Elevations Credit Union Goes Green

Boulder, CO - Over the last three years, Elevations' Credit Union Support Center has seen a 19% reduction in energy usage, while the overall organization boasts a 16% reduction to their carbon footprint. These impressive reductions are the result of a variety of green programs and initiatives taken on by Elevations' Facilities Department. Through engagement in industry standard "best practices" and collaboration with local energy management specialists, EMC Engineers, Elevations Credit Union found ways to significantly lower their carbon footprint. Partnerships in the community, including Timberline Mechanical, Eco-Cycle, Xcel Energy, Boulder Green Buildings Guild, Climate Smart, and Boulder's 10 for Change initiative, spurred on Elevations' commitment to reducing energy usage. These initiatives are consistent with Elevations' green policy and the credit union's commitment to good corporate citizenship and best management practices.

Elevations called for an innovative and holistic approach when they began their reduction efforts in 2004, resulting in a rewarding relationship with EMC Engineers. Specializing in the commissioning of existing buildings, EMC Engineers enhanced Elevations efforts. The partnership grew to become more than just a client/vendor relationship. Most importantly, the two organizations have now become partners working together to achieve their environmental goals. Elevations' current list of accomplishments, which has been implemented and supported by Max Kirsch, Facilities Supervisor, Cody Carlough, Facilities Technician, and Kristin Bardsley, Senior Facilities Administrator, is already impressive. Envisioned by Sam Cohen, AVP of Facilities and Security, Elevations has succeeded in the:
- Implementation of carbon footprint measurements and benchmarking processes in order to track, analyze, and improve reduction efforts
- Implementation of industry standard Energy Conservation "best practices"
- Installation of high efficiency HVAC units in Wilderness Peaks Support Center and Boulder Baseline locations
- Implementation of water usage reduction "best practice" for restrooms and irrigation systems
- Installation of motion sensors and timers for lighting systems
- Upgrading of automated lighting and HVAC control systems
- Current expansion of recycling, green cleaning, and green pest control programs

As an energy management partner, Elevations and EMC have exciting and innovative plans for the future. By modeling and benchmarking the energy efficiency of their data center, Elevations hopes to see a 50% decrease in data center energy usage. Elevations also looks forward to participating in the City of Boulder's "Smart Grid" program, utilizing the new "Smart Meter" technology. Elevations is constantly seeking out other like-minded companies and programs in order to identify new opportunities to further reduce their carbon footprint. Plans are under development for upgrading the HVAC systems, automated controls, and retro-commissioning for the Boulder Diagonal Branch.

For Elevations, it isn't all about cost savings. At the center of these initiatives lie Elevations' core values: integrity, respect, passion, creativity, and driven by excellence. Elevations Credit Union has built and maintained over the years a culture that prizes excellence not only in the delivery of quality financial products and services, but also in fulfilling the organization's responsibility to the communities in which their employees and members live and work. Elevations' reduction efforts represent their dedication to the environment as well as their drive to constantly improve member service and community involvement.

Elevations, with assets over $900 million, is the largest credit union serving Boulder and Broomfield Counties, providing financial services and education to over 76,000 members. Elevations operates nine branches serving the Boulder, Broomfield, Erie, Westminster, Lafayette, Longmont and surrounding areas. For more information, please visit www.ElevationsCU.com.