Today, energy conservation seems to be the latest trend with businesses both large and small. Over the past several years, National Bank of America (NB|AZ) has made energy efficiency a top priority, with just recently investing $300,000 in energy conservation to their Phoenix headquarters in late May.

The completed upgrades to NB|AZ’s corporate headquarters and adjoining branch are expected to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption by an estimated 25 percent, in just the first year.

Investments to the bank’s campuses include installation of smart controls and occupancy sensors, lighting retrofits and de-lamping, as well as giving building personnel access to remotely monitor and control space temperature settings in the three campuses from the installation of a building energy management system.

The renovation allows building engineers to pre-cool air handlers, building chillers, cooling towers and pumps, and the initiatives taken will ultimately provide huge savings in preventative maintenance costs.

With these upgrades, NB|AZ plans to reduce energy expenses by 20 percent, as well as reduce their carbon footprint by 230,000 pounds over a lifetime in the 127,000-square-foot building.

According to Curt Hansen, executive vice president of NB|AZ, it is important to continually seek solutions to reduce one’s carbon footprint and remain cognizant of energy consumption.

NB|AZ has been praised for its sustainable business practices over the last few years. In May 2009, the bank installed one of the state’s largest commercial solar systems on its Phoenix headquarters. The company has also provided $25 million to help finance Solar Phoenix, the largest residential solar leasing program in the nation.

The initiatives taken support environmental responsibility in our community, and is a sound investment for our organization, Hansen says.

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About NB|AZ:

Founded in Tucson, Ariz., in 1984, NB|AZ is Arizona’s fourth-largest bank with more than $4.5 billion in assets. NB|AZ is a full-service community bank that offers award-winning service and innovative solutions. For more information, visit www.nbarizona.com.

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