Regional insurer, Jubilee has marked global commemoration of the World Environment Day raising awareness and encouraging action towards tackling adverse effects of climate change.

The insurer's employees across the East African region called for collaboration in finding solutions to climate change, deforestation, and pollution that are worsening global warming. Jubilee's commemoration also delved into why plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues.  

Climate change, deforestation and pollution pose huge threats to communities and businesses globally. The UN Environmental Programme reports that Africa suffers the heaviest impact of climate crisis, manifesting in increased heatwaves and severe drought. This is despite the continent contributing very little to global greenhouse gas emissions.

Additionally, East Africa is experiencing the driest conditions and hottest temperatures in a half-century. As a result, about 13 million people are currently experiencing acute food and water shortages with a projection that things will only get worse if current trends continue.

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.

To support the attainment of this ambition, the company has selected environmental ambassadors to educate and drive conversation among staffs and other stakeholders on sustainability.

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Additionally, the company has taken significant steps to integrate environmental sustainability into its business practices, including the promotion of eco-friendly policies, going paperless and the exploration of innovative solutions to lower 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 by enabling teams to review and approve documents online, eliminating the need for paper printouts. 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.

Further, the company's Upper Hill office is eco-friendly, fully powered by solar energy. 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 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, staff members signed a creed that is aligned to 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 of the staff members also adopted a plant to promote a green workspace and as a reminder to regularly plant and nurture trees.

Group Head of Actuarial, Risk and Sustainability Azim Dawood noted that the staffs' collective action will inspire change, nurture the planet, and create a legacy of environmental stewardship.

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