preferential insurance policies
Green homes often are built with advanced construction techniques or alternative building systems, such as ICFs or structural insulated panels (SIPs), that may better withstand violent weather conditions. And many insurance companies will give homeowners a discount ($50 to thousands of dollars) on their annual premiums for dwellings built with these systems, VanderWerf said, noting that about half of all insurers offer such discounts.
The discounts aren’t money in the builder’s pocket, but again, they can help sell more houses, said he added.
In wrapping up the session, VanderWerf told attendees their eco-friendly houses can qualify for more than one rebate or incentive from utilities, governments, and trade groups. “No program is exclusive,” he said.
For more information, contact VanderWerf at pvander@buildingworks.com.
Jean Dimeo is chief editor of EcoHomemagazine.com.