PARTICIPATE

Redwood Credit Union participates in a variety of sustainable green practices, from the construction and remodeling of our facilities and our daily operations.  We are proud to have adopted business practices aimed at conserving energy and natural resources.

In 2008, Our Santa Rosa, California Administrative Offices and branch achieved green certification with a silver-level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) award. This is a key recognition for our efforts in remodeling a 1960s-era building in Santa Rosa and represents the culmination of the existing and new sustainable practices RCU has implemented.  Many of these green efforts extend beyond our Administrative Offices into our branches and RCU Auto Services location.

• Complete use of recycled paper products in our operations, including letterhead, envelopes, copy/printer paper, and restroom and kitchen supplies. Many of the paper supplies we use are not only 100% recycled, but contain a significant percentage of Post Consumer Fiber.
• Use of chemical-free, environmentally friendly cleaning supplies, HEPA filtration vacuum cleaners and high efficiency air filters to remove allergens and air born toxins.
• Use of recycled and environmentally friendly materials throughout the construction or remodeling process including the installation of Energy Star appliances, sustainable wood flooring, refurbished office furniture, furniture made from 100% recyclable materials, formaldehyde free cabinets and work surfaces and low VOC Envirocoat paints. In addition, all furniture used is manufactured and shipped within 500 miles to reduce carbon emissions.
• Recycling and reusing whenever possible existing building materials such as piping, light fixtures, flooring, etc.
• Advanced environmental controls and building features to manage climate and toxins while reducing energy. Efforts include, foam-based reflective roof (Administrative office) to reduce heat within the building,
• Installing clerestories, High E Dual pane glass & stepped lighting technology that makes use of natural light and technology to turn lights off when a room is not in use
• Utilizing water-saving efforts in our restrooms and landscaping, resulting in estimated savings of nearly 2 million gallons of water per year

Sonoma County’s Business Environmental Alliance awarded RCU a Best Practices award in recognition of the credit union’s environmentally sound business practices.

RCU uses many recycled business supplies and we maintain an extensive mixed-use recycling program in all our locations. We encourage Members to participate in energy saving and sustainable living practices by offering incentives to Members for green efforts, including free online services such as bill pay and eStatements, and loan discounts on certified hybrid vehicles. We provide helpful sustainable living/green information and resources on our website and other contact points. We host green⁄environment–oriented community forums and workshops in our Santa Rosa Administrative offices Community Room, at no cost to sponsoring organizations.

RCU is honored to have received numerous awards recognizing our sustainable green efforts, including:

• Sonoma County Business Environmental Alliance (BEA) Best Practices Award
  Visit Business Environmental Alliance to learn more.
• North Bay Business Journal’s Top Projects of 2007; Category: Green Reuse
• City of Santa Rosa, Environmental Champions Award, 2008

We are truly honored to have received recognition for our efforts, but the real reward comes in knowing we are doing the right thing, and are contributing to a sustainable future for our Members, employees, communities, environment, and future generations.