When it comes to environmentally sustainable buildings, green is good but not without its risks, the 2014 Claims Convention has heard.

“New architectural elements such as rooftop gardens have a potential to retain large quantities of water, which may affect the structure of the building through wind and weight load, and also [pose] a risk of water penetration,” Zurich National Risk Engineering Customer Relationship Manager Mervyn Rea told delegates. “This means larger exposures for property and liability.”

He says many types of rooftop installations pose a range of insurance risks.

“Increasingly, sources of renewable energy are placed on rooftops, with risk of property damage from storms, wind and hail to the equipment and the potential for business interruption.”

Flying debris in extreme storms can cause third-party damage or injury and increase property owners’ public liability exposure.

Mr Rea also flagged professional indemnity exposure for architects, designers and planners – for example, if errors result in costly delays to construction projects or if design features fail to meet the Green Star certification criteria.

Zurich Claims Account Manager Global Corporate Steven Kopti told last week’s conference that insurance companies can play an innovative role in the transition to green construction.

“By understanding the risks, insurance policies can adapt to the changing needs of property owners, construction companies, architects, designers and operators involved,” he said.