At FMG, our commitment to sustainability is guided by the principle of mutuality. We strive for shared success and lasting partnerships, understanding that our actions today pave the way for future prosperity.
Sustainability is vital for FMG’s future, and our client research panel has provided insights into our Members’ expectations. Our Members prioritise FMG’s continued support for rural communities and affordable insurance, especially as climate change can influence an increase in weather-related events. FMG is committed to financial and operational resilience, ensuring we can support clients affected by climate change. Our decisions aim to keep FMG profitable, focusing on data improvement to manage climate risks and maintain insurance affordability.
Using business as a force for good
Members and clients also told us, when it comes to promoting our sustainable agriculture sector, they expect a business like FMG to lead by example. To help ensure FMG is walking the talk, when it comes to sustainability, we are beyond proud to have become the first B Corp certified, General Insurer in New Zealand.
The ‘B’ stands for ‘Benefit’ and is built on the premise of using business as a force for good. B Corps are businesses that meet some of the highest standards of verified, social and environmental sustainability, transparency, and accountability in the world.
B Corp Certification is considered the global gold standard for purpose-driven companies, committed to delivering benefits for people and the planet while remaining profitable. Read more about it here.
Everything is about people
The success of any business is built on the success of its employees. That’s why FMG strives to be a great place to work – attracting and retaining the best people to deliver on our Purpose of a better deal for rural New Zealand Aotearoa.
For the third year running, FMG was awarded a Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award at the 2024 Gallup Global Workplace Awards – the only Australasian business to have achieved this. One of 40 organisations worldwide, the award is based on exceptionally high employee engagement, professional development and workplace culture.
FMG’s Claims Capability Manager Kelly Stuart was also recognised as Manager of the Year out of 10 worldwide finalists. This award reflects FMG’s commitment to developing and supporting our employees to reach their full potential.
Environmental performance
FMG has been measuring and reporting on its Green House Gas emissions (GHG’s) since 2019. With a targeted 30% reduction in carbon emissions per employee by 2030, FMG has achieved a significant 13.66% decrease since 2019. Aligning with FMG’s commitment to sustainable practices that support the prosperity of rural communities, without resorting to harmful offsetting methods.
Transitioning to a hybrid fleet
FMG’s vehicles play a crucial role in our client-centric approach. Primarily used by our client-facing teams, FMG’s mobile fleet helps us deliver personalised service, trust-building, and relationship management throughout rural and provincial New Zealand. The transition of 214 internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, to a hybrid fleet (Toyota Rav4 Hybrid) started in February 2024 and is expected to take around 3 years to complete. With the Rav 4 Hybrids’ fuel economy of 5.0L/100km, compared to the existing fleet’s 8.3 L/100km, FMG expects to save approximately 64.65 tCO2e* annually. This represents the single biggest impact to meeting our 30% reduction target by 2030.
Climate-related disclosures
We have also completed our first Climate Related Disclosure which you can read here. This work encourages insurers to think about how their business can and should operate in the future under different climate scenarios. It aligns strongly with our Purpose, Vision and desire to continue to be ‘here for the good of the country’ for at least the next 120 years. Looking ahead, FMG will continue to build on our achievements and show leadership in sustainability, guided by our B Corp principles and our Vision- Helping to build strong and prosperous rural communities.
*Tonnes of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent. The GHG protocol standard categorises emissions depending on where they are generated.
