Tuesday, 15 January 2008
Insurance Companies Launch Programs For Eco-Friendly Building Materials
The wildfires in Southern California destroyed thousands of houses and many residents are just starting to rebuild their homes. For some homeowners, insurance companies are offering programs where they can use eco-friendly building materials to make their new houses greener.
Fireman’s Fund on the West Coast and Lexington Insurance Co. on the East Coast are two of the insurers who have started green rebuilding programs.
These programs allow homeowners to rebuild houses using more efficient plumbing, environmentally-safe materials, and wood that’s forest stewardship certified. All of these additions can be made even if they cost more than the value on the insurance policy, reported the Houston Chronicle.
“We’re seizing on what we see as a significantly growing green movement.” said David Valzania, Lexington Insurance Co.’s vice president of personal lines.
Fireman’s Fund is also starting a program to upgrade homes — with more efficient heating and cooling systems, eco-friendly flooring, and paints and carpet with fewer harmful chemicals.
“[Y]our electric bill is a big cost, your water bill is a huge cost. [Going green is] a huge savings down the road,” said one Fireman’s policyholder.
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