By supporting strategic energy-efficiency and associated indoor environmental quality options, the insurance industry could reduce near-term business risks caused by ordinary insured losses while making a considerable contribution to long-term reductions in greenhouse-gas emissions which also threaten their bottom line. These measures can reduce losses from: fire, ice, wind, and water damage; temperature extremes; occupational injuries; poor indoor air quality; equipment performance problems; theft; and various roadway hazards.

As a further development of the degree-days concept, a simple parameter which takes into account site's metereological conditions as well as building envelope performance is proposed in this paper. Such a parameter shows good correlation with building energy requirements, both in winter and in summer conditions.