ULI-NNJ hosts Leadership in Land Use awards

Real Estate Weekly, Jan 9, 2008

PNC Bank, a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., was recently honored for green building by the New Jersey District Council of the Urban Land Institute (ULI-NNJ).

PNC was one of the seven award winners at ULI-NNJ's Third Annual Leadership in Land Use awards held at the Heldrich Center in New Brunswick, N.J. on Dec. 6, 2007.

Approximately 80 attendees, including development and industry professionals, leaders from academia and government officials, were on Phand at the event, which is part of ULI's mission of providing leadership in responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities.

"This awards program celebrates leaders in both the public and private sectors who possess creativity, drive and best practices in land use," said Lawrence Jacobs, chair of ULI-NNJ. "Our congratulations to the winners for representing New Jersey's best of the best in furthering the state's commitment to productive and innovative development." PNC was honored for significantly reducing its impact on the environment, thus enhancing the communities where its customers and employees live, work and play.

"PNC Bank has demonstrated the difference between being interested in building green and being committed to building green," said Richard Johnson, past president of ULI-NNJ and senior vice president at Matrix Development Group, who presented the award.

PNC leads New Jersey in eco-friendly development, with 16 Green Branch[R] locations, the most of any company in the state. However, their commitment to the environment does not end in the Garden State. With 42 certified, environmentally friendly buildings, including two major facilities, PNC has more than any other company on Earth.

"Recognizing the importance of wise investments, we strive to integrate our day-to-day business practices with environmental responsibility. This commitment benefits our customers, shareholders, employees and communities," said William G. Lashbrook III, senior vice president of PNC Real Estate Finance, who accepted the award. "We thank ULI-NNJ for recognizing us and are deeply grateful for the award."

This approach has enabled PNC to lower costs, increase efficiency and productivity as well as improve the vitality of the communities in which the bank operates. PNC's 40 certified Green Branch[R] locations actually cost less and are built faster than the average building, costing about $100,000 less and opening four to five weeks faster than a traditional branch.

Since all of PNC's new construction is green, it has been valuable experience for contractors and suppliers as well. More than 50 percent of the materials used in each branch, including carpet and furniture fabric, is made from recycled materials. Cabinetry and office doors are made of wheat board, a byproduct of wheat processing. Construction waste, such as wood, steel and cardboard, is recycled or salvaged, reducing landfill waste by 150 tons per branch.

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In PNC's green locations, energy usage is reduced by more than 50 percent compared to a traditional branch due to high efficiency systems, insulation and maximum use of natural light. The branches are also equipped with carbon monoxide sensors as well as filters that bring in fresh air.

At the Leadership in Land Use Awards, ULI-NNJ also presented awards for Project of the Year, Educator of the Year, Public Official of the Year, and two special recognitions for infrastructure.