Aviva is the first insurer to carbon neutralise its worldwide operations.

We have increased use of zero emissions electricity, now some 55% of our electricity globally comes from such sources.

We are actively committed to managing and reducing our impact on the environment. In 2006, climate change moved up everyone’s agenda. In the hottest year on record, the Stern Report, commissioned by the UK Government, spelled out the economic and social costs of inertia, but also outlined the immediate benefits the world would see if we all took steps now to reduce our carbon footprint.

Of course, our business is all about helping customers to prepare for the future, including a future affected by climate change, and we think we can help society to respond to climate change in four ways. First, by creating or adapting products that encourage people to be more environmentally responsible. Second, by using our power as investors to encourage other organisations to be more responsible. Third, by making sure we take steps to reduce our own carbon emissions and to minimise the impact we have on the environment. Finally, by being the first insurer to go carbon neutral for our worldwide operations.

The focus for all this is our climate change forum, where we are looking at how to minimise the effects of bad weather on our customers and our business. We are also keen supporters of the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative, the Association of British Insurers’ lobbying on flood defences, and the CBI’s Climate Change task force. We also work with our financial services colleagues on various climate change projects. View the external engagements section for further details.

Here we outline how Aviva is managing its own environmental footprint. View the Customers section for details of the product and service initiatives we are undertaking to promote environmental responsibility among our customers