TRINITY, Fla. – Construction on Achieva Credit Union’s first “net-zero” branch is well underway in Trinity, marking both an expansion in Pasco County for the credit union and a move to implement cutting-edge building efficiency. The branch is located by the intersection of Trinity Boulevard and State Road 54, a major east-west corridor that connects Pasco with neighboring Hillsborough County.
A “net zero” building refers to a structure which is expected to generate enough energy to cover its consumption each year. At this new branch, net zero is expected to be achieved by utilizing solar panels on the roof that convert energy from the sun into electricity. The rooftop-mounted, 72-panel solar array will both power the building and shade the roof.
Construction on the 4,000-square-foot branch began earlier this spring and is expected to be substantially completed by the end of September. The branch, at 12006 State Road 54, about four miles west of the Suncoast Parkway, will be Achieva’s third in Pasco County, with other locations in New Port Richey and Land O’ Lakes.
This will be Achieva’s 23rd branch overall, part of a branch network that stretches along Florida’s west coast from Pasco south to Collier County.
With strong new-home construction continuing in Trinity, more retailers and services are opening in this fast-growing bedroom community, so it makes sense for Achieva to establish a location there that will help both individuals and businesses with their banking needs.
“Trinity is thriving and we see this new branch as a great opportunity to become an engaged member of this growing community,” said Achieva Chief Operations Officer Jennifer Galley. “As we continue to open new branches, we are looking for ways to streamline designs and increase overall efficiency to ensure we’re best utilizing our members’ investment. We’re excited to see this ‘net zero’ concept come to life.”
Galley also underscored the importance of having brick and mortar branches for Achieva.
“We still believe branches are extremely important for brand engagement and loyalty even as we navigate through the current pandemic and find ways to keep our members and staff safe and healthy,” she said. “While members use online tools for their ordinary transactions, there’s comfort in knowing that a local branch around the corner can help provide customized products and services that go beyond the day-to-day needs.”
The new branch is being designed by Tampa-based Klar and Klar Architects, and is being built by Creative Contractors Inc.
About Achieva:
Achieva Credit Union was founded in 1937 in Pinellas County. Today, it is rated a Superior 5-Star credit union by Bauer Financial and has more than $1.9 billion in assets and 22 branches serving more than 160,000 members. Anyone who lives or works in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota Counties, or whose family member has an Achieva Credit Union account can bank with Achieva. For more information, visit www.achievacu.com.