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Working to make a difference

ICMIF Resilience and Sustainability Summit 2025: Turning sustainability into a strategic differentiator

IPB Insurance (Ireland) is a specialist mutual insurer dedicated to supporting the social sector, including local authorities, education, health, and community organisations. Its approach centres on long-term relationships, trust, and a risk-led strategy that prioritises prevention and guidance for members. Sustainability is embedded within its ethos, with active involvement in climate action, responsible investing, and community initiatives such as retrofitting homes, promoting sustainable transport, and supporting local engagement programmes. IPB’s commitment to mutuality, innovation, and social impact ensures it remains a valued partner in enabling positive change and resilience across communities.

IPB Insurance is deeply rooted in the social sector and committed to making a tangible difference across communities. With a focus on arts, culture, tourism, heritage, public and government agencies, voluntary not-for-profits, education, health, social care, housing, and property, IPB ensures a broad spectrum of clients, many of whom are aligned with local authorities.

IPB’s mutual model fosters long-term relationships and trust with its members. The organisation boasts a 100% retention rate among its 52 members in the local government and education sectors, reflecting the strength of its mutual ethos. Annual surveys consistently reveal high satisfaction, with a recent rating of 94%, underscoring the close connection between IPB and its members.

A risk-led approach defines IPB’s support for its members. The insurer prioritises prevention over reaction, offering advice, guidance, and workshops on risk management. This includes technical and operational risk support, safeguarding in the event of accidents, and assistance during legal proceedings. IPB also facilitates conferences and webinars covering a wide range of topics, including the ESG framework, governance, and environmental issues.

Sustainability is at the heart of IPB’s strategy. Local authorities, as members, lead climate transition efforts, implementing and enforcing climate action plans and environmental legislation. IPB supports these initiatives, ensuring that its insurance offerings enable rather than hinder progress. The organisation aligns with national targets, such as a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050, and actively monitors progress through key performance indicators.

Notable achievements include the retrofitting of over 7,300 social homes since 2022, completion of 181 kilometres of cycling and pedestrian infrastructure in 2024, replacement of street lighting with energy-efficient LEDs, and community-led environmental projects such as beach restoration and tree planting.

IPB’s sustainability strategy encompasses six commitments, including responsible investing. By the end of 2024, green and social sustainable bonds comprised 34% of its fixed income assets, nearly triple the Bloomberg benchmark. The organisation has also achieved a 59% reduction in weighted average carbon intensity in its portfolio, surpassing its 2030 target six years ahead of schedule.

IPB’s corporate social engagement fund supports local communities through initiatives such as music generation programmes, the IPB Pride Place Awards, and partnerships with organisations like the Football Association of Ireland and local police. These efforts promote community development, recognise volunteers, and foster positive relationships between young people and law enforcement.

Innovation is integral to IPB’s operations. The insurer has introduced discounts for electric vehicles, enhanced public liability policies to address charging cable risks, and improved property policies for microgeneration projects. It also provides insurance for voluntary organisations such as tidy towns, enabling biodiversity and sustainability efforts at the grassroots level.

IPB Insurance exemplifies the power of mutuality, sustainability, and community engagement. By embedding these values into its core strategy, the organisation continues to support its members, drive innovation, and make a meaningful impact across society. Its commitment to doing the right thing, regardless of regulatory frameworks, ensures that IPB remains a trusted partner in the climate transition and beyond.

Presenter:

Laura Smith, Head of Sustainability, IPB Insurance (Ireland)

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