Australia: Upholding corporate and social responsibilities

Customers' values are changing. And, while price is still a factor, consumers in general are becoming more ethical and far more conscious of the environment.¹

In response to this change in attitude, Norwich Union is enhancing our corporate and social responsibilities by concentrating on protecting the environment, wherever possible.

Cutting down on paper usage, increasing levels of recycling to minimise landfill waste and finding ways to minimise energy and water consumption are just some of the projects that are being undertaken.

Norwich Union is part of the worldwide Aviva group – an organisation that actively recognises the importance of corporate social responsibility.

For Aviva, this means managing the relationship with the environment, the community, suppliers, customers, staff as well as measuring health and safety and human rights.

In Australia, Norwich Union has initiated a Group Environment Program that is responsible for considering the environment in all aspects of our business.

As a member of a number of industry bodies, including the Business and The Environment (BATE) and UN Environment Protection – Financial Initiatives Committee, Norwich Union is dedicated to undertaking projects aimed at minimising any adverse effects on the environment.

“Aviva businesses throughout the world recognise that our business activities have direct and indirect impacts on the societies in which we operate,” said Rob Gill, Chairman of the Norwich Union Group Environment Program.

“This simply means that we understand the amount of paper people use has an impact on the environment and the amount of cars that are driven into work are contributing to pollution levels. By altering poor habits we can make a huge difference,” said Rob.

Since June 2001, Norwich Union has been measuring energy and water levels, paper usage, and levels of waste, including paper, glass, cardboard, and printer cartridges.

The group is also looking to increase use of recycled paper throughout the organisation, encourage car pooling for staff and examine all suppliers to measure their level of social responsibility.

“Society has realised the need for sustainable practice in the workplace and Norwich Union Australia is at the forefront of recognising the need for socially responsible behaviour. We are committed to decreasing our impact on the environment and maximising our contribution to the community,” said Rob.

¹Hames, Dr Richard, The Mood and Mindset of Australian Consumers, Hames Group, Melbourne, September 2002

Rob Gill is available for interview on 0407 431 525.

For further information, please contact:

Simon Morgan
Group General Manager Public Affairs
(03) 9829 8892
0407 966 632

Note to editors:

• Norwich Union Australia is a group of three specialist financial services companies; Navigator, Norwich Union Life and Portfolio Partners. Through these companies we provide products and services in the areas of wealth creation, wealth management and wealth protection for more than 300,000 customers throughout Australia.
• Globally, Norwich Union Australia is part of Aviva plc, the world’s seventh largest insurance group, the largest insurer in the UK and one of the top five life companies in Europe. Aviva was formed in May 2000 through the global merger of CGU plc and Norwich Union plc.
• Aviva’s principal business activities are long-term savings, funds management and general insurance. It has a market capitalisation of approximately A$32.19 billion at 30/09/02, worldwide premium and investment sales of more than A$80 billion from ongoing business and more than A$572 billion in assets under management. The group has 64,000 employees and more than 25 million customers.
• This document does not contain all the terms and conditions attaching to product benefits and options. For a full list of terms and conditions please refer to the Offer Document. A policy for insurance cover or an application for an issue of an interest as described in this document can only be effected after completion of the application form contained in a current Offer Document for the product.
• The information in this document reflects Norwich Union's understanding of existing legislation, proposed legislation, rulings etc as at the date of issue. While it is believed the information is accurate and reliable, this is not guaranteed in any way. The information is not, nor is it intended, to be comprehensive or a substitute for professional advice on specific circumstances.
• The securities advice or information given in this document is of a general nature and has not taken into account the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. Before making an investment decision on the basis of the advice above, a prospective investor needs to consider, with or without the assistance of a professional adviser whether the advice is appropriate in the light of their particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.