First Green Bank to open its new headquarters in Lake County

MOUNT DORA — First Green Bank will host the official grand opening for its new headquarters in Mount Dora on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Built in accordance with the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification guidelines, this state of the art facility is largely considered to be an environmental engineering marvel.

“We are thrilled to have another technologically advanced and environmentally conscious structure here in Lake County,” said Scott Blankenship, Director of Lake County’s Office of Economic Development & Tourism. “This is another important piece to Lake County’s economic development puzzle that will bring much-needed jobs and help facilitate the overall growth of the community.”

The new facility features an abundance of environmentally friendly technology, which is rarely seen in structures of its kind. Solar panels on its roof will generate 17 percent of the bank’s total operating energy. The lights in the parking lot will utilize only 20 percent of the typical of amount energy required to produce 14,000 lumens.

Inside the building, specially designed fluorescent lighting and automated lighting controls reduce energy usage by almost 40 percent. Additionally, 90 percent of the bank’s employee work spaces have windows to capitalize on daylight and reduce indoor electrical consumption. Engineers also designed special green screens, efficient glazing and exterior shades to block infrared heat and decrease energy demand for interior cooling.

First Green Bank has applied for Platinum LEED certification and would be only the second building in Lake County to hold the prized title, with Headquarter Honda in Clermont being the first.

For more information about the grand opening, contact Kenneth E. LaRoe, CEO and Chairman, First Green Bank at (352) 483-9100, [email protected] or Paul Rountree, President, First Green Bank at (352) 483-9100, [email protected].

For information on starting, growing or relocating your business in Lake County, contact the Lake County Office of Economic Development & Tourism at (352) 742-3918 or email [email protected].