In Atlanta (USA) they are not just famous for being the founding base of Coca Cola, but also new energy efficient ideas, which is particularly welcome in the age of financial struggle and the credit crunch. It has recently been revealed that Georgia homeowners who use environmentally friendly solar panels and recycled building materials on their homes can now purchase home insurance especially designed for greener homes.

Greener homes approved

Commissioner John Oxendine and the state’s insurance commissioner’s office has approved the first ever green homeowner’s insurance policies in Atlanta. Oxendine stated: “We hope this will encourage and promote people to be green in their homes.” The programme for customers of the California based Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co promises that planet friendly homes can be rebuilt in the exact same way if they are destroyed or damaged.

The scheme is not actually original though, as Atlanta will be the 26th state to join the green insurance package. Fireman’s officials have revealed that around two dozen Georgia homeowner’s have already signed so far.

Locals using environmentally friendly products

Laura Turner Seydel, who is one of the state’s new green insurance purchasers who lives in her LEED – certified home in Atlanta’s richer parts. The home, otherwise known as ‘EcoManor’ has natural lighting in most rooms due to solar panels on the roof, a plumbing system that reuses wastewater and rainwater, cabinets made from pressed hay and naturally dyed rugs and furniture.

Seydel stated: “ I feel like I look better, think better and operate better. We have built a much healthier home for our family.” What’s even more surprising is that the manor does not have the toxins or chemicals that are usually found in paints, dyes or construction materials.

Building a green house works out more expensive financially because it requires especially designed appliances, construction materials from within 500-mile radius and hard to find plumbing features. However, green experts do believe that a green household can save around 30% on utility bills each month, which can easily recover the added cost of construction.

Seydel’s home is one of three LEED – certified homes in Atlanta according to the U.S Green Building Council. The certification means that these homes meet a lengthy checklist of environmentally friendly requirements.

However, even homeowners who do not have an environmentally friendly house can buy the green add-ons from Fireman’s Fund to tie with their existing insurance policy with the company. This means that if a house is destroyed by a tornado, and then the insurance company will rebuild it with a green design. Going green also has another benefit, as it will pay the hefty cost of hauling construction waste to recycling companies rather than junk yards.

A lot of Georgia homes are built with green components and energy efficient designs, even though they do not meet the LEED certification.