LEED Silver Certification Awarded to Philadelphia Federal Credit Union

Posted by: Matt Banes

West Philadelphia Financial Institution Demonstrates Dedication to Sustainability

February 28, 2011 (Philadelphia, PA) – BLT Architects announced today that the newly designed and constructed Philadelphia Federal Credit Union (PFCU) building at 5000 Baltimore Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has been awarded LEED Silver Certification by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). BLTa’s design has demonstrated dedication to energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.

The LEED Green Building Certification program encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable building and development practices through a series of rating systems. Sustainable features of the new PFCU branch include newly-insulated ductwork, automatic temperature controls, building management systems, interior energy-conserving lighting fixtures, and restrooms with efficient low-flow plumbing fixtures.

“We are extremely proud to have contributed to the design of a building that not only fulfills its functional purposes, but does it in a way that contributes to the sustainability of its West Philadelphia neighborhood,” said Michael Prifti, Managing Principal of BLTa. “PFCU’s dedication to being environmentally-friendly was obvious in every stage of design and development, and we are glad they have been recognized for it.”

The new 3,300 square foot PFCU branch sits on a prominent corner in West Philadelphia and features a spacious new interior that includes an entry vestibule, member services area, teller stations, support and back-of-house spaces, and an internet café. Branch patrons can also enjoy selections of vintage photographs from their West Philadelphia community while visiting the location. The facility opened in May 2010.

“It was extremely important for us to place a primary focus on LEED certification when working with BLTa to redesign our new branch. We are especially proud of this honor that validates our commitment to be stewards of the environment,” said James McAneney, President/CEO of Philadelphia Federal Credit Union.

BLTa is celebrating its 50th year of providing sustainable design services to a wide range of clientele throughout Philadelphia and its surrounding cities, including the LEED Gold Certified renovation of the Strawbridge’s Building at 800 Market Street.

About PFCU

PFCU was founded in 1951 and will celebrate their 60th anniversary on April 16, 2011. They are currently among the top credit unions in the city, serving the entire Philadelphia and Bloomsburg, PA communities, in addition to the owners, employees and directors of over 400 organizations throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. More information can be found at http://www.pfcu.com/ and at http://www.betterthanmybank.com/.

About BLT Architects

BLT Architects is an integrated architectural and interior design firm. Since its founding in 1961, BLTa has developed into a diverse and responsive design practice with offices in Philadelphia, Atlantic City, and Las Vegas. The firm has produced a diverse portfolio of hospitality, education, and multi-family residential, mixed-use and retail, and transportation projects. More information can be found at http://www.blta.com/ and http://www.areturnondesign.com/.

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