ComBank relocates Trinco branch at purpose-built eco-friendly building

Commercial Bank chairman Justice K. Sripavan flanked by the Bank’s Managing Director S. Renganathan (second from left) and Chief Operating Officer S. Manatunge and accompanied by members of the corporate and senior management formally declares open the new Trincomalee branch building

Sustainability and salubrity were the operative words when the Trincomalee branch of the Commercial Bank of Ceylon relocated to a purpose-built eco-friendly building on land owned by the Bank in this scenic north eastern resort town this week.

Built in conformity with sustainable construction principles that not only minimised environmental impacts during construction but will reduce the branch’s carbon footprint during operation, the new branch building is set in landscaped gardens that emphasise nature rather than the structure itself with a majority of the space conceded to the outdoors.

Located at No 420, Court Road, Trincomalee, the two-storey edifice is fitted with rooftop solar panels that will generate a major percentage of the electricity required under a net-metering system; an overhead rainwater harvesting facility and its own sewage treatment plant that will recycle sewage into water to irrigate the gardens. All garden lights are powered by dedicated independent solar panels.

The building is designed to maximise use of natural light during daytime further reducing energy consumption and is equipped with energy-efficient air-conditioning that enhances its ‘green’ credentials. Befitting the location, a separate holiday bungalow has been constructed on the premises for the use of the Bank’s staff on official visits or on furlough.

For customers, the new branch building has an ATM, a Cash Recycler Machine (CRM) and an e-Slips cheque collection capability that together offer access to cash and deposit facilities around the clock, 365 days of the year.