Objectives    |   

Abstract   |

Research Questions  

                Zurich Financial Services, a multinational insurance provider, desires to quantify its carbon footprint and implement emissions mitigation strategies in response to employee, analyst, non-governmental organization, and customer interest.  Therefore, the Bren group seeks to develop a verifiable and defensible estimation strategy for calculating Zurich’s carbon footprint.  The group will consider Zurich’s internal emissions from its operations in seven countries (Australia, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States). Together, these countries compose 74% of Zurich’s operations in terms of number of employees.  A separate analysis will be conducted reflecting activities of Farmers Insurance Group, a major subsidiary of Zurich North America. 

                A three-pronged approach will be employed to estimate Zurich’s direct and indirect emissions by combining:

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s and the

World Resources Institute’s Greenhouse Gas Protocol

LeasePlan’s  “Eco-Calculator” (Zurich’s fleet manager)

A methodology for estimating emissions from electricity consumption developed by the group

The baseline year will be 2007.  Potential mitigation strategies will be identified and assessed using cost-effectiveness analysis.  Short- and long-term mitigation strategies will be identified and evaluated using cost-effectiveness and statistical analysis.  Recommendations based on cost-effectiveness, feasibility of implementation, and environmental benefits will account for national differences in organizational and institutional frameworks.  Such differences impact the feasibility of introducing environmental initiatives in each country.  Implementing carbon management programs will enable Zurich to satisfy its public commitments, enhance its reputation, and increase its competitiveness relative to leaders in the financial services sector.

*

*

*

Abstract