Turning to concrete and algae to achieve net-zero
Net-zero transitionArticleNovember 20, 2025
What have concrete dust from Ireland, algae from Wales and bamboo from Puerto Rico got in common? They are key materials in projects supported by Zurich as part of its net-zero ambitions.
Why is Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) interested in leftover concrete in Ireland? Learn more by clicking on the video below.
Why is Zurich interested in a tank of algae in Wales? Learn more by clicking on the video below.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says that achieving net-zero means reducing emissions as much as possible, as well as balancing out any that remain by removing an equivalent amount.
Zurich aims for net-zero in its own operations by 2030. That will only be achieved after reducing emissions by 70 percent, compared to 2019 levels, and then by purchasing carbon removal certificates in the amount equivalent to the remaining emissions.
Zurich’s approach is to identify some of the most promising suppliers of carbon removal and sign prepurchase agreements, committing to purchase certificates when they become available and make payments as projects achieve milestones. This helps the projects obtain financing and enables them to scale up.
“When it comes to Zurich’s operations, our priority is to reduce our own emissions as much as possible. We can balance out the unavoidable remaining emissions through carbon removal”
Zurich supports carbon removal projects when they meet the following criteria.
- Projects could not be delivered without the financial support provided by the sale of carbon removal certificates.
- They must not cause harm or have direct downsides.
- The project can scientifically demonstrate the permanence of carbon capture and storage.
- The co-benefits align with Zurich’s broader sustainability goals. For example, helping to build resilience or by generating good quality jobs in sustainable industries – creating a fairer society.
Zurich believes that a range of carbon-removal solutions will be needed for the world to achieve net-zero. No single solution can solve the challenge alone. Solutions leveraging nature or cutting-edge technology, or hybrid solutions will all be required.
Learn more about Zurich’s approach.
