Security First Bank Sustainability
Renewable Energy at Buffalo Crossing Location and Beyond
At Security First Bank’s core, we are committed to exceeding client expectations by delivering the highest quality services with a forward-thinking approach. One of the most impactful ways Security First gives back to our clients and community is by leading in sustainability minimizing reliance on traditional energy sources and embracing cleaner, more efficient alternatives. By investing in diverse and renewable energy solutions, we not only enhance operational efficiency but also significantly reduce our carbon footprint, benefiting both current and future generations. This forward-looking strategy ensures Security First remains practical, innovative, and prepared for a future where sustainable practices become the industry standard.
In 2023, the bank opened the Rapid City Buffalo Crossing location as the corporate and operation headquarters. In collaboration with UDA Architecture + Design, the bank brought its vision to life and implement the best energy efficient solutions. The building incorporates a range of sustainable technologies, including geothermal, wind, and solar energy, energy-efficient windows, natural gas, and electric vehicle charging stations. Below are details on the energy technologies used, how they are applied, and the benefits they provide at the corporate headquarters and at some ¬¬of the newly designed branch locations:
1. Geothermal Energy
The Buffalo Crossing Rapid City building features 69 geothermal wells that go down 280 feet vertically, significantly reducing our carbon emissions and supporting a cleaner energy future.
The 5th Street (Downtown) Rapid City location uses the same technology with 15 geothermal wells.
The New Spearfish location, opening in 2026, will also use geothermal energy.
How it Works:
Deep beneath the Earth’s surface lies a layer of hot, molten rock known as magma. Just a few miles down, this layer holds over 50 times more energy than all other known energy sources combined. By tapping into even a small portion of this natural heat, we can generate clean, renewable electricity. To harness this energy, a well is drilled several hundred feet into the Earth. Hot water and steam rise through the well, spinning a turbine that powers a generator to produce electricity.
Despite its vast potential, geothermal energy remains one of the most underutilized renewable resources in the United States. As we look to the future, it offers a powerful opportunity for sustainable energy growth.
Benefits:
• Reliable Efficiency – Delivers consistent heating and cooling year-round, unaffected by weather, seasons, or time of day.
• Lower Emissions – Reduces reliance on traditional HVAC systems powered by electricity or gas, cutting down greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants.
• Renewable & Sustainable – A clean energy source that naturally replenishes, offering a long-term solution without exhausting natural resources.
• Mitigates Urban Heat – Underground systems reduce the need for above-ground HVAC units, helping to combat the urban heat island effect.
• Land Preservation – Installed below the surface, geothermal systems preserve open space and maintain the natural landscape.
2. Wind Energy
Through the Black Hills Energy Renewable Ready program, the Buffalo Crossing facility proudly sources 50% of its power from the Corriedale Wind Energy Project.
How it Works:
Located six miles from Cheyenne, Wyoming, the Corriedale wind energy facility generates up to 52.5 megawatts (MW) of clean, renewable energy. This wind farm is powered by 21 turbines, each with a capacity of 2.5 MW. These turbines harness the kinetic energy of the wind—capturing its motion with three massive blades and converting it into electricity through rotational force.
Benefits:
• Clean & Renewable – Harnesses a naturally abundant resource to generate electricity without depleting Earth’s minerals or reserves.
• Zero Emissions – Produces power without emitting greenhouse gases, air pollutants, or harmful toxins, helping to fight climate change and promote cleaner air.
• Resource Conservation – Lessens dependence on limited fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, supporting long-term energy security.
• Land-Compatible – Wind farms can share space with agricultural activities, enabling dual land use for farming, grazing, and wildlife habitats.
• Scalable & Versatile – From small-scale installations to large wind farms, the adaptability of wind energy makes it a versatile tool for reducing carbon footprints globally.
3. Solar Energy
The solar panels in the North side of the parking lot are a great source of renewable and efficient power while lowering our carbon footprint. Our solar panels produce on average 42 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per day.
How it Works:
Solar panels work by converting the heat of the Sun into energy. Each panel is made of semiconductor materials, housed within a durable metal frame and protected by a layer of glass. When sunlight—specifically, its photons—hits the surface, it excites the electrons in the semiconductor, creating an electric current. Even on cloudy days, solar panels can still produce a meaningful amount of power.
Benefits:
• Clean & Renewable – Taps into the sun’s limitless energy supply, offering a sustainable and long-term solution to our growing energy demands.
• Zero Emissions – Produces electricity without releasing greenhouse gases, air pollutants, or harmful byproducts—making it a key player in the fight against climate change.
• Resource Preservation – Reduces reliance on finite fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, helping to conserve these resources for future generations.
• Water-Saving Technology – Unlike traditional power plants, solar systems require no water for cooling, preserving freshwater resources and protecting aquatic ecosystems.
• Minimal Land Disruption – Rooftop panels make efficient use of existing structures, while thoughtfully designed solar farms can limit their impact on surrounding environments.
4. Green Roof
The Buffalo Crossing location has two green roof areas on the second floor, featuring a beautiful variety of plants, trees, and grass.
How it Works:
Green roofs, also referred to as “living roofs”, combine aesthetics with sustainability to lower energy consumption. The rooftop systems features vegetation sections where a combination of various plants grow in soil mimicking the natural ecosystems on the ground that absorbs heat and carbon dioxide.
Benefits:
• Improved Air Quality – Vegetation naturally absorbs airborne pollutants and filters the air, contributing to a healthier urban environment.
• Energy Efficiency – Acts as natural insulation, helping to keep buildings cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, thereby lowering energy use for heating and cooling.
• Stormwater Management – By absorbing rainwater, green roofs help mitigate runoff, reducing strain on drainage systems and protecting water quality.
• Urban Biodiversity – Green roofs create habitats for birds, bees, insects, and other wildlife, fostering urban ecosystems.
• Lower Urban Heat Island Effect – The greenery helps cool the surrounding air, minimizing the temperature spikes common in densely built areas.
5. Energy Efficient Windows
The windows in the Buffalo Crossing building features 1-inch thick, energy-efficient glass composed of two 1/4-inch panes separated by an air gap. This design enhances insulation, providing natural heating and light while minimizing non-visible solar radiation.
The Spearfish facility will also use the same energy efficient window technology.
Benefits:
• Insulation – Having two panes of glass with coatings significantly improves insulation of the building reducing energy usage.
• Natural Heat – With the designed window orientation window assembly, more of the suns heat is allowed to enter the building in the winter months.
• Natural Light – The first glass film reflects up to 80% of the suns non-visible light (infra-red and ultraviolet) while letting in most of the visible light. The second film is a grey colored tint that reduced the visible brightness.
6. Conventional Natural Gas
The Buffalo Crossing building utilizes conventional natural (rather than diesel) for our backup generator. The generator powers only the elevator and the smoke evacuation system when the power is out or in emergencies.
How it Works:
Conventional natural gas is a fossil fuel found in underground rock formations and is accessed by drilling wells into these formations. In less permeable rock, hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” is used to increase the rock’s permeability, allowing the gas to flow and be extracted more easily.
Benefits:
• Cleaner Burning – Natural gas is one of the cleanest-burning fossil fuels, releasing fewer toxins into the atmosphere than other fuels reducing the overall carbon footprint.
• Efficient Energy Source – It offers high energy efficiency, which helps minimize overall energy consumption and waste during combustion.
• Reduced Particulate Emissions – Combustion of natural gas generates significantly less particulate matter, contributing to better environmental and public health outcomes.
7. Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations
The Security First Bank Rapid City Buffalo Crossing parking lot features three ChargePoint charging stations, available 24/7 for EV drivers. These are Level 3 Direct Current (DC) fast chargers, capable of delivering a quick charge—typically between 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the vehicle's battery size and current charge level. The stations support both CHAdeMO and CCS plug types, with charging power ranging from 62 to 125 kilowatts (kW). For added convenience, the charging spots are illuminated at night.
EV Charging Details
Payment is required to utilize the charging station, but parking is free:
Flat Fee – $20.00/session with first 1 hour
Additional plugin time fee – $5.00/hr
Check in on PlugShare app.
How it Works:
Electric vehicles (EVs) are powered by an electric motor and a rechargeable battery pack, offering an energy-efficient alternative to traditional gas-powered cars. Instead of refueling at a gas station, EV owners “plug in” their vehicles at charging stations to store electricity in the battery.
Benefits:
• Convenience & Flexibility – Enhancing customer experience and loyalty by providing a way to charge EV cars while banking.
• Reduce Environmental Pollution – By supporting EV use, these stations help lower harmful exhaust emissions. Plus, charging with renewable energy further reduces the overall carbon footprint.
• Commitment to Sustainability – Installing EV chargers visibly demonstrates our dedication to environmental responsibility and a greener community.
• Utilize Renewable Energy – Our charging stations are powered by the building’s renewable energy sources, further enhancing environmental impact.
• Lower Energy Costs – Smart charging technology allows for off-peak charging, reducing energy costs while offering real-time monitoring of energy use and expenses.
