Benefact Group, which owns UK-based ICMIF member Ecclesiastical Insurance, has launched its first electric car scheme as part of its ambitious plans to reduce its carbon emissions and reach net zero by 2040.

The salary sacrifice scheme allows colleagues to lease an electric car of their choice, helping to reduce their carbon emissions. To help with the start-up costs, Benefact Group is also offering GBP 1,000 towards the cost of installing a charging point at home.

The new scheme is part of a wave of measures from Ecclesiastical Insurance intended to reduce carbon emissions, including moving to more energy efficient offices.

Colleagues were given the chance to get behind the wheel of an electric car at a test drive day at Benefact House to coincide with the Group’s first birthday celebrations. The financial services group has partnered with SG Fleet to offer the scheme to all UK colleagues.

Richard Coleman, Managing Director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “As a responsible insurer, we’re committed to making a positive social and environmental impact in our communities. We have set a goal to reach net zero by 2040 and we’re making good progress including moving to offices that are more energy efficient. But we’re also committed to helping our people to reduce their personal impact too – this scheme gives employees the opportunity to make their commute with much less impact on the environment and our communities.”

Second annual survey by Ecclesiastical Insurance of brokers’ attitudes to net zero

This week, Ecclesiastical also shared the findings of its second annual survey of brokers’ attitudes to net zero, in which the specialist insurer found the number of broker firms that have set a net zero target has risen slightly since last year, but apathy remains, particularly among smaller firms.

The research found that two in five (39%) national brokers have set a target, up 1% on last year, while just 10% of regional brokers (up 5%) and 4% (up 2%) of provincial brokers have made a net zero commitment.

For the second year running, findings show the main barrier to setting a target is that brokers don’t have the resources to focus on net zero right now (51%).

This year’s survey however saw an increase in the number of brokers who said their firm has no interest in being net zero, from 21% to 27%. This rose to 31% among provincial brokers but wasn’t mentioned by national brokers. There was also a big increase in firms saying they are too small for net zero to concern them, rising from 3% to 12%.

The survey did reveal some positive news with nearly three quarters of brokers agreeing that reducing their firm’s climate impact is the right thing to do for the environment. Two in five (41%) said their company is more aware of climate issues than 12 months ago. And the results also show a small increase in brokers measuring their carbon footprint.

Reducing energy consumption at offices (51%) overtook reducing business travel (42%) as the most popular step to reduce climate impacts, most likely in response to the challenging economic environment. Other popular measures include increasing awareness among employees (30%) and switching to sustainable suppliers (19%).

The survey saw an increase in the number of brokers saying it was important to reduce their climate impact to keep costs down, while a quarter agreed their company was less likely to adopt climate reduction measures due to the cost-of-living crisis.

The research also found just 13% of brokers believe clients are more likely to do business with insurers that are committed to reducing their climate impact, echoing recent research from GlobalData that found brokers lack interest in the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials of insurers.

Adrian Saunders, Commercial Director at Ecclesiastical, said: “These results show brokers are sleepwalking into the climate crisis, despite the urgent need for all industries to transition to net zero. There are some firms out there that get it and are investing in carbon reduction, but most brokers aren’t interested. Our results show they don’t see any competitive advantage in reducing their carbon impacts. However, there’s overwhelming evidence that customers are making greener choices and that trend is only set to accelerate.

“Our research found two in five brokers would like support to understand how they can reduce their climate impact. As an insurer committed to making a positive environmental impact, it’s important we help to build confidence among brokers so they can make more informed choices and expand the climate conversation to their customers.”

Ecclesiastical has produced a series of webinars on its Broker Training Hub to support brokers to develop their carbon reduction plans and set effective targets.

The third-largest corporate donor in the UK, Benefact Group is an independent, specialist financial services group that exists to give all its available profits to charity. It includes specialist insurance company Ecclesiastical and ethical asset management business EdenTree Investment Management.

Last year the Group announced its climate commitments to achieve net zero by 2040.

To learn more about Benefact Group’s unique purpose and the causes it helps visit www.benefactgroup.com