The Group’s policy is aimed at encouraging eco-compatible behaviour amongst both suppliers (procurement ecology), clients (product ecology) and issuing companies.

Procurement ecology

In order to guarantee supply chain integrity, the Group has implemented a series of specific measures to prevent violation of environmental protection laws and applicable regulations on health and safety in the work place on the part of suppliers and their supply chains. Similarly, the Group ensures that principles of its Ethical Code are adhered to. To this end, the majority of clauses commonly contained in contracts establish sanctions that in most serious cases may result in the contract being terminated. In some countries, certified suppliers or suppliers with suitable environmental references are chosen over those without; in particular, in France the majority of major suppliers are ISO 14001 certified.

Product ecology

So far, the encouragement of eco-compatible behaviour in clients through the planning and provision of products and services has been limited to non-life business.

Where individual clients are concerned, the more favourable insurance coverage extended to owners of eco-friendly vehicles merits special mention; in France, interest-free loans are also available to buyers of eco-friendly vehicles. In France and Austria, holders of household policies are offered special guarantees or free consultancy services aimed at identifying ways to reduce energy consumption.

As regards the corporate segment, in property and third party liability sector risks are underwritten after a careful evaluation of companies who present a high risk under a socio-environmental profile. At the same time, in order to reduce risk exposure and to apply more favourable premium levels clients are offered a preventive consultancy service to set up or improve safety measures. Premiums may be increased when formal and/or substantial shortfalls are detected in preventive measures. The absence or insufficiency of such measures may even lead the Company to refuse to provide insurance cover. Conversely, companies which pose lesser risks to the environment are generally awarded discounted premiums.

Generali France is worthy of particular mention, providing small and medium enterprises with an evaluation of their performance and risk control level based on a number of analysis criteria, including those pertaining to sustainable development, free of charge. If the awarded score is at least 15/20 the company is awarded the  “Agir pour notre avenir” (“Act for our future”) mark, entitling the holder to discounts, incentives and a broader range of services. "Agir pour notre avenir", is also the address of the website dedicated to raising awareness among clients and the public at large on environmental issues.