I am interested in
?
The “Search” function is not available at the moment, please try again later.
Please get in contact with us. To contact form
CS – HV von oben

Sustainable business activities

Climate and environmental protection are a priority at Helvetia. The company is steadily reducing its operations-related CO2 emissions and is committed to purchasing electricity only from renewable sources. As a contribution to fighting climate change, Helvetia wants to reduce its CO2 emissions in its business activities to zero by 2040.
Climate change
Weather-related natural events that cause economic damage are increasing as a result of climate change. That is why Helvetia is committed to protecting the environment and climate. As a risk insurer and long-term investor, this is also in our economic interests. The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is an integral part of our sustainability management.

Reduction in CO2 emissions

Helvetia is participating in developing a low-emissions economy. It is taking structural actions, optimising its processes and reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.

As a contribution to fighting climate change, Helvetia wants to reduce its CO2 emissions in its business activities to zero by 2040. For the remaining, currently unavoidable CO2 emissions, investments are made in high-quality climate protection projects worldwide that meet the highest standards.

Most of Helvetia's operations-related emissions are attributable to energy consumption in its offices and on business trips. As part of a targeted strategy we have committed to reducing CO2 emissions to zero by 2040. By the end of 2021, we reduced our Group-wide CO2 emissions per employee by around 50% compared with 2012. To achieve this, Helvetia is cutting its energy consumption at all sites and investing in energy-saving technology and construction materials for new buildings and renovations. Helvetia uses electricity only from renewable sources. Business and commuter traffic streams have also been optimized, with an effective company mobility concept.

CO2 emissions total,
t CO2 equivalent
t CO2 equivalent
CO2 emissions per employee (FTE),
kg CO2 equivalent
kg CO2 equivalent

Commuter and business traffic

Traffic causes over half of the carbon footprint at Helvetia. We therefore attach great importance to sustainable mobility management.

Business trips and trips to customers are part of Helvetia’s daily business. Our employees are encouraged to use public transport for business trips in principle and can also borrow e-bikes at the head offices for short business journeys. By using video conference technology, we were not only able to improve communication among employees, but were also able to reduce the amount of travelling. Moreover, Helvetia has made it possible for employees to work flexibly independent of location for up to two working days per week. This reduces travel for our 3400 employees in Switzerland, who would otherwise drive or ride to the office and home again every day by bicycle, train, bus or car. At all large locations, Helvetia offers bicycle parking facilities, cloakrooms and showers for commuters. We also support the use of public transport for commuting thanks to discounted season tickets. The goal of such actions is to reduce CO2 emissions and enable employees to travel in an economical, stress-free and environmentally friendly way.

Sustainable procurement

When buying goods and services, we take care to observe environmental, social and governance criteria. As an insurance company, Helvetia primarily provides services and processes data and information for this purpose. Purchases are made for ongoing office operations, building equipment and maintenance. In addition to office supplies and paper, we also purchase IT products, office furniture and promotional items. In addition, we purchase external services such as cleaning, translations, advice or certifications. Helvetia applies principles for local, environmentally and socially responsible procurement to its purchasing. These guidelines are specified in an internal procurement guideline. It contains minimum requirements and further voluntary criteria for 13 product groups. This takes into account recognized labels and standards, such as the Blue Angel for paper products.

Our suppliers

We maintain a constructive, fair and cooperative relationship with our suppliers, many of whom are also our customers. In this way, we support a fair and competitive business policy with market prices.

Offset targets

As part of a targeted strategy we have committed to reducing CO2 emissions to zero by 2040. Until then, we will neutralize our remaining, inevitable CO2 emissions with an investment in high-quality climate protection projects.

Share of total CO2 emissions in 2022,
Electricity 473
Heat 5,486
Business traffic 11,802
Paper 553
Water 193
Waste 1,026
Coolants and extinguishers 4
Share of business traffic in CO2 emissions 60%
Electricity 108
Heat 1,334
Business traffic 7,480
Paper 152
Water 26
Waste 76
Coolants and extinguishers 0
Share of business traffic in CO2 emissions 82%
Helvetia and Climate Partner
The various projects and quantities for neutralizing the CO2 carbon footprint are set out transparently under Helvetia’s climate partner ID 12937-1809-1001.