hosts more than 200 employees, including a call center and branch office, lending services, administrative and back-office support staff. A large community room at the facility frequently serves as meeting and event space for local nonprofits and community organizations throughout the North Bay, at no charge to the organizations.
Redwood Credit Union’s sustainability programs include water-efficient restrooms and landscaping at several of their facilities, including headquarters; recycling programs at all locations; green-friendly services such as paperless online banking, bill pay and paperless eStatements; loan discounts on qualified fuel-efficient vehicles; solar energy system loans; and an online green center where visitors can find tips on reducing waste, energy efficiency and more.
Founded in 1950, Redwood Credit Union serves anyone living or working in the North Bay or San Francisco and also offers insurance and discount auto sales through a wholly owned subsidiary. The credit union said it has $2.5 billion in assets.
