Energy efficiency as an insurance loss-prevention strategy.

By supporting strategic energy-efficiency and associated indoor environmental quality options, the insurance industry could reduce near-term business risks caused by ordinary insured losses while making a considerable contribution to long-term reductions in greenhouse-gas emissions which also threaten their bottom line. These measures can reduce losses from: fire, ice, wind, and water damage; temperature extremes; occupational injuries; poor indoor air quality; equipment performance problems; theft; and various roadway hazards. The resulting loss-reductions translate into benefits for a variety of insurance lines, including property-casualty, professional liability, medical, life, workers' compensation, business interruption, and automobile. Integrating energy efficiency and loss-prevention represents an attractive "no-regrets'' opportunity for the insurance industry, as the risk-reducing benefits would have distinct value to insurers and their customers irrespective of the timing or extent of damages related to global climate change.