Environment
In practice
Greener offices for Hibernian
Hibernian has been purchasing electricity with a 10% renewable element. From 2008, Hibernian branches will purchase 100% renewable electricity. Kitchen items such as plastic water cups and salad bowls are biodegradable and we are working with our catering supplier to try to source biodegradable cups for hot drinks. The installation of conferencing facilities at Head Office has reduced the need for business travel, and a new onsite baler and shredder has enabled us to recycle 100% of waste paper.
The Paper Tree project
In 2007, Aviva Romania embarked on a long-term partnership with from the NGO, Copacul de hartie (‘The Paper Tree’). Paper recycling bins were placed around Aviva Romania’s offices and the waste paper was collected by volunteers from the Paper Tree foundation. The money received for the paper can be used by any Aviva Romania employee to plant trees at various locations around Bucharest. In November 2007, 1,120 young trees were planted, with Aviva staff taking part in the planting process.
Remembering the environment during integration
During the integration of companies to create AvivaSA (Turkey), letterhead, brochures and other printed materials showing the old company logos were disposed of. These materials, totalling 17 tonnes, were sent to an NGO named TEMA (The Turkish Foundation for combating Soil Erosion, for Reforestation and the protection of Natural Habitats) for recycling. Furniture and IT equipment that were no longer needed after the integration were also sent for reuse or recycling.
Saving paper at Delta Lloyd
At Delta Lloyd, various initiatives have been introduced to cut paper consumption. These include reducing the weight of paper used in printers and copiers from 80gsm to 75gsm. We also held invited departments to attend paper saving workshops. At our Dutch offices, the new multifunctional devices (MFDs) are set to print double-sided as standard.
Increasing transport awareness at Aviva France
Aviva France has focused on raising awareness of environmental issues and has been particularly active in relation to transport. We were selected to be one of the participants in European Mobility Week, the aim of which was to increase awareness of alternative means of transport, not only helping protect the environment, but also saving money.
We ran an employee campaign promoting car-sharing, cycling, walking and the use of public transport. An online car-sharing database was created, enabling employees to post car-sharing requests and offers. The extensive public transport strikes in Paris put the database to the test one month after its launch, and it was a real success, providing an enjoyable solution to the difficulties of getting to work, with over 160 employees signing up.
Raising awareness of climate change in Italy
As part of its strategy to be a leader in relation to the climate change agenda, Aviva Italy sponsored the 15th annual conference of the British Chamber of Commerce in Pontignano. This year’s conference focused on climate change, how it is affected by geopolitical and social systems and the repercussions for Europe.
Sustainable motoring policy
In the Netherlands, Delta Lloyd Group has launched a new motor insurance product, Delta Lloyd Sustainable: Green Motor Insurance policy. The product is designed to offset the effects of carbon dioxide emissions, and for every policy taken out Delta Lloyd will plant seven trees each year in sustainable forests. The premiums for Delta Lloyd Sustainable: Green Motor Insurance policies will also be invested on a sustainable basis.
The product, the first in Delta Lloyd’s new sustainable product line, is supported by the national climate campaign HIER.
Aviva Lithuania
In the Summer of 2007, CU Lithuania arranged for staff volunteers to clean up the Curonian Spit on the Baltic Coast after a fire destroyed 200 hectares of forest. Approximately 100 sales agents and staff helped with the clean up.
The company collaborated with local government and forestry managers to continue the work. Sales consultants and head office staff from all over the country went to the region to plant saplings, clean up the coast and re-build the dunes. Roughly one hectare was replanted with scotch pines.
Work will continue in 2008 to help replant the forest on a larger scale. CU Lithuania has also introduced a voluntary contribution scheme whereby employees and agents can donate 2% of their income tax to the relief fund for the Curonian Spit. The money will help The Office of the National Park to buy equipment to maintain the coast and replant the forest.
Promoting environmental responsibility in Russia
All employees are encouraged to switch off lights and other electrical equipment, where possible and to switch computers to sleeping mode on leaving the office. Information posters have been posted in the reception and cloakroom areas to help promote the ‘switch off’ campaign.
Employees are also encouraged to print double-sided. This is emphasised by posting reminder messages near the printing areas.
Highlights
- 1,120 trees were planted by Aviva Romania with The Paper Tree Project