Two Insurers Tout Green Building Designations

NU Online News Service, Nov. 6, 9:36 a.m. EDT

Two national insurers say they have received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) designations from the U.S. Green Building Council for the re-design of existing buildings to make them energy efficient.

Liberty Mutual Group said it was awarded a LEED Silver Certification for the 19 story tower building it purchased in 2006 in Boston.

The re-design, done with the property manager CB Richard Ellis and its Sustainability Programs Group will result in $63,900 in annual savings after a two year payback period, said Liberty Mutual.

It will also save 400,000 kilowatts of energy, reduce 1,323 tons of carbon dioxide emissions and diver from landfills, as well as 56 tons of recycling, according to the company.

Novato, Calif.-based Fireman's Fund Insurance Company said it received a LEED Gold certification for its corporate headquarters campus.

Mike LaRocco, Fireman's Fund chief executive officer said the campus joins its Dallas and St. Louis offices with LEED certifications.

Fireman's Fund partners with CB Richard Ellis to make the improvements which began in 2008.

The project promotes energy efficient lighting; digital control and monitoring of its HVAC system; drought tolerant plants for exterior landscaping; and a recycling program that reduces trans and construction waste by almost 80 percent; green cleaning technology and environmentally friendly pest management, and sustainable purchasing practices for office and building supplies.