Queensland drivers will be joining forces with NRMA Insurance in a bid to offset 30,000 tonnes of their cars’ carbon emissions over the next six months – the equivalent of taking around 7,500 cars off the road for a year.
In a green first for Queensland and Australia, the insurer will pay to offset one tonne of carbon emissions for new comprehensive car insurance customers in the Sunshine State.
NRMA Insurance Queensland State Manager Brett Robinson said it made sense for an insurer to help offset – or neutralise – greenhouse emissions.
“Weather and climate have a significant impact on our customers and our business, so we’re pleased to be the first insurer in Australia to pay for customers to reduce their impact on the environment,” he said.
“Carbon emissions are one of the largest contributors to global warming"“Carbon emissions are one of the largest contributors to global warming, and research* shows a link between increased global temperature and more severe weather events. It’s time for NRMA Insurance to help our customers better understand their impact on the environment and help them find ways to reduce it.”
NRMA Insurance is also offering savings of up to 10% to drivers of fuel-efficient cars.
The Brisbane Broncos – starring as The Carbonators – are assisting NRMA Insurance to encourage Queensland drivers to offset their carbon emissions.
Why NRMA Insurance is interested in climate change
- Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events
- 19 of the 20 most costly insured events in Australia have been weather related and 50 per cent have been hail storms
- 2.2º mean global temperature increase is likely to lead to 5–10 per cent increase in cyclone wind speeds †
- 1º mean temperature increase is likely to lead to 17–28 per cent increase in bushfires †
NRMA Insurance – Green Initiatives
The carbon offsets program adds to a range of green initiatives already in place at NRMA Insurance:
- More than one-third of our insurance assessors drive hybrid cars (Toyota Prius)
- Customers who own a car with a recognised fuel economy of 5.5 litres per 100km or better receive a saving of up to 10 per cent on their comprehensive car insurance
- Climate Help – Drivers who would like to offset more than one tonne of their car’s emissions, can calculate and pay for the additional carbon offsets online
- Greensafe Car Profiler – Online resource to help new car shoppers make informed choices about environmental, safety and security factors
- Green Whitegoods Profiler – Check out an appliance’s green credentials before you buy it
- We are working with selected Preferred Smash Repairers to help them reduce their waste and water use
- More than 40 staff and their families planted around 1,000 trees in Brisbane on Planet Ark Tree Day (July 29)
- Our staff can take a paid volunteer day to plant trees with Conservation Volunteers Australia
- NRMA Insurance’s parent company, IAG, is aiming for its global operations to be carbon-neutral by 2012
* IAG and United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report - Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability.
† Mills et al (2001).
