TD Bank Group opened its first net-zero energy bank branch in Canada, at 1663 Richmond Street North in London, Ont. The retrofitted TD branch uses solar panels located on the surrounding property to generate approximately 100,000 kilowatt hours of green electricity a year.
“This branch marks another step in our ongoing effort to reduce our energy use and meet our carbon neutral commitment,” said Roger Johnson, senior vice president, Enterprise Real Estate, TD Bank Group. “Earlier this year we opened a newly built net-zero energy branch in Florida. In London, however, we’ve converted an existing branch to net-zero energy. It’s an important test case for us because it will help us understand the scope of potential savings from retrofitting existing branches.”
As well as the installation of solar panels, the conversion included work to make the facility more energy efficient. For example, LED lighting has been installed in the branch and on the signs outside, and control and remote building monitoring systems have been upgraded.
The project also involves developing land around the branch for public use. The TD Green Energy Park will open next spring and include: a solar electric car charging station for customer use; an amphitheatre for public use; sustainable and drought tolerant landscaping; and educational signage.
Over the past two years, TD has implemented various energy-savings initiatives, which have resulted in a significant decrease in its overall energy consumption. In 2012, it will continue to implement its green building design standards, including: installing solar panels at 10 retail locations; continuing to implement LEED building design standards; completing a retrofit of all exterior signs to LED lighting across Canada; creation of a living roof on its flagship branch in Toronto at the corner of King and Bay Streets.
“Changing our branches from energy users to energy generators is one more way that we can lead by example in the transformation to a greener economy,” said Karen Clarke-Whistler, chief environment officer, TD Bank Group.