Aviva research: 35% of brokers have net zero plan or are developing one

The proportion of brokers taking steps on their journey to become more sustainable has doubled in just two yearsFour out of five brokers want to make their own, and their clients’, businesses more sustainableHowever, two thirds of brokers (65%) are yet to develop or implement a plan towards achieving net zero emissions, despite clients asking for advice on climate-related issuesCost is the main inhibitor for 53% of brokers without a plan to transition to net zeroAviva’s Sustainable Business Coach helps brokers understand their net zero challenges in more detail, providing them with actionable sustainability advice and guidance

One in three brokers (35%) have a plan to achieve net zero emissions, and/or are already implementing one, up from 27% in 2023 and 17% in 2022, according to Aviva’s latest Broker Barometer research. The proportion of brokers who have taken steps on their journey to net zero has doubled in just two years, showing the positive strides brokers are making to becoming more sustainable. Only 5% of brokers have taken no action to date.

Net zero plans remain a priority despite challenges

Aviva’s Broker Barometer finds there remains a clear desire from brokers to help organisations take steps towards achieving net zero, with (78%) of brokers wanting to make theirs and their client’s businesses more sustainable. However, this figure has fallen since 2023, when nearly all brokers (97%) said this, with respondents now citing a number of hurdles to implementing net zero plans, including costs, accessible resources, business priorities and adaptability measures.

There is more engagement in other areas. Brokers say that over a third (37%) of clients ask for advice on the impact of climate-related events on their business, up from 26% last year, and 38% are looking for support with reducing their carbon footprint and environmental impact – also up from 26% last year.

While cost is cited as the primary reason for brokers not having taken action to achieve net zero emissions, other reasons referenced include that they are too small for net zero to be an issue (40%), transitioning to net zero is not a strategic objective (33%) and not having the necessary resources (13%). Despite these challenges, brokers without an active net zero plan can find plenty of practical initiatives and training to support the uptake and implementation of their respective sustainable business goals.

Aviva’s Sustainable Business Coach

When asked what support would be helpful to brokers in starting or accelerating their sustainability journey, 42% of brokers said help setting the direction, ambition and strategy for their transition to net zero.

Aviva’s Sustainable Business Coach is designed to help brokers get climate-ready and discover the impact their business has on the environment and wider society. The free and easy-to-use tool aims to support brokers in building a more resilient business, helping them become more efficient – resulting in potential cost savings – while measuring their improvement over time.

Created with brokers, for brokers, the Sustainable Business Coach will also help them to set sustainability goals and benchmark their progress towards net zero, as well as providing the opportunity to increase their knowledge and understanding with free learning modules.

Brokers also said carbon calculators (37%), additional funding (37%), education (33%) and accreditation (31%) would help support them in their journey to net zero. Such support would help brokers feel confident in their endeavour to lead by example when advising clients.

Ten most popular actions brokers have taken to reduce their impact on the environment:

More to do

Despite the positive momentum shown by brokers, two thirds (65%) are yet to develop or implement a plan towards achieving net zero emissions. Over half of insurance brokers (53%) without a net zero plan cite costs as the primary inhibitor to achieving their net-zero business goals.

Simon Burckitt, Sustainability Lead, Aviva, commented: “The challenge of achieving net zero emissions for brokers can feel overwhelming. For many the task feels big, and the associated costs a burden.

“However, expectations and behaviours are changing. Our research shows a shift in demand from broker’s clients asking for support and guidance on making their businesses more sustainable. In addition, we’ve seen an uptick in the number of brokers implementing plans to achieve net zero. We want to help brokers meet this demand, leading by example and ensuring that they and their client’s businesses transition to net zero smoothly, providing them with the necessary tools and support. Although costs and adaptability measures continue to challenge many businesses, we can help brokers and their clients find their own path to a net zero business plan that works for them.

“We want to support brokers in becoming more sustainable in their effort to get climate-ready. Aviva’s Sustainable Business Coach is one of those tools providing brokers with the ability to benchmark their progress. Not only does this help them to create a long-term plan, but it also ensures that they remain a confident and reliable partner to clients whose needs are constantly evolving in this space.”

Authored by Aviva