March 15, 2011 — Thorson Insurance Services now has a Green Insurance Program for collision repair facilities that attain GreenYield certification through GRC-Pirk Management, Thorson announced Monday.
Thorson’s program includes several coverage endorsements as well as premium discounts for shops that have made pollution prevention and energy efficiency upgrades. In the event of a direct physical loss, the special coverage includes the increased cost of green building alternatives; green building reengineering and recertification expenses; restoration time and costs related to green building and business personal property alternatives.
Jason Bertellotti, vice president of Repair Solutions for Mitchell International, said a GreenYield module was recently added to Mitchell’s RepairCenter system. He called Thorson’s program a “groundbreaking recognition of the greater value of green shops.”
To earn GreenYield certification, shops need to commit to certain eco-friendly practices to improve efficiency. Steven Schillinger, president of GRC-Pirk Management, estimates that certified shops use 35 percent less energy and produce 35 percent less pollution than average shops. Shops interested in attaining certification can call 888.374.7475 or fill out an application at certifiedgreeninvestment.com/apply.
GRC-Pirk is a registered private environmental assessment company focused on integrating compliance certification into business operations. Its services are available in the U.S. and Canada. Thorson is an insurance agency and brokerage firm licensed throughout the U.S.