Zurich highlights sustainability progress and customer-focused strategy

An app introduced in Australia that rewards life insurance customers for healthy lifestyles and work by Zurich’s risk engineers to help companies become more sustainable by reducing risks associated with photovoltaic systems are two factors highlighted in Swiss insurer Zurich’s annual report as helping it to lead change in the insurance industry.

“For nearly 150 years, we have been ahead of our time, embracing innovation while finding new ways to serve and protect those who rely on us. We are proud of all that we have achieved. Our experience and ability to adapt to a changing business environment allow us to look to the future with confidence,” said group chief executive officer Mario Greco in the report.

This year’s report emphasises Zurich’s customer-focused strategy, highlighting “innovative ideas and solutions designed to directly benefit customers”. Zurich also published its Sustainability Highlights 2019 report, which outlines its achievements and progress as an insurer, investor, employer and in society.

“It underscores our continued focus around the themes of climate change, confidence in a digital society and work sustainability,” said Zurich. Among other things, the report highlights Zurich’s enhanced coal, oil sands and oil shale position, engaging with customers and investee companies about their plans to reduce the use of carbon-intensive fossil fuels; Zurich’s commitment to a zero-emissions portfolio of investments by 2050 role as a founding member of the UN Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance; its aim to reduce internal paper usage by 80 percent; and its push to use only renewable energy as power by 2022.