Fireman’s Fund Wins Environmental Award

Novato, Calif.-based Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co. has been
honored by the California Environmental Protection Agency with the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) in the category of sustainable practices/facilities.

The GEELA program recognizes individuals, organizations, and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made notable contributions in conserving California’s resources, protecting, and enhancing the environment, and building public-private partnerships. Fireman’s Fund was selected for its overall green and sustainable efforts, which include offering the first green insurance products for homeowners and businesses, as well as its efforts to “green” its various offices throughout California, including its Novato headquarters.

The company said it considers its green accomplishments to be:
-The first property and casualty insurer to offer green insurance coverage for homes, commercial buildings, historic buildings, hotels, restaurants, commercial auto, and manufacturing facilities. In most cases, Fireman’s Fund gives a 5 percent discount to homeowners and building owners that are certified green by the U.S. Green Building Association.

-Since 2001, the company has reduced its energy consumption by 35
percent and water consumption by 40 percent. Aggressive recycling has resulted in a 77 percent solid waste diversion rate from landfills.

-First insurance company to become an Energy Star partner.

-Recognized by the Environmental Defense Fund for its contributions to the green movement in a report, “Innovations Review 2008: Making Green the New Business As Usual” (www.edf.org/InnovationsReview). Fireman’s Fund was the only insurer highlighted in the report that includes trends and best practices that demonstrate how environmental sustainability efforts are creating new markets and providing competitive advantages.

-Recognized as a green business in the Ceres’ Report, the “World
Wildlife Report on Climate Change in 2006.”

-In 2009, the company will begin replacing its fleet of company cars with hybrid vehicles
.
The GEELA Awards program was established in 1993. Recipients are selected by a panel of evaluators and the Secretaries of Cal/EPA, the Resources Agency, Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, the Department of Food and Agriculture, the State and Consumer Services Agency, and the Governor’s Office.

Source: Fireman’s Fund