Sustainability strategy

In our core business we systematically take account of sustainability opportunities and risks. In the insurance business, this means integrating sustainability aspects into product development, underwriting and claims handling. Helvetia is continuing to expand its range of sustainable insurance solutions. At the same time, we strive to minimize or completely avoid any potential indirect negative environmental, social and governance impacts of our business. With regard to measures aimed at mitigating climate change, we strive for reducing the indirect emissions from our insurance business to net-zero until 2050.

As an insurer, we have considerable leverage in investment and asset management. This enables us to contribute toward reducing climate risks and transforming the economy and society in the direction of greater sustainability. By committing to gradually bringing our investment portfolio into line with net zero emissions by 2050, we are meeting the requirements of the Paris Climate Agreement. We consistently integrate ESG aspects into our investment processes. In doing so, we support the achievement both of climate goals and of other important ESG goals called for by the United Nations ("Sustainable Development Goals"). At the same time, taking account of ESG criteria in investment and asset management also forms part of our risk management.

Helvetia strives for reaching net-zero emission in own operations by 2040. Over the coming years, we will continue to systematically reduce our carbon footprint in our own business operations. We report on our progress and activities annually in our Sustainability Report and as part of transparency initiatives such as the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). CDP is the "gold standard" for the disclosure of risks and opportunities related to climate change. Our "A-" CDP rating was reaffirmed in 2022. In future, we would like to make measures and target achievement even more transparent and take account of the latest climate science findings.

To ensure that the sustainability strategy can be implemented in an integrated manner across all areas, Helvetia continuously adapts its governance where necessary. The Group Sustainability Committee is responsible for steering the implementation of the strategy. The Committee is supported by the Chief Sustainability Officer. On the basis of firmly anchored values, Helvetia also has a corporate culture which is strongly oriented towards sustainability and which is continuously evolving. Helvetia offers an attractive, diverse, fair and inclusive working environment which motivates employees to contribute to the company’s strategy and success.