When it comes to banks, usually the term “green” applies to money, but in the case of First Community Bank (www.fcb-yourbank.com) at the Forum Shops on Colonial Blvd., just outside Lehighy, “green” is defined as an environmentally responsible, sustainable building, inside and out.

Completed in November 2008 by Fort Myers builders Benchmark General Contractors Inc. (www.BenchmarkGenContractor.com), First Community is one of the first commercial buildings in the Fort Myers area to pursue LEED NC certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, New Construction) through the U.S. Green Building Council, said Mark Anderson, bank president.

After a brainstorming session with the bank’s board, Benchmark’s president Mark Anderson, Benchmark Project Manager and LEED AP (Accredited Professional) Jeff Good, architect Dave Moore of Moore and Spence Architects PA, and the bank’s senior vice president and director of information technology Jonathan Witenko reviewed the project and proceeded to implement every possible measure for environmental and sustainable responsibility.

The building site was selected because of “walkability” walking distance to area schools, supermarket, retail and restaurants. On the exterior, the roof is made of reflective tiles, a solar hot water heater is in operation, and landscaping consists of only native Florida plants selected for low water consumption, Anderson said.

A reduced number of parking spots minimizes impact, and there are designated spots for hybrid and car pool vehicles.

The bank’s entry has six feet of recycled, green backed carpet to prevent dust coming in from the outside which would endanger indoor air quality.

Once inside, visitors will see recycled floor tiles, cypress, pine and birch wood used throughout, recycled ceiling tiles, window blinds and even recycled wallpaper, Anderson said. The bathrooms are equipped with waterless urinals, low-flush toilets, low flow sinks and specialized hand dryers with an 11-second burst of electricity, versus the usual 33-second versions, Anderson said.

Walls are painted with 0-VOC paint and all sealants, adhesives, floor mortar and carpet glue meet the standards for environmentally protective products.

Lighting is indirect or fluorescent to save electricity plus the bank contracted with Florida Power & Light (FPL) to purchase green electric from sustainable sources.

Specialized insulation in the concrete also makes temperature control more efficient, Anderson said.

The emphasis on green and sustainable measures extends to furniture made of recycled fibers and to specially crafted bamboo-encased hybrid computers designed with 60 percent fewer parts to use less power.

From the outset, construction trash was shipped to specific recycling areas and now recycling bins are placed inside and outside of the building. Employees use only environmentally protective soaps and cleaning solutions.

The entire project increased overall costs by about seven percent, an investment supported by all involved to minimize the building’s footprint, Anderson said.

First Community Bank is located at 3414 Forum Boulevard off of Colonial Blvd.