Novato, Calif.-based Fireman's Fund Insurance Company said itsDallas office has received the Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) Silver certification from the U.S.Green Building Council.

The office received the certification, an independent,third-party verification that a building meets the highestenvironment- and resource-friendly green building and performancemeasures, for the interiors of its Lincoln Plaza office in downtownDallas.

"Having our Dallas office recognized by the USGBC is importantto us as a provider of green insurance--we want to 'walk our talk'when it comes to demonstrating our commitment to environmentalstewardship and social responsibility," said Greg Tacchetti, chiefadministrative officer. "LEED-certified buildings lower operatingcosts and increase asset value, reduce waste sent to landfills,conserve energy and water, and are healthier and safer for ouremployees."

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

In addition, Fireman's Fund used sustainable products: corkflooring, 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 supportedsustainable transportation: the downtown location encourages theuse of public transportation, which is subsidized by the company.Bicycle storage, shower and changing facilities are alsoprovided.

The Dallas office is one of the company's largest facilities,employing nearly 400 staff.

Among its environmental commitments, the company noted that itwas the first to offer green insurance to a number of commercialand homeowners accounts; that it has reduced energy consumption by35 percent and water consumption by 40 percent since 2001; and thatrecycling has resulted in a 77 percent solid waste diversion ratefrom landfills.

The company was also recognized by the Environmental DefenseFund for its contributions to the green movement in a 2008report.