3rd Federal Bank

Green is who they are and how they do business.

3rd Federal Bank is a community bank where green is more than just a color–it’s who they are, and how they do business.

For nearly a decade, the bank has been fully engaged in the sustainability movement. 3rd Federal Bank’s “Go GrEEn!” initiative has launched numerous green projects, including office-wide recycling and energy conservation programs, as well as a paperless banking philosophy. Additionally, the bank writes a green blog, posted on its company website, where employees regularly share tips and strategies for sustainable living. They also have recently posted their new “green” microsite at www.thirdfedbank.com/WhyGreen.

In October 2009, 3rd Federal Bank re-affirmed its commitment as a sustainability steward–and to Mayor Michael Nutter’s challenge of making Philadelphia the “greenest city in the nation”–by breaking ground on its first branch designed for LEED-certification, located in the Woodhaven section of the city.

With this branch, 3rd Federal Bank is the first community bank in the Philadelphia region to commit to building a green brick and mortar facility. The ground breaking event attracted Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, along with Office of Sustainability Director Katherine Gajewski and a number of the community’s green thought leaders.

Construction on the branch is expected to be complete by late spring, with the branch open for business in June.

“We view ‘going green’ as more than just an environmental approach–it is a fundamental part of our culture,” said Kent Lufkin, president and CEO of 3rd Federal Bank. “Our grand opening in June is going to be an exciting day for all of us, and we look forward to giving tours of the new facility to everyone who visits.”

The Woodhaven branch represents the bank’s first effort towards LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. Designed by Philadelphia-based architectural firm Wiedmann-Zelig Group, LLC, the 3,028-gross square foot facility is expected to receive Silver-level LEED designation, an internationally-recognized green building certification. The building incorporates the following sustainability features:

Building Materials: Recycled materials, regionally available materials which reduce the energy impact of shipping and rapid renewable resources such as bamboo flooring.

Lighting: Energy-efficient fluorescent lighting and motion sensors which turn off lights when rooms are not occupied.

HVAC: Carbon monoxide sensors to ensure fresh air, as well high performance air handling units and filters.

Plumbing: Low-flow plumbing fixtures such as dual flush toilets and sensor controlled sinks to cut down on water usage.

Building Design: Natural light through high clerestory windows and interior glass walls.

Site Design: Rain gardens for storm water management and designated parking for fuel-efficient/low carbon emitting vehicles.

Construction: Measures such as the use of waste management to divert recyclable materials from landfills.

Landscaping: Indigenous and drought-resistant planting materials which do not require an irrigation system.

The construction of 3rd Federal Bank’s first LEED-certified branch has included the active participation of a number of bank employees, sustainability consultants, architects, designers and other experts.

“As individuals everywhere strengthen their commitment to green living, it is important that businesses embrace this new standard, as well,” said Lufkin. “It is our hope that 3rd Federal Bank’s Woodhaven branch will serve as a sustainability model for all community banks–not only here in Philadelphia, but throughout the country.”

For more information, please visit www.thirdfedbank.com.

About 3rd Federal Bank
Founded in Philadelphia in 1921, Newtown-based 3rd Federal Bank has 14 branches serving Philadelphia and Bucks County, Pennsylvania and Mercer County, New Jersey. 3rd Federal Bank offers a full line of personal and commercial banking solutions with the excellent service of an established community bank. The bank was recently named One of the Best Places to Work by the Philadelphia Business Journal, One of the Best Banks by The Intelligencer newspaper and Best Bank by the Fishtown Star. TF Financial Corporation, 3rd Federal Bank’s parent company’s common stock, is traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol “THIRD.”