North Island Credit Union stepped up its commitment to "go green" through a collaborative effort with San Diego's Metropolitan Transit System's first commercial bus with a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric hybrid drive system. The bus is wrapped with The Island's signature "Island Paradise" artwork making the CNG-Hybrid stand out as a San Diego icon as well as a technological marvel.

At an April 10 unveiling ceremony, San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts, who also represents San Diego on the California Air Resources board of directors, said, "Because the CNG-electric hybrid is the first bus of its kind and is one of the most environmentally-friendly buses in operation, MTS sought out a partner with a strong green initiative to collaborate on the creation of a unique and meaningful graphic element for the exterior of the bus. North Island Credit Union is making very smart and very green contributions all over San Diego County. We're proud to have them as a partner and to bring attention to this new technology."

The prototype bus will cut emissions by 25 percent from the already clean-burning CNG buses in San Diego MTS fleet, provide more power, a quieter ride and significantly improve fuel economy. The bus will not have a specific route, rather it will be assigned routes across San Diego County to that all residents will have an opportunity to experience and learn about the new technology.

"North Island Credit Union employees and members are committed to caring for the environment in San Diego," said Geri Dillingham, executive vice president and chief operating officer of North Island Credit Union. "We are proud to lend our signature artwork to call attention to this technologically-advanced and environmentally friendly bus."

North Island Credit Union is currently constructing a new headquarter complex, which has been designed to qualify for the LEED Green Building Rating System^TM silver level certification, the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. Operated by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building project meets the highest performance standards. The credit union is also in its second year of a five-year plan to reduce paper consumption by 50 percent.