It's Not Easy Being Green

Green building practices have grown annually, adding complexity to the analysis of construction projects, building systems, and building performance expectations. These efforts add a significant level of due diligence and the necessary expertise in responding to ‘green claims’ on the insurance products serving those properties.

There are many new concepts within green building efforts that must be known in the claim industry and the third-party experts servicing these claims. Green claims involve understanding green concepts, such as increased energy efficiency, decreased water use, increased storm water control, and better indoor air quality. There must also be knowledge of the systems that drive the performance of these concepts. This additional expertise is not always entrenched in the basic knowledge brought forth by a typical claim representative, forensic analyst, scientist, or engineer. Nonetheless, specific knowledge of U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED credits and information ‘behind’ the credits is essential. Examples of this are provided herein.