Environmental insurance coverage has grown significantly in the construction industry over the last five years, according to William P. Hazelton, executive vice president, environmental and construction, for ACE Group.
Hazelton says that the recent escalation in demand for environmental coverage is primarily due to most construction contracts now including a requirement for the coverage along with other insurance. About five years ago, contractors didn’t need an environmental policy to bid on many projects, but today it’s almost always required.
Tighter regulatory requirements also factor into the trend. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is paying closer attention to intrusion of potentially harmful vapors into commercial and residential buildings. These can be from environmental contaminants in the subsurface that can be disturbed during construction.
Companies also need to be aware of air quality issues including from mold contamination, vapors from carpeting or furniture, and exhaust fumes from a loading dock located too close to a building’s ventilation system. These hazards can be addressed with pollution liability coverage.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 26, 2020
New seismic provisions for the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program released
The provisions present a set of recommended improvements to the ASCE/SEI 7-16 Standard.
Codes and Standards | Oct 22, 2020
More than 130 building projects have engaged LEED’s Safety First Credits in response to COVID-19
Best practices helping companies develop and measure healthy, sustainable, and resilient reopening efforts.
Codes and Standards | Oct 21, 2020
New technologies and techniques can ‘future-proof’ buildings
Net-zero principles may give buildings longer lives.
Codes and Standards | Oct 20, 2020
Updated AIA Contractor’s Qualification Statement and Warranty Bond documents available
Statement now includes safety protocols and plans, sustainability, and BIM experience.
Codes and Standards | Oct 19, 2020
NEXT Coalition chooses five pilot projects to fight COVID-19 on jobsites
Mobile platforms, wearable sensors, AI video systems among the trial solutions.
Codes and Standards | Oct 15, 2020
Neighborhoods Now offers cost-effective, DIY designs in response to COVID-19 pandemic
Designs include barriers for outdoor dining, sidewalk retail displays, and modular seating for public spaces.
Codes and Standards | Oct 14, 2020
Standard contract document for prefab and modular building released
ConsensusDocs addresses the most common prefabricated construction use-case scenario.
Codes and Standards | Oct 13, 2020
Austin is first major Texas city to adopt wildfire code
New ordinance based on the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
Codes and Standards | Oct 12, 2020
Guidance offered for K-12 schools to support students with asthma
Green purchasing policies for cleaning, filters, furniture and other products encouraged.
Codes and Standards | Oct 7, 2020
More energy efficiency programs are encouraging zero-energy projects
At least 20 programs for new construction, major renovations emerge.
