Embedding sustainability within an organisation is no longer a matter of compliance or public relations; it is a strategic imperative that shapes culture, leadership, and long-term value creation. Univé, EY, and Aéma Group, are driving sustainability from the inside out, transforming their cultures and leadership models to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.

Univé, a Dutch mutual insurance company, has undertaken a far-reaching journey to embed sustainability into the heart of its operations. The organisation recognises that climate resilience is not a future consideration but a present imperative. Univé integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) assessments into risk management, investment strategies, and product design. Its approach is grounded in the Brundtland Report’s definition of sustainability: meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

A distinctive feature of Univé’s strategy is the principle of double materiality, which acknowledges both the financial risks posed by climate change and the organisation’s own impact on society and the environment. ESG is not treated as a standalone risk category but as a set of factors influencing all aspects of risk, including underwriting and operations.

Univé’s sustainability efforts are shaped by the European Union’s Green Deal and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which require transparent reporting on both financial and non-financial ESG metrics. The company’s initiatives include responsible investment, community engagement through the Univé Buurtfonds, and innovative recycling projects that give new life to materials and support social inclusion. Univé also promotes sustainable employment practices, flexible working, and the well-being of its workforce, ensuring that sustainability is woven into the fabric of its organisational culture.

EY, a global leader in professional services, positions sustainability at the centre of its business strategy and client offerings. The firm’s commitment extends beyond its own operations to helping clients accelerate their sustainability journeys. EY’s approach is anchored in science, data, and technology, aiming to deliver measurable impact and support the transition to a net-zero, regenerative future.

The organisation has set ambitious targets, achieving carbon neutrality in 2020, becoming carbon-negative in 2021, and committing to net-zero emissions by 2025. EY’s global environmental strategy includes halving emissions from its 2019 baseline by 2030 and achieving a 90% reduction by 2050. The firm also commits to publishing a TNFD-aligned Nature report, reflecting a holistic view of environmental responsibility.

EY’s sustainability services help clients reframe strategy, accelerate transformation, and build long-term value for all stakeholders. The firm’s work encompasses ESG strategy, reporting, and assurance, supporting organisations in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and stakeholder expectations. EY’s culture of sustainability is reinforced by its purpose, building a better working world, and by integrating ESG into governance, operations, and talent management. This systemic approach ensures that sustainability is not an isolated function but a collective responsibility across the organisation.

Aéma Group, one of France’s leading mutual insurance and asset management groups, exemplifies how mutuality and activism can drive sustainability. Formed through the alliance of Aésio Mutuelle and Macif, and expanded by the acquisition of Abeille Assurances and the creation of Ofi Invest, Aéma Group serves over 12 million policyholders and is committed to shaping a fairer, more human world.

The group’s sustainability strategy is multifaceted, encompassing social, environmental, and governance dimensions. Aéma Group allocates substantial resources to societal and environmental transitions, with a target of €500 million for related initiatives between 2024 and 2026. In 2024 alone, the group directed €186 million to finance societal and transition initiatives, including donations, solidarity projects, and environmental impact programmes.

Aéma Group’s climate strategy is reinforced by its membership in the UN-convened Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance, the Finance for Biodiversity Pledge, and the Principles for Responsible Investment. The group aims for carbon neutrality by 2050 and has set ambitious targets for reducing the carbon intensity and energy consumption of its real estate portfolio. Aéma Group’s approach is rooted in mutualist values, ethics, solidarity, and foresight, and is reflected in its governance, investment policies, and community engagement.

Univé, EY, and Aéma Group demonstrate that embedding sustainability from the inside out requires more than policies and reporting. It demands a transformation of culture and leadership, where sustainability becomes integral to decision-making, operations, and stakeholder engagement. By aligning their strategies with long-term societal and environmental goals, these organisations are not only meeting regulatory requirements but also creating value for their members, clients, and communities. Their journeys illustrate that true sustainability is achieved when it is lived every day, across culture, leadership, and the entire organisation.

Speakers:

• Harold Hendriks, Sustainability Officer, Univé (Netherlands)
• Lorenzo Fattibene, Global Sustainable Insurance Leader, EY (Italy)
• Anthony Ireland, Founder, Better Insurance Network (United Kingdom)
• Aurélien Girault, Deputy Head of CSR, Aéma Groupe (France)