With the UK targeting net zero by 2050, brokers have a vital role to play in helping clients adopt sustainable practices and differentiate on carbon-conscious service. In 2024, territorial emissions were estimated by GOV.UK to be at 371 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.
Peter Wassell (pictured), technical director at Sedgwick, argued that brokers are facing increasing pressure from customers on their carbon footprint: “Their customers are talking to them, and they're feeding back to us about things like, how can we help lower their emissions? How can we make repairs greener?”
Wassell noted that sustainability also involves prevention: “How can we do something when we're dealing with a claim that's going to prevent emissions from future losses… getting involved in ‘build back better’ [is one], but also the whole approach to claims, which is all about the how, when, and what.”
When it comes to choosing sustainable repair options, Wassell believes brokers can help ensure the customer is getting a policy which has green clauses, and also be influential in finding out who is going to deal with the loss when it arises.
Wassell argued that there are different ways to approach repairs: “If you depart from the traditional way of doing repairs, you can get different results.” He noted that this had already been achieved in regards to flooding. According to GOV.UK report, the Environment Agency’s adoption of low-carbon concrete for flood defences has already cut more than 1,600 tonnes of emissions on a single sea defence project.
The benefits of brokers supporting clients with low carbon repairs include:
He added that ‘build back better’ surveys which look at risks and installation mean that companies can operate quicker and reduce the impact of those events. He advises encouraging organisations to set a champion, noting that: “We need people in all organisations that can say they actually understand the issues.” Sustainable repair materials for example, could include carbon-absorbing paint. Wassell said: “The insulation is made from hemp, which is a naturally grown product. If we use those materials, we can then reduce the carbon of the repair.” However, he cautioned that such materials cost more, so brokers must also navigate the conversation around this.
Other sustainable low-carbon or carbon-reducing materials brokers can suggest to their green-conscious clients include:
• Recycled steel and metal — durable, reduces virgin material use
• Bamboo — fast-growing, renewable for flooring and panelling
• Reclaimed wood — reduces deforestation, adds character
• Low-VOC paints — improve indoor air quality
• Cork insulation — renewable, biodegradable, thermal
• Recycled glass tiles — eco-friendly flooring option
• Natural fibre insulation — sustainable synthetic alternatives
• Green concrete — uses industrial byproducts to lower carbon
• Solar reflective roofing — reduces heat absorption
• Water-based adhesives — fewer harmful chemicals
Wassell believes carbon zero should be the aim for organisations from the outset. Reduced carbon emissions have a positive economic effect. A 2024 Carbon Brief report explained: “The UK’s emissions are now 54% below 1990 levels, while GDP has grown by 84%.”
Benefits of carbon zero for clients include:
• Lower operational costs through efficiency
• Compliance with environmental regulations
• Improved brand reputation
• Appeal to eco-conscious consumers/investors
• Reduced climate risk exposure
• Eligibility for green financing/insurance
• Competitive advantage
• Stronger broker-client relationships based on shared ESG values
Wassell emphasised that brokers must act now with their clients and stop thinking short term: “We all tend to focus on short-term problems, don't we? And the issue with long-term problems is that they eventually arrive and become increasingly serious.” He believes that brokers “can be hugely influential” because they can “help to drive the insurer to change the way they do business. The insurer will then drive people like loss adjusters in the way they respond to claims.”
Areas where brokers can lead on sustainable repairs include:
