Zurich Collaborates with Negawatt and Cornerstone Technologies to Drive Sustainability Efforts and Build a Thriving Green Ecosystem

HONG KONG, Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong) ("Zurich") is committed to sustainability and has long been committed to promoting eco-friendly practices and healthier lifestyles within the community. As the first international insurance group to pledge support for the Paris Agreement in the fight against global warming, Zurich is targeting net-zero emissions by 2030. Beyond minimizing its carbon footprint in daily operations, Zurich integrates sustainability into our product and service offerings, expanding our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework to deliver long-term value to customers. This unwavering commitment and outstanding performance have earned Zurich the "Excellence in ESG and Sustainability Award" at the Hong Kong Insurance Awards, hosted by the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers, for three consecutive years, underscoring both industry and public acclaim for our ESG strategy.

As part of Zurich's ESG commitment, we are proud to announce our collaboration with Negawatt Utility Limited ("Negawatt") and Cornerstone Technologies. Leveraging our expertise in distinct areas, we aim to accelerate the evolution of a sustainable ecosystem within the community, starting with green mobility. The gamified app, ZERO2, launched by Negawatt, partners with numerous eco-friendly merchants to offer free gifts and discounts, encouraging individual users to complete various ESG tasks. This fosters the development of daily sustainable habits and reduces carbon emissions. Notably, ZERO2 is Hong Kong's largest ESG rewards platform in terms of the number of users and the only pioneering ESG lifestyle app approved to join the HKQAA ESG Connect program. Meanwhile, Cornerstone Technologies, a premier electric vehicle (EV) charging service provider in Hong Kong, has established an extensive EV charging network, making significant positive impact on the environment. It offers a range of charging solutions to promote EV adoption and green transport, contributing to a low-carbon future.

In this collaboration, Zurich, Negawatt and Cornerstone Technologies will work closely together in the areas of environmental (E), social (S) and governance (G), leveraging their capabilities to create synergies and strengthen ESG efforts. To champion carbon reduction initiatives, the tri-party alliance invites individuals to complete various tasks, such as using Cornerstone's EV charging services to earn Zero2 points and support environmental protection (E). In recognition of these efforts, Zurich offers insurance discounts and provides protection, creating a positive social impact (S). The ZERO2 app helps users track and verify data that contributes positively to the environment, providing solid proof for program evaluation and ensuring precise governance (G). This, in turn, enables us to analyze data in a timely manner, adjust ESG strategies and achieve optimal carbon reduction results.

Join the Green Lifestyle Community and Earn Rewards for Reducing the Carbon Footprint

Zurich has launched an exclusive ZURICH COMMUNITY on the ZERO2 app, providing users with instant access to our latest ESG updates and product offers.

To mark this first collaboration, Zurich, Negawatt, and Cornerstone Technologies have launched a welcome promotional campaign. We invite customers and the public to participate in carbon reduction initiatives involving clothing, food, housing, and mobility on ZERO2. For example, participants can earn ZERO2 points and redeem rewards by engaging in community recycling projects, embracing plastic-free lifestyle, and reducing household energy waste, in recognition of their dedication to renewable energies.

Eric Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong), said, "Sustainability has always been a top priority for Zurich. We strive to reduce the carbon footprint through various means to reach our net-zero goals, while integrating sustainability elements into all our products and services. We are also committed to helping our customers transform, encouraging them to change their mindsets and develop new habits. We are excited to partner with Negawatt and Cornerstone Technologies to create a green lifestyle community that inspires individuals to develop environmentally friendly habits in their daily lives and seamlessly integrate environmental stewardship into their routines."

To reward participants for their contributions to sustainability, Zurich, Negawatt and Cornerstone Technologies will roll out a series of exclusive promotions during the event.

See below for details of the welcome campaign:

1. Green Lifestyle Promotions

From now until January 30, 2025, register as a member of the ZERO2 app to instantly receive 200 points redeemable for various rewards* and enjoy the following exclusive offers and privileges:

Points Rewards:

• Earn 3x ZERO2 points for completing Cornerstone EV charging tasks.

Insurance Offers:

• Redeem HKD 200,000 personal accident coverage (one-year) with 50 points.
• Redeem a 30% discount on the first-year premium of Zurich's Breezy Travel Insurance Plan and a 20% discount on the first-year premium of the Breezy Home Insurance Plan with 5 points.
• New customers^ who purchase Zurich's Private Motor Car Insurance Plan – Electric Vehicle will receive a HKD 50 Cornerstone GO EV Charging Credit^# for every HKD 2,500 of premiums paid.

Charging Offers:

• Selected Zurich customers can redeem a HKD 50 Cornerstone GO EV charging voucherwith points at ZURICH COMMUNITY.
• Enjoy a 10% discount on Cornerstone GO EV charging voucher. For example, users can obtain a HKD 200 Cornerstone GO EV charging voucherfor just HKD 180 plus 5 points.

*For details of the terms and conditions, please refer to the promotional banners on the ZERO2 app.
^Note: Customers must not have purchased any Zurich private motor car insurance plan within the past 3 years.
^#Note: This voucher is applicable to all existing and new Cornerstone Technologies users, redeemable only once per user.

2. Carbon Reduction Leaderboard

From December 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, Zurich will launch a carbon reduction leaderboard, ranking users by their contributions to cutting carbon emissions. The top 10 users will be featured, with the leaderboard updated regularly.

Following the event, the top three users with the most significant achievements in carbon reduction will receive special rewards in recognition of their efforts in cutting their carbon footprint and supporting renewable energies:

• Champion: HKD 5,000 worth of Cornerstone GO EV charging voucher
• Runner-up: HKD 3,000 worth of Cornerstone GO EV charging voucher
• Third place: HKD 1,000 worth of Cornerstone GO EV charging voucher

Arthur Lam, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Negawatt Utility Limited, stated, "Negawatt is dedicated to promoting sustainability through technology. Our ZERO2 mobile app aims to raise public awareness of ESG awareness, quantify and track related behaviors, and enable individuals to showcase their contributions to Hong Kong's sustainability and ESG efforts. We believe this can enhance their sense of accomplishment. ZERO2 also provides businesses with transparent, accurate, and quantifiable ESG data reports. We believe that data transparency and reporting accuracy are essential for driving change and improving governance in the ESG field. We are delighted to work with Zurich and Cornerstone Technologies to promote Hong Kong's green ecosystem through the ZERO2 app, offering users practical and achievable carbon reduction initiatives. With the Hong Kong Monetary Authority's Sustainable Finance Action Plan and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange's ESG disclosure requirements, ZERO2 will assist businesses in complying with regulations and meeting their ESG data disclosure needs. Our goal is to help companies stay ahead of emerging sustainability standards and demonstrate their achievements in carbon reduction, transparency, and social responsibility, contributing to a greener future for Hong Kong and the world."

Cyberport has voiced strong support for the new green ecosystem collaboration. Ir. Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer of Cyberport, stated "As the digital technology flagship in Hong Kong, Cyberport supports over 820 Smart Living and 430 FinTech start-ups, fostering innovation to drive smart city development and sustainable economic practices. We are thrilled to facilitate the collaboration between Zurich Insurance, Negawatt, and Cornerstone Technologies, marking a pivotal advancement toward achieving smart living solutions aligned with ESG principles. As a member of the Cyberport Incubation Programme, Negawatt not only exemplifies excellence but also inspires start-ups to embrace innovation and contribute to Hong Kong's smart city ecosystem."

Vincent Yip, Chief Executive Officer of Cornerstone Technologies, commented, "We are excited and honored to partner with Zurich and Negawatt in the promotion of sustainability and the development of a green ecosystem. ESG stands as a cornerstone of future business growth. Through this collaboration, we will leverage our competitive edge to propel carbon reduction efforts and spur public adoption of sustainable practices. Cornerstone Technologies is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge EV charging solutions and driving green transportation. Our alliance with Zurich and Negawatt will serve as a catalyst to engage the community in carbon reduction efforts and reward their eco-friendly contributions. We aim to establish Hong Kong's premier ESG rewards platform through the ZERO2 app, incentivizing green commuting for a low-carbon future. This venture represents not only commercial success but also our profound commitment to society and the environment."

Looking ahead, Zurich will continue to work with Negawatt and Cornerstone Technologies to raise environmental awareness, promote sustainability, and create a brighter future.

About Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong)

Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong) is part of the Zurich Insurance Group, with its presence in Hong Kong dating back to 1961. Since then, Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong) has been dedicated to serving the Hong Kong community with a full range of flexible investment, life insurance and general insurance solutions for individuals, as well as commercial and corporate customers — attending to their insurance, protection and investment needs. Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong) is currently top five in the general insurance market¹ and ranks fifth in the city's ILAS market². Please visit www.zurich.com.hk for more information of Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong).

¹ Annual statistics of the Insurance Authority on Hong Kong General Business from January to December 2021, based on gross premium.

² Annual statistics of the Insurance Authority on Hong Kong long term insurance business from January to December 2021, based on the number of policies and premiums of in-force business of investment-linked life insurance.    

About Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich)

Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) is a leading multi-line insurer serving people and businesses in more than 200 countries and territories. Founded 150 years ago, Zurich is transforming insurance. In addition to providing insurance protection, Zurich is increasingly offering prevention services such as those that promote wellbeing and enhance climate resilience.

Reflecting its purpose to 'create a brighter future together', Zurich aspires to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses in the world. It is targeting net-zero emissions by 2050 and has the highest-possible ESG rating from MSCI. In 2020, Zurich launched the Zurich Forest project to support reforestation and biodiversity restoration in Brazil.

The Group has about 60,000 employees and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. Zurich Insurance Group Ltd (ZURN), is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and has a level I American Depositary Receipt (ZURVY) program, which is traded over-the-counter on OTCQX. Further information is available at www.zurich.com.

About Negawatt Utility Limited

Negawatt, an AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) start-up focused on ESG and Smart Living & Smart City solutions, is driving the digital transformation of property owners and building occupants with technology. In 2023, the company expanded its sustainable development efforts by launching the B2B2C ESG gamified application, ZERO2. ZERO2 offers businesses a comprehensive solution to digitize and track their employees' and stakeholders' ESG performance.

The app enables corporate clients to design customized ESG tasks, quantify carbon reduction behaviours, and effectively achieve their ESG goals. Regular data and reports help companies demonstrate their impact and track progress. Moreover, ZERO2 fosters stronger internal employee relations, enhancing corporate cohesion and contributing to a sustainable economy. Beyond corporate users, the app encourages individual participation in sustainable practices through merchant discounts and rewards, aiding in the reduction of carbon emissions and addressing the global climate crisis.

About Cornerstone Technologies

Cornerstone Technologies (Stock Code: 08391), a leading electric vehicle (EV) charging service provider in Hong Kong, is dedicated to promoting sustainable transportation and green living. We offer a range of tailored charging solutions for various EV users and stakeholders.

Our Cornerstone HOME solution is designed for household users, ensuring convenient, hassle-free daily charging. Cornerstone GO focuses on the public charging network, providing instant charging services for users on the go, anytime and anywhere. In addition, we offer customized solutions for companies through our Cornerstone Business program, helping commercial fleets make the transition to a greener future and promote sustainable development.

Committed to innovation and continuous improvement, we strive towards a low-carbon future and actively engage in ESG projects. By working with communities, we aim to build a green ecosystem and make meaningful contributions to both society and the environment.

source: Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong)