Achmea, a leading non-life insurance company based in the Netherlands, has placed sustainability at the heart of its mission and strategy. With operations spanning the Netherlands, Turkey, Greece, and Slovakia, and serving 13 million customers, Achmea recognises its capacity to influence and drive sustainable practices globally.
Embedding sustainability in strategy
Sustainability underpins Achmea’s purpose, “sustainable living together,” which reflects its commitment to long-term societal and environmental resilience. This ethos is integrated across its diverse operations, which include health insurance, asset management, real estate investments, and banking. By leveraging its €200 billion in assets under management, Achmea aims to create value for customers and society while addressing global challenges.
Combatting climate change
Achmea has set ambitious climate goals, targeting net-zero emissions for its own operations by 2030, its equity and corporate bonds portfolios by 2040, and its overall investment and insurance portfolios by 2050. Recognising the importance of measurable progress, the organisation uses international frameworks such as the OECD Guidelines and UN Sustainable Development Goals. Collaboration is key, with Achmea actively participating in global initiatives and aligning with industry-wide standards to accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy.
Social and environmental ambitions
In addition to environmental objectives, Achmea prioritises social impact through its products and partnerships. Initiatives focus on areas like smart mobility, accessible healthcare, and income security. For example, Achmea collaborates with agricultural clients to explore sustainable practices, such as transitioning from livestock farming to soy cultivation. This engagement fosters innovation while supporting the sector’s ecological transformation.
Transparency and accountability
Transparency remains central to Achmea’s strategy. It champions open communication with stakeholders, ensuring that its sustainability efforts are both accountable and impactful. Regular reporting and alignment with international benchmarks demonstrate progress and enhance stakeholder trust. An innovative approach includes sustainable claims management, which reduces material waste, further aligning operations with its sustainability ethos.
Engaging employees and stakeholders
To embed sustainability across its workforce, Achmea launched a comprehensive e-learning programme, with over 6,000 employees completing the training within three weeks. Initiatives like “climate week” bring global experts to engage employees, fostering a unified commitment to sustainability goals.
A collaborative future
Achmea’s cross-industry and international collaborations exemplify its holistic approach. By engaging with institutional investors, NGOs, and sector councils, Achmea amplifies its influence and drives systemic change. Its impact investing initiative, aiming for 10% of its portfolio by 2024, underscores its dedication to generating tangible, sustainable outcomes.
