Four Locations Receive High Marks for Improved Environmental Performance
NEW YORK, March 2, 2015—Assurant’s energy conservation efforts shine bright—with high efficiency lighting, of course.
The premier provider of specialty insurance and insurance-related products and services was recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR as a member of the 2014 ENERGY STAR Certification Nation for certifying more than five of its buildings last year. Six of Assurant’s commercial buildings in four locations earned the ENERGY STAR certifications for using an average of 35 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
“Embedded in our culture and reflected in our values is a passion to serve our communities that is at the core of our sustainability practices. Assurant invests time and resources to reduce our environmental impact,” said Alan B. Colberg, president and CEO of Assurant. “As part of these efforts, we have worked diligently to increase energy efficiency across Assurant, and are proud to be recognized by the EPA for our achievements.”
Performing in the top quartile of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency and earning the ENERGY STAR designation were Assurant buildings in four locations: Albany, Oregon; Florence, South Carolina; Kansas City, Missouri; and Springfield, Ohio.
Assurant improved its energy performance across the enterprise by making cost-effective improvements to its building operations. Since 2009, the company has reduced electrical energy usage seven percent annually and saved enough energy to power more than 2,000 average size homes for one year. In 2013, Assurant invested resources in a solar installation at its Springfield location. The rooftop installation and solar carports now generate 46 percent of the electricity for the office campus.
“While these achievements are important, we are committed to doing even more to improve our sustainability efforts and increase energy efficiency across the enterprise,” said Colberg.
To strengthen Assurant’s environmental performance, the company is implementing strategies to reduce energy usage at other facilities with a goal to certify several other buildings including Assurant Health’s headquarters in Milwaukee.
“Improving the energy efficiency of our nation’s buildings is critical to protecting our environment,” said Jean Lupinacci, Chief of the ENERGY STAR Commercial & Industrial Branch. “From the boiler room to the board room, organizations are leading the way by making their buildings more efficient and earning EPA’s ENERGY STAR certification.”
About Energy Star
ENERGY STAR was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the ENERGY STAR label can be found on more than 65 different kinds of products, 1.4 million new homes, and 20,000 commercial buildings and industrial plants that meet strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the EPA. Over the past twenty years, American families and businesses have saved more than $230 billion on utility bills and prevented more than 1.8 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions with help from ENERGY STAR.
For more information about ENERGY STAR Certification for Commercial Buildings: www.energystar.gov/labeledbuildings
About Assurant
Assurant safeguards clients and consumers when the unexpected occurs. A provider of specialized insurance products and related services, Assurant operates in North America, Latin America, Europe and other select worldwide markets through four operating segments. Assurant Solutions, Assurant Specialty Property, Assurant Health and Assurant Employee Benefits partner with clients who are leaders in their industries to provide consumers peace of mind and financial security. Our diverse range of products and services include mobile device protection; debt protection administration; credit-related insurance; warranties and service contracts; pre-funded funeral insurance; lender-placed homeowners insurance; property, appraisal, preservation and valuation services; renters insurance and related products; manufactured housing homeowners insurance; individual health and small employer group health insurance; group dental insurance; group disability insurance; and group life insurance.
Assurant, a Fortune 500 company and a member of the S&P 500, is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AIZ. Assurant has approximately $32 billion in assets and $10 billion in annual revenue. Assurant has approximately 17,500 employees worldwide and is headquartered in New York's financial district. For more information on Assurant, please visit www.assurant.com and follow us on Twitter @AssurantNews.
Media Contact:
Vera Carley
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Phone: 212.859.7002
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