Fireman's Fund Dallas Office Receives LEED Certification

Novato, Calif.-based Fireman's Fund Insurance Company said its Dallas office has received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental 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 highest environment- and resource-friendly green building and performance measures, for the interiors of its Lincoln Plaza office in downtown Dallas.

"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.

Among its environmental commitments, the company noted that it was the first to offer green insurance to a number of commercial and homeowners accounts; that it has reduced energy consumption by 35 percent and water consumption by 40 percent since 2001; and that recycling has resulted in a 77 percent solid waste diversion rate from landfills.

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