Insurers Find Potential and Risk in Green Buildings

Insurers Find Potential and Risk in Green Buildings
[Source: www.insurancenetworking.com, March 4, 2009]

While some may dismiss the move toward green building and sustainability as a fad, insurers of buildings think otherwise. In fact, says Stephen Bushnell, senior director, emerging industries, commercial insurance at Novato, Calif.-based Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co., today’s green buildings are a harbinger of the future. “Energy efficiency and green building are not just about the environment,” Bushnell said, speaking at a recent Web seminar. “We believe they have a profound economic advantage that has captured the attention of many segments of the business community. We see some indications from retailers like Wal-Mart that sales improve in green buildings.”