"Is a company just about numbers on a balance sheet – or does it matter what we do with those numbers? We think it does matter."
This Sustainability Report (Report) covers the activities of QBE across its divisions during the financial year ended 31 December 2022 in alignment with our financial statements. It provides an overview of initiatives underway to demonstrate progress across the pillars of our Sustainability Framework.
Our employees are passionate about supporting their communities, working together to raise funds and volunteer for causes that they care about. They’re making a real difference through a wide range of fundraising activities for charities including Crisis and Mind, as well as volunteering in the community through their partnership with Volunteering Matters.
We are focused on creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that respects all employees, irrespective of their differences. That’s because it’s the right thing to do – but also because it’s good for business. Having a sustained commitment to diversity is essential for attracting people with varied backgrounds and experiences, who bring with them fresh ideas that can help us grow in new and innovative ways.
Making responsible investments is one way that we can really make a difference as an insurer. Our hugely successful Premiums4Good initiative lets clients opt for 25% of their premiums to be invested in projects that benefit the community or the environment. Projects that we support include a programme that supports vulnerable families; a crime and homelessness initiative; and a renewable energy project for developing countries.
Operating sustainably is one of our key strategic priorities. We have a number of sustainability initiatives across the QBE Group, including a partnership with Qantas Future Planet to make QBE carbon neutral. As well as reducing our carbon footprint, this partnership allows us to invest in a range of projects that benefit rural communities and the environment.