Maryland Bank Opens Eco-Friendly Branch

ROCKVILLE, Md. — M&T Bank recently opened its first environmentally-friendly banking branch in Rockville’s Park Center tomorrow.

The new M&T branch features outdoor louver screens and full-length glass walls to allow natural light in to the building,while a high colonnade with canopy will minimize direct sunlight and glare. An intuitive light sensor system will monitor sunlight levels and dim the artificial lighting in spaces getting enough natural light.  

The branch was designed to reduce energy usage by 25 percent and water usage by 30 percent. Renewable energy credits have been purchased to supply power to the building through sustainable sources.  

The branch was constructed to the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED standards, although it has not been granted the certification. It was designed by international design firm Pentagram in conjunction with Baltimore-based Ammon Heisler Architects and will serve as the model for future M&T Bank branch construction and renovation projects.