InsuranceERM's Global Climate Risk & Sustainability Awards 2024

Sustainable re/insurer of the year: Axa

Axa is the sustainable re/insurer of the year in acknowledgment of its ongoing commitment to addressing climate change and fostering social inclusion.

The insurer's dedication to the climate has deep roots and it has restricted investments in thermal coal extraction and energy generation since 2015.

This early initiative laid the foundation for its current sustainability strategy, which was expanded in 2024. The new strategy encompasses both climate transition and adaptation, with a focus on delivering an environmental and social impact.

As part of this initiative, Axa aims to provide over 9,000 solutions and services to help customers adapt to global warming.

The insurer has also linked its fight against climate change with its efforts to combat social exclusion.

Through initiatives like Axa Hearts in Action, and its inclusive insurance department, Axa works to make protection accessible to vulnerable communities.

Currently, 14m customers are covered by Axa's inclusive insurance products, with a goal of reaching 20 million by 2026.

Axa's environmental, social and governance (ESG)strategy is underpinned by strong governance and a rigorous framework for integrating ESG criteria into investment and insurance processes.

This approach is further supported by the Axa for Progress Index, which tracks the company's sustainability performance.

As of 2023, Axa had reduced the carbon intensity of its portfolio by 48% compared to 2019, increased its green investments to €29.9bn($32.5bn), and collected €2bn in green premiums, which are defined as those that have a positive environmental impact.

Axa's contributions also extend to the development of the circular economy.

For instance, the company has worked with partners to explore the insurability of emerging recycling business models and buildings that incorporate reused materials.