World Environment Day press release
Jubilee Insurance advocates for environmental conservation during World Environment Day celebration event
Nairobi, Kenya Tuesday 6th June 2023
Jubilee Insurance participated in the global commemoration of the World Environment Day, an initiative aimed at raising awareness and encouraging action towards environmental conservation.
The commemoration event convened employees across the East African region as a way to encourage collaboration in finding solutions to environmental problems such as climate change, deforestation, pollution among others. The event also delved into why plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues.
Climate change, deforestation and pollution pose significant threats to communities and businesses alike across the world. The UN Environmental Programme reports that the African continent suffers the heaviest impact of climate crisis, including increased heatwaves and severe drought despite contributing negligibly to global Greenhouse Gas emissions.
Additionally, East Africa is experiencing the driest conditions and hottest temperatures since satellite record-keeping began. As a result, as many as 13 million people are currently experiencing acute food and water shortages with a projection that things will only get worse if current trends continue.
While speaking during the celebration event, the Group Chairman Nizar Juma noted that safeguarding the environment will require a joint effort from individuals, the private sector as well as government-led agencies.
“We believe that the protection of the environment is a shared responsibility. We understand that our company has a duty to conduct our business in a sustainable manner. The Group has set an ambitious target in line with Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Guidelines to be carbon neutral by 2030. We are undertaking proactive measures to promote sustainable resource management and mitigate climate change, “said Mr. Juma.
Jubilee Insurance is deploying various initiatives in order to become Net Zero by 2030. To support the attainment of this ambition, the company has selected Environmental ambassadors to educate and drive conversation among staff members and other stakeholders around sustainability.
Additionally, the company has taken significant steps to integrate environmental sustainability into its business practices. This includes the promotion of eco-friendly policies, adoption of paperless operations and the exploration of innovative solutions to reduce environmental degradation.
In an effort to ensure plastic management, Jubilee Insurance has partnered with One Way, one of its suppliers, to collect and recycle all its plastics. The company has also introduced digital processes to reduce paper waste . This is by enabling teams to review and approve documents without the need to print. To advance E-Waste management, the company is eliminating idling computers from its premises. In addition to these initiatives, the company’s Bujagali investment is carbon positive.
Over and above these efforts, Jubilee Insurance has undertaken a green approach in its new offices in Upper Hill. The eco-friendly office space is 100 % solar powered advancing sustainable energy use with low environmental impact. The company has also dug up its own borehole and installed underground tanks to promote rainwater harvesting. Jubilee Insurance has also planted trees and plants within the new office facility to promote a green space.
“Our company will continue to mitigate the impact of our operations on the environment while investing in sustainable practices and technologies to achieve our goals. We believe that our individual and corporate commitment towards safeguarding the planet will trigger change and pave the way for a more sustainable future, “noted Mr. Juma.
As part of the celebration event, staff members signed a creed. This creed aligns with the AKDN principles and values of the Net Zero Agenda that include responsible stewardship, sustainable support, well-being of the vulnerable, proactive leadership, increasing impact and effecting societal transformation as their commitment to do their part to protect the environment. Each staff member also adopted a plant to support a green workspace. Additionally, this served as a reminder to regularly plant and nurture trees for environmental conservation.
While speaking during the event, the Group Head of Actuarial, Risk and Sustainability, Azim Dawood, highlighted that the staff’s collective action will inspire change and nurture the planet. This will also create a lasting legacy of environmental stewardship, impacting generations to come.
“Our participation in the World Environment Day is a demonstration of our company’s commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. We are confident that the event served as a reminder that the choices we make today will shape the world tomorrow,” said Azim.
