Environmental Leader

Chase has opened its first “green” bank branch, incorporating features from Energy Star office equipment, appliances and lighting to a comprehensive recycling program and even a branch manager who bikes to work, according to the company.

The branch at Wynkoop and 16th Street in Denver’s LoDo District is Chase’s first branch constructed under Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design guidelines, and will be followed soon by four more -? one in Colorado and three in Texas.

Wachovia recently announced that it plans to build only “green” financial centers by the end of next year and plans to build at least 300 “green” branches nationally by 2010.

HSBC  will spend $90 million over five years on a “Global Environmental Efficiency Program” to reduce the bank’s environmental impact. Last month

Among Chase’s green building practices are:

• Paints with low volatile organic compounds, specially sealed ductwork and plumbing.
• Recycled-material carpet and ceiling tiles and bamboo flooring.
• Proximity to Denver’s mass transit hub to support customers and employees who use alternative modes of transportation. Recycling that began with construction waste and continues with green cleaning products and use of recycled paper.

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