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Zurich's Climate Initiative

Our Climate Initiative takes a market-based approach to addressing the risks that we and our customers face from climate change.

 

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The Climate Initiative has three main elements:

  • An internal Climate Office responsible for developing and implementing Zurich's global climate change strategy; 
  • A Climate Change Advisory Council to advise Zurich's management on strategic and operational issues associated with climate change; and 
  • An Applied Research Program with organizations and institutions that can bring multi-disciplinary expertise to bear on the issues associated with climate change.

 

Internally, we have performed an in-depth assessment of our own carbon footprint, using 2007 as our base year. The resulting Group-wide emissions from all sources considered were estimated to be 228,000 tons, or 3.9 tons per employee. Going forward, we have committed to a 10 percent reduction target of our Group-wide emissions by 2013. This reduction target will be pursued through a combination of cleaner energy sources, energy efficiency measures, reduced air travel and the gradual transition of our car fleet to more fuel efficient cars. See more information about Zurich's Group-wide carbon footprint.

Our research, outreach and advocacy efforts have already led to a number of outputs – see some of the climate insights for a sample of what we’ve delivered recently.

All of these efforts are aimed ultimately at helping our customers. Take a look at some of the innovative climate-related products we offer to meet that goal.

Disclaimer:
Views expressed on this page and in the reports are not necessarily those of the Zurich Financial Services Group, which accepts no responsibility for them.

News releases

The Climate Risk Challenge – The role of insurance in pricing climate-related risks » more

Francis Bouchard appointed head of the Climate Office. » more

Zurich’s global Climate Initiative marks first year anniversary with impressive accomplishments. » more

Zurich offers political risk insurance for carbon credit projects. » download pdf

Zurich forms dedicated alternative energy team.
» download pdf

Featured resources

The climate risk challenge  » more

Zurich's Group-wide carbon footprint » more

Zurich Financial Services Distinguished Visitors Program on Climate Change » more

Aerospace, Defence and Climate Change: The Risk Dimension
By John Scott and Adam Piper From Energy and Environmental Defence
» Download article (pdf)

Storing Carbon
Options for Liability Risk Management, Financial Responsibility
By Chiara Trabucchi and Lindene Patton

From the Bureau of National Affairs
» Download article (pdf)

How insurers help people deal with climate change
Brussels, November 2008
» Download presentation (pdf)