A National Bank branch in Sherbrooke, Que., has received the company’s second Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification.

The Sherbrooke branch received Commercial Interiors certification from the Canada Green Building Council.

“Nearly two years ago, we brought together a branch, our regional centre, a commercial banking centre, as well as National Bank Financial and Private Wealth 1859 experts all in one location,” says Carole Giradin, regional vice-resident for eastern townships/amiante.

“This new layout was designed using the bank’s building standards guide. This document’s very strict guidelines were inspired by the LEED building rating systems.”

The Sherbrooke branch has a number of sustainable features including bike racks, showers, an electric vehicle charging station and Greenguard-certified chairs and furniture.

The building used low volatile organic compound emitting materials during construction, such as adhesives, sealants and carpets. About 15 per cent of the construction materials used were recycled, and more than 65 per cent of construction waste was recovered and diverted from landfills.

A National Bank branch in the Beauport borough of Quebec City was the first of the company’s branches to receive LEED-CI Gold certification.