Economic Development team helps Associated Credit Union of Texas build environmentally friendly headquarters

League City's first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified building is underway. ACU of Texas has begun construction on a new 30,000-square-foot corporate headquarters and full-service branch located on Highway 96 and Walker near Interstate 45.

"We always want to encourage local companies to grow and improve. As ACU of Texas continues to experience phenomenal growth - we want to help and reward that process in any way we can," said Doug Frazior, League City's economic development coordinator. "But this is an opportunity to reduce our environmental impact at the same time. That's especially exciting for us."

Excited about the prospect for its first LEED building, League City's Economic Development department coordinated a "fast-track" permitting process. The department is also helping ACU of Texas with "green construction" financial incentives and utility rebates. The city's Planning, Engineering and Building departments are key players in this area.

The new ACU of Texas corporate headquarters will incorporate a number of energy efficient and cost saving features from lighting to landscape. The highly reflective "cool roof" system will reflect the sun's rays keeping the credit union cooler in the Texas heat, while reducing the demand for electric power by up to 10 percent. The energy efficient air conditioning system will circulate fresh air from outside preventing stale air indoors.

"When reviewing plans for the new corporate office, it just made sense to explore green construction technologies," said Jack Click, President and CEO. "By utilizing green design, the Credit Union will become more efficient, be less harmful to the environment and save money."

The building's high efficiency parking lot will feature one of the first LED units to be installed in Texas. LED units require less maintenance and reduce energy consumption while providing much more light than conventional bulbs. The arched window design will allow natural lighting in to complement the indoor lights, requiring just one bulb to light an entire area. Drought tolerant landscaping that does not need supplemental irrigation will surround the building reducing overall water usage.

"According to research I've seen, buildings - no matter what they're used for - consume almost half of the world's energy and produce almost half of its greenhouse gases," Frazior said. "If we can be more 'green' conscious in our building construction, we can go a long way toward protecting the beautiful environment in and around League City. Let's hope the new ACU of Texas building starts a trend."

For ACU of Texas, you could say the new headquarters is part of a natural progression.

"ACU of Texas continues to be on the leading edge of technology and convenience," said Click. "We are already becoming 'more green' through paperless processes such as online loan applications, online banking, mobile banking and bill pay. Our members are writing fewer checks, and utilizing online statements reducing the amount of paper and waste products hitting our landfills."

ACU of Texas is taking a proactive approach to becoming a more eco-friendly organization. In addition to the new green headquarters, it is expanding its portfolio of green products and services and creating internal initiatives to reduce its overall environmental impact.

About Associated Credit Union of Texas...
Associated Credit Union of Texas has more than 60 years of experience serving its members and protecting their finances. Today, it serves those who live, work or worship in Brazoria and Galveston Counties and most of Harris County, or within a 10-mile radius of one of its 13 branch locations. With more than 45,000 members and $335 million in assets, the Credit Union is a strong full service financial institution. ACU of Texas has many locations open seven days a week and continues to focus on member convenience through technology and the development of innovative products and services. In 2009, ACU of Texas was named one of the top 100 companies to work for in Texas. Additional information is available at www.acutx.org.  ACU of Texas is an Equal Housing Lender and NCUA Member.

About League City Economic Development Corporation...
The League City Economic Development Corporation's mission is to recruit, retain, expand, and create business investment for its namesake. The goal is to assure a high quality of life for citizens. Since incorporating in 1984, the LCEDC has become the largest city in Galveston County. In 2008, based on population growth, income, employment and crime, it was named one of America's Top-Rated Smaller Cities (by Grey House Publications). For more information on League City, visit www.leaguecityedc.com.

Other building contributors...
- The project designer is TNRG Designs, L.P. of Houston. (tnrgdesigns.com)
- Construction is by Construction Masters of Houston, Inc. (cmhou.com)
- Reihl Engineering, LLC is managing the 'Green' Design. (reihlengineering.com)