‘Green Banking’
Wainwright Opening 3rd Such Branch Next Month

Greg St. Martin
Boston Metro

November 13, 2007

Green has always been associated with the color of money. But, for Wainwright Bank, it's starting to symbolize how the company designs its new branches.

Next month, the Boston based bank will open its third "green" branch, this time in Harvard Square - joining its environment friendly counterparts in Brookline and Newton. The branches, designed by the local firm Approach Architects, feature a number of "green" aspects. The cabinets and counters are made of formaldehyde-free material, while its flooring consists of bamboo and recycled rubber. The new branch will also use low-energy heating and cooling equipment, as well as similar technology for its lighting, computers and appliances. The banks also use various recycled products, including paper, furniture, aluminum for windows frames and reused materials on its countertops.

In 2005, the company opened its first "green" branch in Coolidge Corner-its first new branch since 2000. In that five-year span, green initiatives started gathering steam on many fronts across the country, prompting the bank to consider going down the same path, according to Wainwright Bank Senior Vice President Steven Young. "At the time, the thinking was this was the right thing to do," Young said.

Next spring, Wainwright also plans to add its fourth green branch at Ashmont Station in Dorchester, where the $100 million Carruth building complex - which will include a mix of residential band retail space - will help revitalize the neighborhood.

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