Environment & Climate Change

Definity actively incorporates climate change mitigation efforts into our facilities and our business practices. We work to reduce the emissions of our buildings, including efficiency upgrades to our lighting, heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. We’ve also introduced measures to transition our fleet to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and reduce paper consumption.

Our partnership with Bullfrog Power injects renewable energy onto Canadian power grids equal to our enterprise-wide electricity consumption. Our goal is to achieve net-zero emissions from operations by 2040 or sooner, with interim targets of -30% by 2025 and -50% by 2030.

We've developed climate-related offerings for our clients to help them mitigate the effects of climate change on their property and activities. These include:

• Eco-friendly products like Sonnet Shift — a usage-based insurance product that rewards fuel-efficient driving habits and donates 1% of premiums to local charities focused on green infrastructure development
• Solutions to increase our clients’ resilience to climate change, including a green endorsement that provides property claimants additional funds to include climate resilient or environmentally friendly solutions in their repairs
• Available discounts for homes that have backflow valves, sump pumps, or water sensors
• A partnership between Sonnet and FLO offering electric vehicle insurance discounts
• Amending coverage for residential solar panels so clients are not prevented from installing solar panels and batteries to store energy • Updates to our claims processes to reduce waste, including Advanced Structural Drying and decontamination solutions, and repair versus replace where possible
• A collection of educational materials, social media posts, and blog articles on how to reduce environmental impact and avoid damage caused by severe weather

Visit the Economical blog Visit the Sonnet blog

Definity maintains a well-diversified investment portfolio according to our business needs. Our investment team continuously tracks the ESG ratings and performance of our holdings, so they reflect our policies and commitments.

Our Sustainable Investment Policy Statement outlines our incorporation of sustainability factors into the investment process, including exclusions related to tobacco, controversial weapons, and thermal coal.

Definity is taking additional steps to assess and monitor the greenhouse gas emissions associated with our investment portfolio and continue to pursue green and sustainable investment opportunities. Our goal is to achieve net-zero emissions from our investments by 2040 or sooner, with interim targets of -30% by 2025 and -65% by 2030.

Definity engages with a variety of industry groups, community organizations, and other partners to support progress on climate change and other environmental issues, including partnerships with:

• Université du Québec à Montréal, as co-funder of the ClimACT Research Chair to advance climate risk modelling and adaptation research
• Climate Proof Canada, a cross-sector coalition that advocates for building a more disaster-resilient Canadian economy and society, including the implementation of the National Adaptation Strategy
• Green Communities Canada Living Cities Canada Fund, in support of the creation of equity-driven, green infrastructure projects in urban areas that help absorb excess rainfall, cool our communities, and a buffer to protect Canadians from more frequent and severe weather events
• Canadian Red Cross, supporting the Disaster Response Alliance and Be Ready emergency preparedness program, helping Canadians strengthen their resilience before, during, and after emergency situations