If’s climate targets approved by the SBTi

We now have official confirmation: If’s short-term climate targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). That puts us in good company, joining more than 7 000 organisations around the world whose targets are grounded in science – and aligned with the Paris Agreement.

“Climate change is a global concern that calls for immediate attention from all of us. We want to do our part and support the transition by working towards ambitious, science-based targets that align with the Paris Agreement. The SBTi validation is an important milestone on that journey,” says Morten Thorsrud.

If is the largest insurance company in the Nordic region, with operations in all Nordic and Baltic countries. We joined the SBTi in 2021, and our targets were validated in December 2023.

The majority of If’s total greenhouse gas emissions come from our investment portfolio. As a financial institution, we are required by SBTi guidelines to set targets for our investments. But we’ve chosen to go one step further – and have also set climate targets for our claims operations, even though this is not a formal requirement.

“Each year we buy materials and services worth billions of kronor and handle more than a million claims in the motor and property segments. This is where a large share of our indirect emissions come from – and where we can make a real difference by encouraging our suppliers to set ambitious climate targets. We can also support our partners in reducing material use, by repairing and reusing instead of replacing with new parts,” Morten Thorsrud explains.

If’s Head of Sustainability, Philip Thörn, agrees.
“By actively asking for innovative solutions, resource efficiency, transparency and accountability from our suppliers, we aim to minimise our negative impact – and encourage sustainable production and consumption. Clear requirements, combined with close collaboration with our suppliers and partners, enable us to grow our business while also contributing to a more sustainable future,” says Philip Thörn.