INTRODUCTION

Creating a new headquarters is a unique opportunity to celebrate mission, optimize operations, and invest in the future of an institution. This article describes the process of conceptualizing, designing, and constructing a new world headquarters for Service Credit Union in Portsmouth, NH, that achieved LEED Gold certification.

As the headquarters to a not-for-profit institution, the project needed to embody Service Credit Union's core mission of service to its members. From the beginning, sustainable design was embraced as a methodology to increase employee retention and productivity, lead to more self-sufficient operations, and ultimately provide value and benefit to all its members.

The new world headquarters for Service Credit Union takes advantage of smart design strategies, green materials and technologies, while planning for the future. It creates an iconic corporate image for the forward-thinking credit union with quality and integrity as standout characteristics of the building design.