BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Kern Schools Federal Credit Union is ready to make history here by breaking ground on what will be the Central Valley's first and only US Green Building Council – registered commercial building. Designed by Fresno-based design/build firm Teter a+e, the three-story, 144,000 square foot headquarters will house all administrative and back office staff including call center representatives. The building is expected to achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certified Rating with such features as environmentally friendly air conditioning equipment that does not use CFC refrigerants; improved indoor air quality; and space to encourage carpooling and bicycling. "It will create a better, more efficient and healthy work environment for our staff," said KSFCU President/CEO Vincent Rojas, Jr. "Creating a building for the future that is environmentally friendly is the right thing to do and as one of the largest employers in the county, we have a responsibility to set an example for future growth in our community." The new facility will accommodate 250 employees and has been designed to grow with the credit union over the next 15 years. Kern Schools FCU Senior Vice President Administrative Services Penelope Fulton says with employees currently spread out across five locations the facility couldn't be built soon enough. "We can use the space and are excited to take advantage of new technologies and a larger training center," said Fulton. "We are currently out of any additional space-we even have people working from under the stairwell." Fulton says in addition to economic efficiencies, the green building with it's open space and windows lets lots of light in and provides almost every staffer an "office" with a view. "The payback on this type of investment is huge not only in terms of happier employees but with the new technology it will take no more than six years to have the building pay for itself in terms of savings," said Fulton.