Homeowner's insurance is not exactly ecofabulous - nor are the circumstances under which one needs it. However, we thought it was worthy to mention that Fireman's Fund introduced the first green insurance coverage plan in the country. Their Green Upgrade
allows policy holders to rebuild according to LEED (Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design) specifications, should their home be
damaged. They pay for a LEED-accredited consultant, replace all
appliances with Energy Star rated ones, use sustainable materials and
provide energy-efficient upgrades, among other things. And in the event
of a total loss, the plan pays for eco-sensitive demolition and debris
removal. While we certainly hope our homes are never destroyed, we feel
better knowing an insurance company would go the extra mile to build it
back better (the premium is higher, though: $70 per $1
million in insured value). Interested? Check it out here.
