Special Section sponsored by

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR

Mainstay & AGPOM Lead Green Practices

Mainstay Insurance Group is an insurance program administrator and specialty wholesale broker dedicated to serving the insurance and risk management needs of select industries. Launched nationally in 2008 and based in Bellevue, Washington, Mainstay builds and manages niche and association-based products for commercial insurance buyers. Products are accessible only by retail insurance brokers on a national basis.

In response to the growing demand for alternative energy products and conservation of resources for commercial properties around the U.S., Mainstay announced a strategic partnership with the Association of Green Property Owners and Managers (AGPOM) in June 2009. AGPOM is a 501(c) (6) nonprofit organization established to support and promote environmental sustainability awareness and commitment among property owners and managers.

Retail insurance agents and brokers seeking to help commercial property owners and managers adopt environmentally sustainable practices can access innovative coverage from AGPOM in partnership with Mainstay Insurance Group.

According to Dusty Rowland, Mainstay’s president and CEO, “AGPOM offers tools and services to help its members achieve their environmental goals. This approach is truly unique and allows the retail broker to be more consultative on a significant business issue. We know of no program that offers the full range of services that AGPOM does.”

A key benefit delivered by AGPOM is improved operating costs through the reduction of energy costs, as well as the reduction of risk. Building owners and managers that enforce green standards benefit from higher employee productivity, reduced absenteeism, improved product safety and lower energy bills. All of these changes contribute to the overall management of company-wide risk—risk that includes not only bodily injury and property damage, but business profitability risks, environmental risks and geopolitical risks.

In addition to the premium savings resulting from the group purchasing concepts employed by Mainstay, members who commit to AGPOM’s Green Building/Tenant Plans are eligible for additional premium discounts as a result of reduced risk associated with green practices. “This connection between green practices and premium discounts is already happening in the personal lines area and we aim to bring that thinking to the commercial side of the business,” said Rowland.

AGPOM’s renewable energy strategy is another unique win-win for members and policyholders. Mainstay takes a portion of their earned income from premium sales and purchases Renewable Energy Credits (REC) on behalf of AGPOM members through a partnership with a nationally recognized nonprofit called Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF). The policyholder is recognized for their contribution through a certificate process and the RECs can also be used to gain valuable LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) points should a member seek LEED status for their buildings.

AGPOM members also receive the following services:
• Sustainability planning and recognition
• Reference library access
• News and updates
• Resource center
• Green insurance
• Green consulting

Mainstay’s carrier markets for the association offer property extension forms to rebuild to certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a voluntary, consensus-based rating system for developing high performance, sustainable buildings. LEED addresses all building types and emphasizes state-of-the-art strategies in five areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials and resources selection, and indoor environmental quality.

Rowland noted, however, that many real estate owners and managers are intimidated by the certification process, and don’t know how to get started. Agents and brokers can support the education effort by teaming with Mainstay. “It’s hard to go 90mph overnight,” Rowland said. “The AGPOM program is designed to teach people to walk before they run.”

Mainstay’s lines of coverage include property, general liability, auto, umbrella, crime and fidelity. All carrier markets are rated “A” or higher by A.M. Best Company. Most coverage is admitted for this national program.

www.agpom.org
www.mainstayins.com