Insurer introduces carbon calculator and EPC capability.
AXA has announced two green initiatives including a carbon calculator for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and a partnership to provide energy performance certificates (EPCs).
AXA said UK SMEs generate approximately 110 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year. In response, the insurer has launched a carbon footprint calculator, available free at www.axa4business.co.uk/climate.
Doug Barnett, head of customer risk management at AXA, said, “With an estimated 4.5 million small enterprises in the UK, the SME community needs to take responsibility for its impact on the environment and not leave green efforts solely to large corporations.
“The Carbon Trust estimates that SMEs are responsible for around 20 per cent of all carbon emissions in the UK. By offering SMEs a tool with which to benchmark emissions and a guide containing a range of ideas on how to reduce carbon footprints for a range of budgets we hope to encourage positive action.”
The calculator, which is provided in conjunction with the CarbonNeutral Company, was created specifically for SMEs and provides a self-assessment tool to enable them to assess and reduce their environmental impact. It bases its calculation on the SME’s energy usage, waste and travel.
Meanwhile, AXA has joined forces with BRE and Lexicon Energy to provide energy performance certificates (EPCs).
The EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive has made it a legal requirement for commercial buildings to have EPCs. The UK government has already established an implementation timetable, of which the first phase commenced on 6 April.
To help property owners comply with this legislation, AXA, with BRE and Lexicon Energy, will provide a network of fully accredited assessors for the provision of the certificates.
BRE’s Energy Assessor Accreditation Scheme is one of only three government-approved schemes currently registering assessors to produce EPCs in the commercial buildings sector.
Lexicon Energy will provide a nationwide panel of BRE accredited assessors to offer customers access to assessments.
Barnett said: “The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive is an important piece of legislation which should not be taken lightly. Without a certificate, property owners and agents will not be able to sell or lease and can be fined if they try to do so. For these reasons, it’s important for assessment to be done correctly and in time.”
