Allianz has taken first place among rated insurance companies in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index.

The index ranks companies according to environmental, social and governance criteria, assessing their sustainability strategy and performance.

Allianz Australia Diversity and Sustainability Manager Charis Martin-Ross says sustainability initiatives have enabled the company to reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by about 50% over the past decade.

She says sustainability at Allianz goes beyond an environmental agenda.

“It also encompasses social inclusion and safety initiatives such as providing employment to refugees, using technology to improve workplace safety and supporting organisations such as the Australian Paralympic Committee,” she said.

Employees and customers expect companies to have sustainable outcomes, she says.

Allianz publishes its group-wide environmental, social and governance integration approach to provide ratings agencies, non-governmental organisations and other experts with a detailed overview.