Orlando, Fla. — On April 22nd we will celebrate “Earth Day,” which this year is dedicated to providing the information and inspiration needed to fundamentally change human attitude and behavior about plastics. 

The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, activated 20 million Americans from all walks of life and is widely credited with launching the modern environmental movement. The passage of the landmark Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act and many other groundbreaking environmental laws soon followed. Twenty years later, Earth Day went global, mobilizing 200 million people in 141 countries and lifting environmental issues onto the world stage.

This awareness campaign is now a global event each year, and it is believed that more than 1 billion people in 192 countries participate actively.

The Earth Day Network is an organization with a mission  to diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide. Growing out of the first Earth Day, Earth Day Network is the world’s largest recruiter to the environmental movement, working with more than 50,000 partners in nearly 195 countries to channel those environmental concerns. Their current campaign will leverage the platform of Earth Day and the growing interest in the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day in 2020 as a catalyst for global action.

Across the country, businesses are choosing to go green. In addition to helping the planet, environmentally friendly practices and facilities can enhance the reputation of a business and lower its energy and water costs. Businesses are also encouraged to go green because of government tax credits and other incentives.

Insurance wise, most standard policies will not account for this scenario, unless the policy has wording that specifically recognizes and covers the increased cost of green materials. However, several insurers offer green endorsements—add-on components—to commercial property policies.

Building green means a smaller carbon footprint and higher energy efficiency, but an added benefit is improved safety and resilience to withstand windstorms and other weather-related events. Your business may also be able to save on insurance as a result of other green initiatives. For instance, some auto insurers have begun to offer personal auto insurance discounts for hybrid and electric cars. Similar discounts may be available for your commercial vehicle policy.

The following two are examples of existing green endorsements:

• Green Materials and Equipment—A green endorsement on your commercial property insurance will cover the higher cost of environmentally certified materials and equipment—even if your original property and equipment were not green certified. Some policies will also specifically enable you to elevate your building to green certification when you rebuild.
• Green Construction and Related Costs—Covers costs for green design and engineering, recycling, certification fees and other costs.

Green insurance continues to change, and that is why you should contact one of our agents, if you have particular green coverage needs unmet by your insurer or to maximize potential savings during your annual insurance review.

Other than that, let’s all have a great Earth Day celebration this upcoming April 22nd and let’s continue to make strides towards that short term and long term goal for the good of all.