fire

Ever thought of getting green home insurance? Sound far fetched? Not anymore. Fireman's Fund Insurance Company now offers two types of "Green-Gard" insurance for homes.

For people who already have a green-certified building or a building with certain green features, the insurance will cover the cost of replacement and will even hire a LEED-certified professional to oversee the repairs.

For people who would like to rebuild a home with green features in the event of a loss, the insurance will replace standard systems and materials with green ones such as non-toxic paints and carpeting, Energy-Star rated electrical equipment, energy efficient lighting systems and water efficient interior plumbing.

The insurance even covers the hiring of a commissioning engineer to ensure that all building systems operate properly and are in allignment with one another. To top it off, the company offers reduced rates to building owners who commit to green standards. Who says it doesn't pay to be green?

More information is available on the Fireman's Fund site.

Kevin,

What keeps straw bale homes from smoldering for many days once a fire takes place? I know a fire chief who experienced said condition years (decades) ago in Madrid, NM?

Probably cutting off all oxygen pathways.

What keeps rodents out?

Good building techniques that allow no places for entrance.

Supposing you want to build pueblo style—flat roof with parapets—how do you keep the straw bales dry during the unpredictable conditions of the warm months?
John D.

Don’t do it! Well, it’s possible, just problematic.