Broker Willis Towers Watson has pledged to deliver net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with at least a 50% reduction by 2030, across the company’s business operations.

The target was revealed by the group’s CEO and included a commitment to achieve 100% renewable energy supplies across the company’s real estate portfolio. The progress will be measured in alignment with the Science Based Targets Initiative, that has been set by global governments in the Paris Climate Agreement.

John Haley said, “Climate change and its growing impact on society represents a significant global challenge. As one of the world’s leading risk advisors and experts in assessing and mitigating climate risk, Willis Towers Watson is committed to supporting measures aimed at helping to tackle climate change. The need to manage climate risk and support an orderly transition to a low-carbon, resilient economy is no longer solely a matter of conscience but a strategic and financial imperative. Today’s announcement further reinforces our company’s commitment to addressing this global challenge.”

He added: “In addition, Willis Towers Watson has been closely involved with various governments, intergovernmental organizations and civil societies on climate policy and research for some years, all of whom share the collective ambition of an orderly transition toward sustainable and resilient economies and communities. Among a variety of our collaborations and memberships, we are proud to be members of the Insurance Development Forum and ClimateWise, to support the Taskforce on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures and to play a leadership role in the Coalition for Climate Resilient Investment.”

Willis Towers Watson added it was committed to minimising its environmental impact and carbon emissions through improvements to energy efficiency across the company’s operations, leveraging virtual meeting technologies, promoting recycling, minimising the waste sent to landfill, purchasing environmentally responsible office supplies and encouraging colleagues to adopt environmentally responsible habits.

“The company is committed to sustainable sourcing with a focus on improving suppliers’ environmental impacts by increasing demand for and use of goods that are developed in a sustainable way and that contribute to a reduced carbon footprint,” it added.