May 9 2014
One State Street, the 24-story headquarters for The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company (HSB), has been LEED® certified by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute, the company announced today.
“We’re pleased to be recognized for HSB’s commitment to improving energy efficiency and sustainability,” said Greg Barats, president and chief executive officer of HSB. “It’s important that our building operations reflect our business focus on helping homeowners, businesses and other organizations reduce their energy consumption and environmental impact.”
Built in 1983 with 500,000 square feet of space overlooking the Connecticut River in Hartford, One State Street is LEED certified to the Silver level for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies.
LEED-certified buildings save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community. LEED certification of One State Street was based on a number features, including:
- The installation of a central heating, ventilation and air conditioning plant.
- The reduction of energy demand and usage through the building’s operation policies, procedures and controls.
- Upgrades to the building’s lighting in various locations to LED or other types of efficient lighting technologies.
“With each new LEED-certified building, we get one step closer to USGBC’s vision of a sustainable built environment within a generation,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, chief executive officer and founding chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “As the newest member of the LEED family of green buildings, Hartford Steam Boiler is an important addition to the growing strength of the green building movement.”
Hartford Steam Boiler, part of Munich Re, also provides energy efficiency recommendations and tools as a value-added element of its equipment insurance products to help commercial and homeowner clients achieve greater energy efficiency and cost savings.
“America’s energy policies cannot focus only on energy sources,” said HSB’s Barats. “We should look more closely at how we use energy. Better energy management and energy efficiency are the best opportunity to reduce our overall energy consumption and carbon footprint.”
About HSB
Hartford Steam Boiler (HSB), a member of Munich Re’s Risk Solutions family since 2009, is a leading engineering and technical risk insurer providing equipment breakdown insurance products, other specialty coverages, and related inspection services and engineering consulting. Founded in 1866, HSB's difference is grounded in extensive technical knowledge with over 50 percent of its staff engineers, inspectors and technical personnel around the globe. We leverage our knowledge to anticipate future risks and develop a range of specialized solutions that enable our clients to build deeper and more profitable customer relationships. HSB holds A.M. Best Company’s highest financial rating, A++ (Superior). www.hsb.com
About the U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org, explore the Green Building Information Gateway (GBIG) and connect on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About Munich Re
In the U.S., Munich Re provides access to a full range of property and casualty reinsurance and specialty insurance products through Munich Reinsurance America, Inc., American Modern Insurance Group and Hartford Steam Boiler Group. Munich Re stands for exceptional solution-based expertise, consistent risk management, financial stability and client proximity. This is how Munich Re creates value for clients, shareholders and staff. In the financial year 2013, the Group – which combines primary insurance and reinsurance under one roof – achieved a profit of €3.3bn on premium income of over €51bn. It operates in all lines of insurance, with almost 45,000 employees throughout the world. With premium income of around €28bn from reinsurance alone, it is one of the world’s leading reinsurers. Especially when clients require solutions for complex risks, Munich Re is a much sought-after risk carrier. Its primary insurance operations are concentrated mainly in the ERGO Insurance Group, one of the major insurance groups in Germany and Europe. ERGO is represented in over 30 countries worldwide and offers a comprehensive range of insurances, provision products and services. In 2013, ERGO posted premium income of €18bn. In international healthcare business, Munich Re pools its insurance and reinsurance operations, as well as related services, under the Munich Health brand. Munich Re’s global investments amounting to €209bn are managed by MEAG, which also makes its competence available to private and institutional investors outside the Group.