Secure sustainability

SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH COLLABORATION

Alongside a strong emphasis on social investments, Zurich, Corps and CBRE have also demonstrated collective commitment to improving the sustainability of the insurer’s sites. Indeed, Zurich’s approach to proactively address environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors as part of its day-to-day business activity supports several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Here, CBRE and Corps’ services are enabling the insurer to further contribute to those SDGs where it can have the greatest impact through business activities, investments, and community programmes.

This focus begins on improving Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), where CBRE and Corps have supported Zurich’s paperless journey by digitalising several processes, including Corps electronic reporting application for its personnel, engaging waste signage and bins, and waste league tables have also been implemented at the company’s sites, while furniture, stationery and unclaimed lost property are being donated to local charities, schools and communities. Meanwhile, eco umbrella dryers, sustainable antibacterial wipe solutions and biodegradable ID badges are also being trialled across the UK portfolio.

Looking at Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), some of the programmes being considered and/or implemented include: LED lighting proposals, energy audits, low occupancy energy surveys, onsite renewable energy generation proposals and low or no cost initiatives.

SDG 6, focusing on Clean Water and Sanitation, has also been targeted with the introduction of water workshops, while signage geared towards boosting consciousness on water consumption is being installed. Proposals under consideration also include the potential implementation of sensor taps, hippo bags and rainwater harvesting procedures. Meanwhile, Zurich takes SDG 6 further by having investigated their water supplier credentials, the water policies in place in the catering, external grounds and cleaning services and are continuously evaluating the water efficiency on new appliances.

These efforts exist alongside several environmental programmes that have been rolled out at Zurich’s sites which focus on boosting the firm’s alignment with SDGs 4 (Quality Education), 17 (Partnership for the Goals) and 15 (Life on Land) that include volunteering with food banks, litter picking opportunities, and bike to work weeks, alongside plans for biodiversity projects. Indeed, through transparent, close-knit collaboration, the three firms are working together in an effective manner to boost their collective ESG credentials.

Between this enhanced environmental offering, extensive social and community improvement initiatives and a unique ability to leverage a selection of specialist facilities management services in an integrated manner, Corps Security and CBRE have demonstrated the value of collaboration in ensuring best FM practices, meeting Zurich’s demands for an exceptional workplace experience.

“We are making significant progress in achieving our ambitions in making a positive social and environmental impact. The drive and enthusiasm to contribute from all our teams is amazing, and I’m extremely proud every day for the difference we are making. We will continue to put people, communities and our environment at the heart of what we do, and what we deliver.” Louise Sheppard Zurich’s UK Head of Workplace Services & Premises Sustainability.