The U.S. edition of the Mass Timber Insurance Playbook (MTIP) has been launched, aimed at developers, design and construction professionals, and insurers.
Originally developed by insurance and building resilience specialists in the UK, the MTIP was co-authored by Professor Jim Glockling and Philip Callow in partnership with the Alliance for Sustainable Building Practices (ASBP). It has now been adapted for the United States by Michael Hastings in collaboration with WoodWorks – Wood Product Council.
As previously reported by the FPA, the MTIP offers a comprehensive framework for stakeholders in the insurance and construction industries that enables them to work together to resolve challenges impacting the insurability of mass timber. In particular, it offers guidance for all parties “on how to manage risk and secure adequate insurance coverage for both the construction and operation of mass timber buildings”.
“The perspectives of the owner, lenders, architect, design team, builder, manufacturer, fabricator, and insurers are often different (and sometimes conflicting), resulting in contractual requirements, definitions, and actions that might seem unnecessary to some but must be understood and negotiated,” the guidance states.
Notably, the MTIP can be applied to any building where mass timber is utilised as a “significant structural element”, with the exception of single-family dwellings.
Sharing news of the U.S. Edition on LinkedIn, Professor Jim Glockling said: “It has been a pleasure working with Mike on this and [the U.S. Edition] demonstrates that the international need for a NetZero future gives rise to common challenges for insurers and others around the world.”
You can access the U.S. Edition of MTIP here.
An updated UK version of MTIP is expected to launch in December 2024.