Environment

Catlin is building a global business for the future and as such we take a long-term view of our business, our industry and those things that have an impact on it. Working to protect the environment for the future is a natural fit with our business principles.

Commitment and objectives

In parallel with our business objectives, we are committed to protecting the environment to benefit future generations.

Our environmental objectives are to:

• continually reduce our direct impact on the environment
• measure, monitor and actively seek to reduce our carbon footprint
• report our environmental impacts through the appropriate forums
• reduce carbon cost effectively, through a minimisation programme
• actively engage with the industry through ClimateWise review opportunities to advance scientific understanding of climate-related issues
• develop and monitor Group strategy through our Environmental Steering Group.

Taking action

We aim to have a positive impact on the environment through our own activities and have developed a clear strategy through a number of initiatives.

As an insurer, our direct actions do not affect the environment to the same extent as some other companies. Nevertheless, Catlin believes strongly that it has a duty to protect the environment in which we live, including ensuring operations are sustainable.

Catlin Seaview Survey

Over the next year, Catlin will be sponsoring a coral reef survey that will document the health and composition of coral reefs with the purpose of measuring the environmental impact of increasing sea temperatures and ocean acidification on ocean life.

More about the Catlin Seaview Survey

ClimateWise

 Since 2007 we have taken part in ClimateWise, another major initiative related to climate change. It is supported by UK insurance sector organisations, which agree to embed the 6 principles into their business activities.

Catlin is identified as one of the top performers among ClimateWise participants by ClimateWise.

More about Catlin and ClimateWise

Carbon footprint monitoring

In 2009, we started to measure the impact of our operation on the environment by assessing our 2008 carbon footprint. With new data every year, we can monitor our carbon output with a view to making reductions.

More about Catlin's carbon footprint

Office environment

Our major direct impact on the environment is through energy consumption in our offices.

Wherever possible, Catlin works with landlords to promote environmentally friendly office design and best practice. For example, the premises in London offers real-time energy monitoring capabilities, the potential to recycle up to 85 per cent of all business-related waste, increased storage for bicycles and low-consumption plumbing fixtures.

Business travel

Air travel is another major contributor to our carbon footprint. We now offset 100 per cent of all our business flights globally.

Reporting

We report our environmental activity through several forums, including:

• Carbon Disclosure Project - An independent not-for-profit organisation holding the largest database of primary corporate climate change information in the world. Thousands of organisations from across the world’s major economies measure and disclose their greenhouse gas emissions and climate change strategies through CDP.
• Business in the Community (BITC) May Day Network
• FTSE4Good Index - FTSE4Good is an equity index series that is designed to facilitate investment in companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards. We are members of the index in recognition of our efforts towards corporate responsibility.

Climate change modelling and awareness

We promote climate change modelling and awareness in our underwriting activities, which include:

• carrying out evaluations of climate change model projections
• conducting research into climate change models and tools
• identifying potential threats to existing products and services, plus opportunities for new ones.

We also advise and encourage our customers to adapt their behaviour with regard to climate change.

We are one of the few companies to recognize green credentials of customers when pricing Motor Fleet Insurance.