Ft. Lauderdale, FL – January 8, 2013 –  One of the nation’s first Net Zero banks was recently honored by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the industry’s largest retail trade group.  A TD Bank store in Cypress Creek, FL, designed by architecture / engineering firm Bergmann Associates, was recently recognized as the Gold Winner for Sustainable Design at the ICSC U.S. Design and Development Awards. 

TD Bank’s first NetZero Energy store is a cornerstone for the bank as they pursue their goal to be as green as the TD logo. The store is designed to produce at least as much energy as it consumes over a one year period. The Fort Lauderdale store serves as a prototype to develop best practices and key learnings for environmental efficiencies for future stores.  It aligns with TD’s corporate environmental vision of reducing energy consumption across their real estate portfolio. The store was built according to TD’s new green-store design standards, making it almost 40% more energy efficient than the bank’s previous design.

The iconic design of the NetZero store begins with the exterior approach. Ground mounted solar photovoltaics are clearly visible to customers and introduces them to TD’s environ­mental commitment. In addition, the drive-thru canopy is constructed with bifacial pho­tovoltaics, clearly visible from underneath, which capture solar energy from surrounding hardscapes. Preferred parking for electric vehicles is offered as well as TD branded bike racks for customers who choose to cycle. Entering the store, customers are greeted with a customized entry way announcing key environmental features of the store. Their initial experience is a WOW! experience. The customer lounge is centered around a mural that embraces the local community.

To view the full award description and images click here:  http://www.baviz.com/ICSC_TDBANK.pdf