Technology Assessment

LBNL has made a qualitative case for many ways in which energy efficient technologies can reduce insurance risks. It is necessary to push the analysis further and acquire adequate engineering proof of these concepts. There are many avenues to pursue, e.g.:

1. Document improved shatter-resistance benefits of laminated windows containing energy control films.
2. Develop new fire-safe alternatives to halogen lighting.
3. Determine the degree to which added insulation, infiltration control, etc. reduce the likelihood of ice dam formation.
4. Determine the degree to which high-efficiency food/pharmaceutical refrigeration and freezing equipment will "coast" more effectively following power outages, thereby reducing business interruption losses.
5. Develop design guidelines for reducing fatalities during urban heat catastrophes. We have already analyzed the reduction in severe indoor environmental conditions for well-insulated living units during simulated heat storm conditions.
6. Explore issues and opportunities related to advanced transportation technologies (electric/hybrid vehicles, batteries, fuel cells, mass transportation, speed limits, roadway lighting).
7. Evaluate how addressing faulty ventilation systems can lower the risk of backdrafting (a cause of carbon monoxide poisoning) and flame rollout (a cause of fires) from heating systems. Identify the insurance benefits of the new aerosol-based duct-sealing technology .

 DOE has already invested (with industry matching funds) in developing a prototype UV Waterworks system for disaster recovery applications in the US. We have a partnership with IBHS, an insurance trade organization. The next step is a real-world demonstration of this technology under US disaster recovery conditions and to work on deployment mechanisms. Identify the "downsides" of EE technologies. Not a popular topic, but we believe it would be wise to proactively identify these issues and let the results be reflected in overall R&D planning. Through open inquiry, myths can be dispelled and actual problem areas identified and addressed.

Building Performance Assurance

Improved building performance benefits both energy and risk-managers. For example, building commissioning--a quality insurance process focused on ensuring the performance of building energy systems--has already been promoted by the insurance industry as a way to prevent professional liability claims. Further work can be done to quantify the loss-prevention benefits, develop case studies and training materials, etc.

Super Inspections

Develop the idea of "super audits" that integrate both energy savings and broader issues of risk management. Insurers have a long tradition of conducting inspections, and offer a previously untested market deployment channel for energy-related inspection services. Explore possibilities of partnerships between insurers and electric utilities.

Product Labeling

Develop new labeling strategies to simultaneously reflect efficiency and risk aspects of selected technologies (e.g. windows, lighting, etc.)

Disaster Preparedness

Prepare a document that tells the story of how efficient and renewable technologies can contribute to disaster resilience and disaster recovery efforts. Explore deployment possibilities (e.g. as extension of the DOE Weatherization Program) and Partnerships with other (non-energy) entities, e.g. FEMA's Project Impact.

Enhancing Indoor Environmental Quality

• Assess insurance risks from indoor air quality (health, life, liability).
• Identifying high-radon areas and efficient mitigation strategies.
• Low-cost carbon monoxide sensors for detecting risks in homes and workplaces.

In-House Energy Management:

• Assist insurers in becoming involved with voluntary DOE and EPA programs for improving the energy-efficiency of buildings they own and occupy/lease. Programs include ENERGY STAR (whole-building as well as product-specific programs) and Rebuild America.

Insurance and Risk Management Home

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