Protection of Climate and Resources
Ecoprofit project
Since 2007 Hannover Re has participated in the "Ecological Project for Integrated Environmental Technology" (Ecoprofit) initiated by the Greater Hannover region. The basic idea underlying this project is to combine economic profit with ecological benefit through preventive environmental protection. The energy-saving successes already achieved by the company are regularly publicised in the relevant project publications.
Climate protection
As part of the "Climate Alliance Hannover 2020", Hannover Re plays its part in efforts to accomplish the state capital's goal of cutting climate-threatening greenhouse gas emissions to levels 40 % lower than in 1990 by the year 2020. Hannover Re's specific contributions will be regularly checked every two years from 2011 onwards. In 2009 the following steps towards climate protection were taken:
- Reduction of the power consumption at the computer centre
- Approval of a videoconferencing concept to cut down on business trips
- Voluntary offsetting payments to the international organisation "atmosfair" for the carbon dioxide pollution caused by business travel
- Purchase of RECs (Renewable Energy Certificates) from Hannover Re's electricity supplier to promote the use of renewable forms of energy
- Participation in a working group of the German Insurance Association (GDV) to develop a method of carbon dioxide accounting for insurance undertakings
- Attendance at a number of conferences, including the one organised as part of the "Climate and Insurance" initiative
Hannover Re reviews other activities that contribute to the conservation and sustainable preservation of resources within the scope of regular Business Excellence assessments.
The carbon dioxide emission of 8,123 tonnes in 2011 caused by Hannover Re at the Hannover offices was 98% offset. All in all, the carbon dioxide pollution increased by 438 tonnes or 5.7% relative to the previous year. For a number of years now Hannover Re has participated in the survey conducted as part of the "Carbon Disclosure Project" (CDP). The CDP serves to gather and publish qualitative data on climate change in order to motivate investors, businesses and countries to contribute actively to climate protection. Through this involvement the company receives information on where it stands with its efforts to cut back – especially as regards carbon emissions – relative to international standards.
