--- title: "Part IV: Going Green and Commercial Lines Rating | WSRB Blog" description: When underwriting and rating a commercial property, consider including green upgrade coverage to protect the insured and help the environment. image: https://www1.wsrb.com/hubfs/green%20construction.png --- [![Go to WSRB](https://www1.wsrb.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/logos/wsrb-logo-white.png?width=120&height=20&name=wsrb-logo-white.png "Go to WSRB")](https://www1.wsrb.com/) [![Go to BuildingMetrix](https://www1.wsrb.com/hs-fs/hubfs/buildingmetrix/logo/inactive-BMI-1.png?width=140&height=23&name=inactive-BMI-1.png "Go to BuildingMetrix")](https://www.buildingmetrix.com/) [![Washington Surveying & Rating Bureau logo](https://www1.wsrb.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/logos/wsrb-horiz-logo-rgb.png?width=150&height=51&name=wsrb-horiz-logo-rgb.png "Washington Surveying & Rating Bureau logo")](https://www1.wsrb.com/) [![CREATE AN ACCOUNT](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2459360/aa915923-2069-489f-ac4c-7946d6a68368.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2459360/aa915923-2069-489f-ac4c-7946d6a68368) [![LOG IN](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2459360/04bb3ea0-778f-4261-b716-8cb51be8b93c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2459360/04bb3ea0-778f-4261-b716-8cb51be8b93c) ** ** ** #### [About the Company](https://www1.wsrb.com/about) Who we are and how we serve insurers, agents, and Washington state residents.   #### [CEO Perspective](https://www1.wsrb.com/ceo-perspective-wsrb) Engaging thought leadership on key insurance industry issues from our CEO.  #### [Meet the Team](https://www1.wsrb.com/meet-the-team) Get to know the team behind WSRB’s trusted data and excellent customer service.  #### [Careers](https://www1.wsrb.com/careers) Learn about the benefits of working at WSRB and apply for open positions.   #### [Underwriting Property](https://www1.wsrb.com/resources/underwriting-property-risks) A guide to key risks in Washington state: fire and earthquakes. --- #### [Video Hub](https://www1.wsrb.com/video) Expert webinars, timely discussions, and in-depth conversations with industry leaders..  #### [Commercial Property](https://www1.wsrb.com/risk-assessment-guide) Information on loss costs, policy rating, and assessment tools.   --- #### [Industry Toolkit](https://www1.wsrb.com/resources/industry-toolkit) Links to help you work smarter and serve your customers.   #### [Protection Classes](https://www1.wsrb.com/resources/public-protection) The evaluation process explained from start to finish. --- #### [WSRB Blog](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog) News on emerging risks as well as our latest products.  #### [Library](https://www1.wsrb.com/library) In-depth content on essential insurance topics. --- #### [InsuranceEDGE](https://www1.wsrb.com/insuranceedge) Weekly newsletter covering the P/C industry, curated by our experts.    [![WSRB-Horiz_Logo_RGB](https://www1.wsrb.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/logos/WSRB-Horiz_Logo_RGB.png?width=150&height=51&name=WSRB-Horiz_Logo_RGB.png "WSRB-Horiz_Logo_RGB")](https://www1.wsrb.com/) [![CREATE AN ACCOUNT](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2459360/aa915923-2069-489f-ac4c-7946d6a68368.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2459360/aa915923-2069-489f-ac4c-7946d6a68368) [![LOG IN](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2459360/04bb3ea0-778f-4261-b716-8cb51be8b93c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2459360/04bb3ea0-778f-4261-b716-8cb51be8b93c) ** ** ** #### [About the Company](https://www1.wsrb.com/about) Who we are and how we serve insurers, agents, and Washington state residents.  #### [CEO Perspective](https://www1.wsrb.com/ceo-perspective-wsrb) Engaging thought leadership on key insurance industry issues from our CEO.  #### [Meet the Team](https://www1.wsrb.com/meet-the-team) Get to know the team behind WSRB’s trusted data and excellent customer service.  #### [Careers](https://www1.wsrb.com/careers) Learn about the benefits of working at WSRB and apply for open positions.   #### [Underwriting Property](https://www1.wsrb.com/resources/underwriting-property-risks) A guide to key risks in Washington state: fire, wildfire, and earthquakes. --- #### [Video Hub](https://www1.wsrb.com/video) Expert webinars, timely discussions, and in-depth conversations with industry leaders..  #### [Commercial Property](https://www1.wsrb.com/risk-assessment-guide) Information on loss costs, policy rating, and assessment tools.   --- #### [Industry Toolkit](https://www1.wsrb.com/resources/industry-toolkit) Links to help you work smarter and serve your customers.   #### [Protection Classes](https://www1.wsrb.com/resources/public-protection) The evaluation process explained from start to finish. --- #### [WSRB Blog](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog) News on emerging risks as well as our latest products.  #### [Library](https://www1.wsrb.com/library) In-depth content on essential insurance topics. --- #### [InsuranceEDGE](https://www1.wsrb.com/insuranceedge) Weekly newsletter covering the P/C industry, curated by our experts.  Search **Search filters** Website pages Blog posts Help Center articles Include results from BuildingMetrix.com [![wsrb_white-logo](https://www1.wsrb.com/hs-fs/hubfs/wsrb_white-logo.png?width=100&height=17&name=wsrb_white-logo.png "wsrb_white-logo")](https://www1.wsrb.com/) ** ** ![](https://www1.wsrb.com/hubfs/green%20construction.png) [Loss Costs](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/tag/loss-costs) | 3 min read # Commercial Lines Rating: Going Green By [Terry Krueger](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/author/terry-krueger) December 12, 2017 In Part IV of [The Basics of Commercial Lines Rating](https://help.wsrb.com/the-basics-of-commercial-lines-rating) series, we’ll explore what it takes to “go green” from a rating and underwriting perspective. If there’s a silver lining to property damage, it’s the chance to go green. Green construction is a hot trend in the industry, and it’s popular with policyholders who need to rebuild. While green construction offers a number of environmental benefits, it also requires pre-planning from an insurance standpoint. ## What is "green" construction? When a builder talks about “going green,” they’re not talking about the paint job. In construction, “green” can refer to both the structure and its operation. Green buildings are characterized by either enhanced energy efficiency or by the use of designated green standards in design, construction, manufacture, or operation. These standards, which are set by outside organizations, require the use of environmentally preferable and sustainable materials, products or methods. Organizations that set green standards are known as, unsurprisingly, green standards-setters. Some of the big ones include: - The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) program of the U.S. Green Building Council - ENERGY STAR, a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy - Green Globes™, a program of the Green Building Initiative   #### Related: [WSRB's Essential Guide to Commercial Property Risk Assessment](https://www1.wsrb.com/risk-assessment-guide)   ## Three elements of green coverage In green construction or re-builds, there are three coverage areas to understand: Green Upgrade Coverage, Related Expenses, and Business Interruption. Let’s look at each of these in detail. ##### Green Upgrade Coverage Green construction is almost always more expensive than standard construction. Green upgrade coverage takes into account the added cost of using energy-efficient, environmentally preferred materials as recognized by a green standards-setter. It modifies existing Replacement Cost coverage to provide an additional limit of insurance to address loss settlement for damaged property. Be aware that green upgrade coverage: - Applies to selected buildings and/or business personal property as scheduled in the endorsement. - Does not apply to personal effects, property of others, leased property, or stock. - Does not pay to repair or replace property solely to gain certification or recertification by a green standards-setter. - Does not include Ordinance Or Law Coverage. ##### Related Expenses Green upgrades also incur extra expenses, and an additional limit of insurance is required to cover them. These related expenses include: - Waste reduction and recycling costs. - Professional fees for design and engineering of green upgrades. - Certification fees and related equipment testing. - Building air-out and related air testing. ##### Business Interruption All businesses will experience some degree of disruption during reconstruction. But because a green upgrade typically takes longer to complete, it helps to add a Business Interruption Option. This option extends the period of restoration on an existing Business Income Coverage or Policy. A few specifics to note: - Green deconstruction involves salvaging as many usable materials as possible, so it usually takes more time than standard deconstruction. - This option extends the period of restoration to accommodate the additional time green deconstruction can take. - It does not increase the Business Income limit of insurance shown on the policy.   #### Related: [Rating Commercial Property](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/rating-commercial-property-part-1-of-commercial-lines-rating-series)   ## Green Upgrade Coverage Calculations Now that we’ve outlined the basics, let’s look at green coverage in action. The example below shows how to calculate a rate with these options. To make your calculations, you’ll need to refer to the tables in the Commercial Lines Manual (CLM) state rules, Divisions Five and Ten, to find applicable factors. (Excerpt from Forms CP 04 02 and BP 14 75, Increased Cost of Loss and Related Expenses for Green Upgrades). |   |   | Green Upgrades (Maximum Amount) |   |   | Number of Days For Extended Period Of Restoration | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Premises Number | Building Number | Building | Your Business Personal Property | Increased Cost of Loss (%) | Related Expenses | | | 1 | 1 | $400,000 |   | 50% | $10,000 | 60 |   Underlying building limit of insurance = $1,000,000 Rate for illustration purposes = .065 Maximum amount - $400,000 ÷ $1,000,000 = .40 - .40 ÷.50 = .80 Ratio - .80 ratio = .60 Modification factor (from the CLM state rules table) - .065 x .60 = .039 Green Upgrades rate - .039 x ($400,000 ÷ 100) = $156. Green Upgrades premium Repeat for each cause of loss per Division Five Fire and Allied Lines.  Related Expenses calculation: - .065 x .10 factor = .0065 (from the CLM state rules table) - .0065 x ($10,000 ÷ 100) = $1. Related Expenses premium Repeat for each cause of loss per Division Five — Fire and Allied Lines. Business Interruption calculation: Multiply the Business Income Rate for each cause of loss times the factor from the table in the CLM state rules, Division Five. **OR** Develop the additional premium by multiplying the building and/or personal property premium by the factor from the table from the state rules of the CLM - Division Ten.                                    (Excerpt from CLM Division Five)                      (Excerpt from CLM Division Ten) | Number of Day’s Extension | Factor |   | Number of Day’s Extension | Factor | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | |   60 | 1.02 |   |   60 | 0.002 | |   90 | 1.03 |   |   90 | 0.004 | | 120 | 1.04 |   | 120 | 0.005 | | 180 | 1.05 |   | 180 | 0.007            |   Need more information about rating green upgrades? Start by referring to Division Five and Ten of the Commercial Lines Manual. [![RISK ASSESSMENT GUIDE](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2459360/interactive-188866813808.png) ](https://www1.wsrb.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJlg7WF76zynntjg5Ofgm570d82HtLEJV48MwboicQAtZEX1GjPW8BInGanuzl8vem8upnE%2BfNjlxaP9iNQtQPvlQ%2Bvwjt2Qtn4xactzL5j8LpjNPrvkWNBOjh20NBIR%2BOFZwzTisO2mNcqkkJ93ijRyonoPCa%2B6q8EnwZUVXyQNb0OLyov7ez8IxMhB%2FpzQJ1ugeo%2BxudL&webInteractiveContentId=188866813808&portalId=2459360) ---   Terry Krueger was WSRB's Senior Subscriber Services Analyst until her recent retirement. She joined WSRB in 2005 after many years in the insurance industry, working in commercial lines rating and underwriting. Connect with me on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-krueger-cisr-57454143/) ![Guy-reading-insuranceEDGE](https://www1.wsrb.com/hs-fs/hubfs/New%20Website/images/CTA/Guy-reading-insuranceEDGE.jpg?width=657&name=Guy-reading-insuranceEDGE.jpg "Guy-reading-insuranceEDGE") ### InsuranceEDGE Like our blog? Check out InsuranceEDGE. We curate the week’s must-read stories from top industry sources. You stay informed and save time. [![SIGN UP TODAY!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2459360/95c94a44-1d9d-4c6b-bf4e-408fb500cfe0.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2459360/95c94a44-1d9d-4c6b-bf4e-408fb500cfe0) ## You May Also Like These stories on Loss Costs [![](https://www1.wsrb.com/hubfs/85-part-vi-featured.jpg) ](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/understanding-rule-85-specialized-class-rates) [Loss Costs](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/tag/loss-costs) ### [Understanding Rule 85: Specialized Class Rates](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/understanding-rule-85-specialized-class-rates) September 2, 2025 | 2 min read [![](https://www1.wsrb.com/hubfs/ineligible-featured.jpg) ](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/understanding-rule-85-ineligible-for-class-rates) [Loss Costs](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/tag/loss-costs) ### [Understanding Rule 85: Ineligible for Class Rates](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/understanding-rule-85-ineligible-for-class-rates) September 2, 2025 | 4 min read [![](https://www1.wsrb.com/hubfs/85-part-iv-featured.jpg) ](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/understanding-rule-85-who-is-class-rated) [Loss Costs](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/tag/loss-costs) ### [Understanding Rule 85: Who is Class Rated?](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/understanding-rule-85-who-is-class-rated) September 2, 2025 | 2 min read Previous Story [← Commercial Lines Rating: Coinsurance](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/coinsurance-primer-part-3-of-commercial-lines-rating-series) [** ](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog) Next Story [Commercial Lines Rating: Basic Causes of Loss Form →](https://www1.wsrb.com/blog/the-basics-on-the-basic-cause-of-loss-part-6-in-the-commercial-lines-rating-series) ![blog listing blog sign up](https://www1.wsrb.com/hubfs/images/website/blog%20listing%20blog%20sign%20up.jpg "blog listing blog sign up") ### Sign up for our blog ![Washington Surveying & Rating Bureau logo](https://www1.wsrb.com/hs-fs/hubfs/wsrb_white-logo.png?width=200&height=34&name=wsrb_white-logo.png "Washington Surveying & Rating Bureau logo") Phone: 206-217-0101 Hours: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM   [Site Map](https://www1.wsrb.com/vis-sitemap) COMPANY RESOURCES FROM OUR BLOG Copyright © 1911 – 2026 WSRB. All Rights Reserved.