Operational Ecology

Operational ecology comprises operational environmental management at the Swiss Life Group’s own locations and emissions arising from its business behaviour and employees.

A Group-wide working group designs and implements the measures and goals of operational ecology. Experts from all Swiss Life divisions are represented in this working group.

In 2018, Swiss Life set itself specific quantitative targets in operational ecology for the reduction of CO₂ emissions by the end of 2021. These included:

• An increase in the share of electricity from renewable energy sources at company buildings to 100%
• The continuous reduction of fossil fuels at business premises within its investment cycles
• The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions per FTE by 10% compared to 2016

Swiss Life achieved or exceeded these targets at the end of 2021. All company buildings are supplied with electricity from renewable energy sources and fossil fuels are being used less and less. In addition, Swiss Life has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions per FTE by about 55% from 3311 kg to 1476 kg by the end of 2021 compared to 2016, thereby significantly exceeding its target.

In its Group-wide programme “Swiss Life 2024”, Swiss Life has set itself new goals for operational ecology in the sustainability strategy . It aims to reduce CO₂ emissions per FTE by a further 35% by the end of 2024 compared to 2019, primarily by reducing business travel as well as making more use of lower emission mobility and procuring electricity from sustainable production. As part of its investment cycles, it also intends to further reduce fossil fuels for the heating of company buildings.

The measured, unavoidable CO₂ emissions from operational ecology for the 2021 reporting year will be fully neutralised in 2022 by certified projects in the core European markets. As a result, Swiss Life’s operational activities will be net-zero from 2022.