NZI

Why NZI is passionate about sustainability

NZI is New Zealand’s oldest insurance brand, celebrating 150 years in May 2009.

One thing the company knows is that insurance is a long term business. The task is to secure the future for generations of customers and employees alike, while meeting fresh challenges. Thus addressing its social and environmental, as well as economic performance is the mantra for NZI

Since 2003, NZI has adopted a whole-of-business approach to sustainability. This means sustainability is an integral consideration in everything the company does, both within its operation and in relation to its customers

Take climate change for example - possibly the biggest issue facing the insurance industry this century. In New Zealand 18 of the largest 20 insurance losses in the last four decades were caused by storms and floods

NZI has been concerned about the impact of climate change on the community for a number of years. But it also firmly believes it's not too late to prevent the worst impacts of climate change - if everyone takes immediate action

By reducing the more severe impacts of climate change, the number of insurance claims will decrease. Reducing claims costs will mean premiums remain more affordable over time, which means financial sustainability for NZI and for New Zealanders.

NZI’s business sustainability highlights

A range of initiatives have contributed to NZI successfully driving sustainability throughout its business. Highlights this year include the introduction of new products to encourage NZI commercial customers to lower their emissions. This follows NZI’s suite of sustainable insurance products introduced to personal customers in 2007.

Whether it's replacing customer's appliances with more energy efficient models, building sustainable features into homes, or giving discounts for driving less, it makes good environmental sense and also saves NZI's customers money on their power and fuel bills. Visit www.nzi.co.nz/sustainability to find out more.

NZI is the first insurer in New Zealand to offer green incentives to customers. It's a practical way they can support their customers in making a difference.

In line with this leadership approach, NZI is also the first business in New Zealand to tenant a building that is rated 5 star Green Star on both design and interior fit out. This will assist in NZI in reducing its CO2 emissions towards their commitment to be carbon neutral by 2012.

A partnership approach

As part of its sustainable supply chain practice, NZI seeks to assist its suppliers and partners in developing their own business sustainability approach.

For example, NZI has introduced the Sustainable Business Network’s Get Sust Online tool to all its insurance brokers across New Zealand. This followed NZI Head, Karl Armstrong’s challenge to the brokers to ‘get sustainable’ at its recent 2009 NZI broker breakfast series, featuring Rod Oram as a keynote speaker. Ten brokers have taken up the Get Sust Online, including ICIB Ltd, who were recently approached by client Yealand’s Estate.

“Increasingly, we are seeing client's like Yealands Estate, who are one of the world's leading sustainable wineries, interested in the sustainability of their supply chain. By developing our own business sustainability credentials, we are positioning ourselves to provide leading edge service to clients like Yealands and enhance our competitive advantage for the long term," says Garry Mooney, Managing Director for ICIB.

Why NZI have got behind the SBN Awards

NZI's whole of business approach to sustainability means focusing on best practice across all drivers of its business, including economic, customer, community, environment and people.

To be part of the awards, businesses must have participated in the Get Sustainable Challenge and be assessed by the Sustainable Business Network on a range of areas that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.

NZI is proud to sponsor the SBN awards to recognise and support these companies for their admirable efforts in business sustainability.