Sustainable and resilient home upgrades are increasingly one and the same. An automatic water shut-off valve that can stop a pipe rupture in seconds may save your floors, your walls, and your sanity. This Earth Day, we’re sharing ways to make your home a little “greener” and a lot stronger for the future.
An estimated 11 million tons of shingle waste is generated in the U.S. each year. Asphalt shingles have a lifespan of about 12 to 25 years, and while the material can be recycled, the overwhelming majority still end up in landfills.
Several alternative roofing materials on the market now are more sustainable and designed to last longer:
Water damage can be a quiet catastrophe of homeownership. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program, the average household wastes nearly 10,000 gallons of water each year through leaks, creating nearly 1 trillion gallons of water waste nationwide annually.
Automatic water shut-off devices can be among the smartest tools for combating water waste. These systems continuously monitor water flow and, when they detect irregular water use—a pipe rupture or a toilet supply line running for hours—they shut the water off automatically.
In some cases, condo owners don’t have access to the building’s water main, so installing a whole-unit shut-off system isn’t possible. Instead, residents can use localized sensors—placed near toilets, sinks, or washing machines—linked to a mobile app that can alert them to a leak. These alerts can help you respond quickly and may help protect neighbors in units below.
Your money may be slipping out of your window right in front of your eyes. Think of your weatherstripping and caulk like a thick, cozy sweater for your home. When it’s in good condition, you stay warm year‑round. When holes start forming, and it gets loose, you feel every breeze seep through. Over time, your dollars drift right out of your home.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save 5-30% per year by reducing drafts in a home. You can prevent money from leaking out of your doors and windows by making energy-efficient swaps:
Nearly half of the average American home’s energy bill goes to heating and cooling— that's more than $900 per year. The next great nail-biting mystery shouldn't be your monthly energy bill. Instead, a few smart, but low-effort upgrades can help cut costs and restore balance.
A smart thermostat is a relatively simple upgrade that can help reduce energy bills by learning your schedule and adjusting automatically.
ENERGY-STAR-certified HVAC systems may also save homeowners $140 annually on heating and cooling costs.
Taking care of the planet is everyone’s responsibility—and taking care of your insurance needs is our responsibility. If you’d like to strengthen your home’s resilience, our experienced insurance professionals can assess your property and help identify upgrades that could have the greatest impact. Contact our Risk Advisory team for guidance on the most practical, eco-friendly improvements that suit your home and lifestyle.
Request an insurance review with an experienced Personal Risk Advisor to ensure you're adequately insured for whatever life may bring.
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