Committed to a sustainable future

There are significant challenges when it comes to protecting and improving the local and global environment. The financial services sector is no stranger to the pressures of making smart decisions on any issues affecting sustainability.

Recognising these challenges we see opportunities to develop and grow. CUNA Mutual people make it their business to focus on sustainability and how they can make a direct impact on the workplace, the marketplace, the environment and the community through group initiatives both in and out of our offices.

On track with an efficient Motor Fleet

In 2009 CUNA Mutual Group Australia switched its fleet of 12 motor vehicles – all 6 cylinder petrol powered cars – with the following environmentally sustainable vehicles:

• Peugeot 207 (diesel)
• Peugeot 308 (diesel)
• Toyota Prius (hybrid)
• Honda Civic (hybrid)
• Ford Focus TDCi (diesel)
• Ford Mondeo TDCi (diesel)
• Volkswagen Jetta (diesel)

1. Hybrid or diesel engine (instead of petrol).
2. 4 cylinders or lower.
3. High ANZCAP safety rating.
4. Low carbon emissions.

The efficiency is evaluated on an ongoing basis to assess the impact and savings of replacing old vehicles with those offering more advanced environmental technology.

Leaving less and less of a paper trail

CUNA Mutual Group Australia is committed to sustainable energy management in the workplace as well as in our communications practices using printed and mailed material. 

Advocating online transactions

CUNA Mutual Group Australia is working towards online solutions for PDS and policy fulfilment for the convenience of its partners and members.

Partnering with sustainable print and mail suppliers

CUNA Mutual Group Australia works closely with GEON who is dedicated to the protection and care of the environment on an ongoing and sustainable basis. By working closely with GEON, CUNA Mutual Australia is committed to reducing its impact on the environment:

• Reduce environmental footprint through policies, practices, procedure and initiatives that minimise our impact on the planet
• Environmentally friendly options and choices that offer environmental benefits while maintaining the high quality of work expected from one of Australia’s largest print service and communication solution providers

GEON provides:

• An in-depth understanding of environmental paper stock and its development
• Environmental audit systems incorporated as part of the supplier management process
• Extensive training in environmental accreditation
• The experience, knowledge and partnership of suppliers to expand the network of environmental sustainability

 

 

GEON Certification

Environment – Paper:

FSC Chain-of-Custody Certificate SGS-Chain-of-Custody-274 certified 28 August 2006

PEFC Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes Chain-of-Custody certified 19 February 2009

Environment ISO 14001:  Brunswick site is fully compliant now and other major sites (Banksmeadow, Mt Waverley, Eagle Farm and Auckland) will be compliant in 2010 FY.

Additionally, GEON is currently working with the Department of Environment & Climate Change to achieve recognition as a Sustainability Advantage partner

• 97% of all paper waste is recycled
• All quotes sent via email
• Recycling of toner cartridges through planet Ark
• Environmentally friendly & low volatility chemicals in the production process
• FSC & PEFC certified and thus recommend and use certified stocks
• Use of soy based printing inks
• 70% of the paper GEON prints upon has recycled content or is environmentally friendly
• All packaging boxes are made from recycled cardboard
• All plastics are separated and collected for recycling