Creating a healthy place to work

"Madison's Green Bank," the Home Savings Bank branch on East Washington Avenue, has attracted well-deserved attention for reducing its environmental impact. But talk to bank president Jim Bradley and bank manager Veronica Bieganek about the branch and you will hear a broader story. It's clear their pride in the building goes beyond environmental protection.

Customer experience

First, the beauty and quality of the building create a different experience - for both workers and customers. From outside, the prairie architecture with a modern feel has been described by a local critic as "a ship sailing by." The design by local architect Ed Linville is sufficiently eye-catching to draw in passers-by who just want to learn more about it.

The beautiful island at the drive-through, filled with native flowering plants, is also a rain garden capturing the rainfall before it enters storm sewers.

On the inside, indirect natural light streams in from the two-story central space. The passive solar light and heat was designed through building orientation and window placement and materials. It also eliminates glare, and combines with quality materials and attractive lines to create a welcoming, pleasant atmosphere.

Good work environment

The air is continually pulled in from trenches below the exterior walls. Energy-efficient heat recovery units cycle the air through the building up to 10 times per hour.

Add the use of nontoxic materials, and the air is noticeably fresher. Healthier indoor air has dramatically reduced allergy and asthma symptoms. "We have employees here who can't work at other banks because of the air quality," said Bieganek.

It is a little too early to measure impacts of the building quality on employee turnover (it opened summer 2006). However, the branch has financially outperformed other Home Savings branches during the startup period. Bradley reported that Home Savings' environmental commitment "definitely" gives them a competitive advantage.

Triple bottom line

The economics are part of what Bradley calls "the triple bottom line." For example, the $17,000 extra investment in mechanicals:

1. Reduces as much carbon dioxide as 14 acres of trees;

2. Creates a healthier office environment; and

3. Generates $3,000 in annual energy savings.

After the $1,850 in additional annual debt (15-year life, 7 percent) to pay for the extra mechanicals, the bank saves $1,150 each year. This savings translates to a return on investment of 62 percent and additional borrowing capacity of $8,900 (1.20 debt coverage ratio).

Sustainability takes hold

Is sustainable design the wave of the future? "It is starting to grow and take hold?" asked Bradley. The Madison Area Builders Association now has a green building committee. There is even a group of "green Realtors."

And what three things can CEOs do that have the best payback?

• Install efficient energy and heating systems
• Design sites for day lighting
• Recycle construction waste.

Derrick Van Mell is principal of Van Mell Associates, management consultants specializing in strategic facility decisions. Steve Steinhoff is executive director of the Neighborhood Design Center, helping communities become great places.