The new coverage provides a number of options to upgrade a home to 'green' standards.
For example, if a total loss occurs, Fireman's Fund will pay to rebuild the home to meet "certified" requirements of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Homes Green Building Rating System of the U.S. Green Building Council. And in the event of a total loss, the coverage also pays for environmentally-sensitive demolition and debris removal.
The Green Upgrade also:
-
Provides an additional amount to hire an LEED-accredited professional to help with the home's design and construction, with an added amount to pay certification costs.
-
Replaces damaged or destroyed electronic appliances with equivalent ENERGY STAR-qualified equipment.
-
Provides energy-efficient upgrades to building materials, interior lighting systems, roofing, interior plumbing, and heating and cooling systems.
In each case, Fireman's Fund pays to replace damaged materials and equipment to meet standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council.
The Green Upgrade also promotes the use of sustainably-developed and recycled materials, including:
-
Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood for millwork, ceilings, siding, and framing (including bamboo flooring), where available.
-
Low VOC interior finish materials, including paints, coatings, primers, and sealants; and the replacement of ozone-depleting substances like CFCs.
Costs
The premium for this new coverage starts at $25 a year.
|
