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Bank grants agency money for ‘green’ building

2 min read

PNC Community Development Banking recently made a $7,500 grant to aid in constructing a new “green building’ that the Fayette County Community Action Agency Inc. (FCCAA) is building in Uniontown. FCCAA plans to relocate the offices of its Family Service Center to the new, two story building at 108 N. Beeson Ave.

“The effectiveness and good work of this organization earned them the grant. PNC is the leading company in America in terms of commitment to green buildings. The mission of FCCAA and its new green offices are in line with PNC’s philosophy,’ a spokesman for PNC said.

Many communities benefit through FCCAA, which assists individuals and families in times of hardship. FCCAA’s mission is to strengthen individuals and families to become more self sufficient, achieving their potential by taking advantage of opportunities, improving the conditions in which they live and taking ownership of their community.

FCCAA annually serves more than 30,000 residents in programs including, Women, Infants, and Children’s’ (WIC) nutrition program, housing assistance, aging program, utility assistance, education training, the Food Bank and adult education.

The new building is working toward a U.S. Green Building Council LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) silver rating.

LEED offers four levels of certification: silver is between 40-47 points of a possible 85 points, based on sustainable site, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality.

The new building will house administrative offices for FCCAA and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Worker’s Compensation offices, which moved in at the end of July.

“PNC strives to integrate our day-to-day business practices with environmental responsibility. A green building can save as much as 45 percent of a building’s operating costs. Savings come, in part, through natural lighting, heating and cooling. Features of this building include a geo-thermal heat pump system for heating and cooling; reflective roof product, which cuts down on heat in summer; the roof has solar panels and solar hot water units; there are water saving restroom facilities, efficient lighting, motion detectors, recycled materials in walls and carpeting, and insulation throughout the structure.

The balance of energy not provided through the geo-thermal system will be provided through an agreement to purchase wind energy. More than 90 percent of the materials through the demolition of a prior building were recycled in constructing the new one.

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