Fireman's Fund Insurance Company Receives LEED Silver Certification

Fireman's Fund Insurance Company, the first property and casualty insurer to offer 'green' insurance for businesses and homeowners, has received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for the green interiors of its Lincoln Plaza office in downtown Dallas.

LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building meets the highest green building and performance measures. All LEED certified projects are nationally recognized, demonstrating that they are environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy place to live and work.

“Having our Dallas office recognized by the USGBC is important to us as a provider of green insurance – we want to ‘walk our talk' when it comes to demonstrating our commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility,” said Greg Tacchetti, chief administrative officer. “LEED-certified buildings lower operating costs and increase asset value, reduce waste sent to landfills, conserve energy and water, and are healthier and safer for our employees.”

Fireman's Fund elected to ‘green' its Dallas facility prior to moving into the 131,700 square feet of space covering five floors in the fall of 2007. The company avoided the cost and waste associated with new construction, and made improvements that use the latest technologies to all major systems: air conditioning, ventilation, heating, lighting and water.

In addition, Fireman's Fund used sustainable products: cork flooring, terrazzo made from recycled glass, bamboo millwork, re-milled redwood and carpet squares made from reclaimed tires.

Fireman's Fund selected Lincoln Plaza because it supported sustainable transportation: the downtown location encourages the use of public transportation, which is subsidized by the company. Bicycle storage, shower and changing facilities are also provided.

The Dallas office is one of the company's largest facilities, employing nearly 400 staff who work in customer service, sales, claims, finance, personal and commercial insurance.

Among the company's many green accomplishments are:

• The first property and casualty insurer to offer green insurance coverage for homes, commercial buildings, historic buildings, hotels, restaurants, commercial auto, and manufacturing facilities. In most cases, Fireman's Fund® gives a five percent discount to homeowners and building owners that are certified green by the USGBC.
• Since 2001, the company has reduced its energy consumption by 35 percent and water consumption by 40 percent. Aggressive recycling has resulted in a 77 percent solid waste diversion rate from landfills.
• First insurance company to become an ENERGY STAR® partner.
• Recognized by the Environmental Defense Fund for its contributions to the green movement in a report, “Innovations Review 2008: Making Green the New Business As Usual” (www.edf.org/InnovationsReview). Fireman's Fund® was the only insurer highlighted in the report that includes the latest trends and best practices that demonstrate how environmental sustainability efforts are creating new markets and providing competitive advantages.
• Recognized as a leader in green business in the Ceres' Report, the World Wildlife Report on Climate Change in 2006.
• This year, the company will begin replacing its fleet of company cars with hybrid vehicles that are more fuel efficient and emit far fewer greenhouse gasses.