Implementation areas

We address our Sustainability Topics across the different areas of our business where they are relevant. These “implementation areas” are listed below and provide the basic chapter structure for our Sustainability Report 2020:

Re/insurance solutions

Within our core business of re/insurance, we strive to develop innovative solutions that help tackle sustainability challenges. To achieve this, we work with our clients and partners in both the private and public sectors.

Risk intelligence

We develop and apply tailor-made tools to extend the scope of our risk management. This enables us to identify and appropriately address sustainability-related and emerging risks and opportunities in our core business.

Investments

We integrate ESG criteria across our investment portfolio. Our approach is based on the three strategic cornerstones Enhancement, Inclusion and Exclusion.

Stakeholder dialogue

Through regular dialogue with our clients, investors and other stakeholders, we help develop effective responses to sustainability and other key issues by raising awareness of both the risks and opportunities arising from them.

Operations

We apply best-practice standards of resource management to our properties and logistic operations, including business travel, as well as guidelines to our sourcing activities. In doing so, we aim to minimise Swiss Re’s direct environmental impact.

Our people

Drawing on the know-how and experience of a diverse, multigenerational group of people, we want to ensure our employees can contribute to an organisation that is constantly looking for new ways to improve the wellbeing of society – where how we achieve results is as important as what we achieve.

Corporate governance and compliance

By adhering to the highest standards of governance and compliance, we seek to maintain effective checks and balances between the top corporate bodies and to ensure the application of laws, rules and regulations, and ethical standards in our business. Swiss Re’s commitment to sustainability is fully integrated into our Code of Conduct.

Swiss Re Foundation

Playing an active role in society beyond our core business is important to us. Globally, we empower vulnerable communities to become more resilient to risk and, where we have offices, we encourage volunteering activities and support local institutions.

Within these core chapters, the content primarily reflects our three 2030 Sustainability Ambitions and other Sustainability Topics, as shown and described in Our topics, targets and achievements. The activities of the Swiss Re Foundation to foster resilient societies are described in detail in its own Activity Report.