Zurich continues Energy & Sustainability Centre (ESC) sponsorship

Zurich on the Isle of Man is continuing its support for the Energy & Sustainability Centre Isle of Man (ESC), the charity initiative which aims to help the Island to transition to a green economy powered by a strong renewable energy sector.

ESC is an independent, not-for-profit, Isle of Man charity led by former MHK Ralph Peake who is also IOM Chamber of Commerce’s Business Sustainability Lead; earth scientist and Chair of the Manx Geological Survey, Dr Dave Quirk; and qualified specialist in green energy, John Boucher. Zurich on the Isle of Man was one of ESC’s founding sponsors – and its support will continue as part of the company’s sustainability strategy.

Bruce Pearson, CEO, Zurich International Life Ltd, said: “Sustainability continues to be a major focus for us, both here on the Island and globally across the Zurich Insurance Group. The Energy & Sustainability Centre is a very important initiative which we’re proud to continue support.”

ESC Director Ralph Peake commented: “We’re extremely grateful to Zurich, and our other sponsors, for their continued support. We are seeing a strong consensus building in the Isle of Man’s public and private sectors on the importance of taking practical steps to decarbonize the Island’s economy – and corporate sponsorship is essential for us to continue our facilitating role on this issue. Zurich’s support is therefore of huge value, especially because of their status as one of the leading global brands around sustainability.”

Examples of Zurich’s local commitment to sustainability is a solar power system which went live in July last year and has the potential to provide up to 70% of the electricity required for the company’s offices at Zurich House at Isle of Man Business Park. Zurich on the Isle of Man is also a UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man Partner. Globally, the company’s many sustainability achievements include being the first insurer in the world to sign up to the UN’s 1.5 Celsius Business Ambition.

As part of Zurich’s initial ESC sponsorship the company funded two educational, animated videos to explain some of complex issues around renewable energy. The ‘Green Energy Island’ videos show ESC’s vision of what the Island could look like if it became self-sufficient in renewable energy. Click here to watch the first video about future power – and here for the second video on future homes.

ESC is also sponsored by KPMG and The Peel Group. ESC has organised a number of events as part of its activities to educate, inform and explore on all issues relating to net-zero and renewable energy. This includes organising a ‘Low Carbon Future’ conference in October last year which is one of the Island’s biggest ever events on the subjects of sustainability and renewable energy.

www.energysustainabilitycentre.im

www.zurichinternational.com/im