Sustainable business activities
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.
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.
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.
