Rutherfoord, a Roanoke, Va., insurance broker, says it is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and has become the first in the U.S. insurance industry to establish a carbon neutral footprint in response to the emerging risk of climate change.
According to Thomas Rutherfoord, chairman of the board, the company hopes to set an example. “Rutherfoord is taking the lead in assisting its clients in eliminating and managing business risks that can impact their success. Given the enormity of this global issue, it is incumbent upon us to do our part to implement and assist others in sustainable business practices,” he said.
“Recent catastrophic events such as Hurricane Katrina coupled with the high price of petroleum make us all aware that we live in a fragile environment. Companies are realizing that in addition to their economic responsibilities, they have environmental and social responsibilities as well,” says Stephen Myers, vice president and practice leader for Rutherfoord’s Environmental Risk Management Practice.
The agency performed a carbon footprint analysis on itself, mapping energy use of electricity and natural gas as well as emissions from car and air travel by its employees. Once calculated, verified emission reduction credits were purchased and officially retired by Carbonfund.org.
Eric Carlson, president of Carbonfund.org, applauded the broker’s actions.
“Rutherfoord is, to our knowledge, the first insurance entity to fully off-set its carbon footprint and to receive our designation of being Carbon Free.”
Carbonfund.org lets any individual or business reduce its carbon footprint and support climate-friendly projects using its calculator, low offset cost per ton of CO2, and verified offset projects.
In addition, Rutherfoord is joining EPA Climate Leaders, a voluntary program dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy use. Rutherfoord will be the first U.S. insurance broker to do so.
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
German Insurtech Wefox to Replace CEO After Board Rejects Mubadala Sales Plan 
Zurich to Buy AIG’s Travel Insurance Business for $600 Million 
US P/C Insurers Post Best Q1 Underwriting Result In 17 Years 
US Home Insurance Still Priced Too Low for Climate Risk, Says Swiss Re Chair From This Issue
