Green Building Wins Design Award

Vancouver, WA – Columbia Credit Union’s green-built Washougal branch won a Community
Pride Design Award. The award recognizes outstanding Clark County building projects that enhance the livability of the community and demonstrate quality development.

Completed in April 2008, Columbia’s Washougal branch is the first financial building that meets
strict LEED, green building standards in Clark County. A team of experts in sustainable architecture, design and operations incorporated green building components into the branch at every level with respect to its physical surroundings, the environment and the members and staff who occupy the building.

“We believe that our sustainability leadership sets us apart in the marketplace as an innovative
organization,” said Columbia CEO Parker Cann. “And, we hope our green building efforts will inspire others to consider sustainable practices themselves.”

Project nominations were evaluated on a range of criteria including aesthetics, pedestrian
friendliness, community involvement/enhancement, environmental sensitivity, historic character and sustainability. “Columbia’s Washougal branch exemplifies the spirit of these awards,” said committee member Helen Devery. “The committee was very impressed by the thoughtful and sustainable design of the building. The entire community can truly be proud of this new branch.”

An awards ceremony will be held November 10th at the Clark County Public Service Center to
honor this year’s winners. Since 1996, more than 100 projects representing commercial, industrial, residential development, public facilities and restoration efforts have been recognized.
Columbia’s second green branch, located at Grand Central, opened in June 2008 and is
Vancouver’s first financial building that meets strict LEED standards. For more information about Columbia’s green practices, please visit www.columbiacu.org.