To support our ambition in sustainable underwriting, we have developed guidelines that encompass, for example:

• excluding standalone direct insurance and facultative reinsurance coverage for new dedicated thermal coal mining infrastructure (e.g., ports, washing and handling facilities) projects, and excluding any new business in respect of standalone thermal coal mines and standalone unabated coal-fired power plants (effective 1 September 2023)
• excluding Appalachian Mountain top removal operations
• phasing out standalone direct insurance and facultative reinsurance coverage for thermal coal mines and unabated coal-fired power plants by 2030 in OECD countries and by 2040 for the rest of the world
• effective 1 September 2023, SCOR will not provide any new (or increase its commitments on existing) standalone direct insurance and facultative reinsurance coverage in respect of oil sands operations (both extraction and upgraders).Exceptions may be made for direct insurance and facultative reinsurance coverage for insureds with a verified strategy that is aligned with a credible Net-zero by 2050 transition plan and will be based on the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), once available, or comparable third-party issued science-based target setting guidance for the upstream oil and gas sector
• Standalone coverage for oil and gas exploration, production or related dedicated infrastructure projects in the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) Region, with the exception of the Norwegian Arctic Region. Note that the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is fully included in the AMAP mentioned above
• excluding standalone direct insurance and facultative reinsurance coverage for new greenfield: oil field development projects and gas field development projects (effective 1 September 2023). Exceptions may be made for specific, standalone direct insurance and facultative reinsurance coverage for insureds with a verified strategy that is aligned with a credible Net-zero by 2050 transition plan and will be based on the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), once available, or comparable third-party issued science-based target setting guidance for the upstream oil and gas sector
• incorporating ESG performance criteria in the insurance and facultative reinsurance underwriting of mining and power generation
• assessing and disclosing the climate alignment of our hull and machinery marine portfolios and benchmarking them against two trajectories linked to a 50% reduction of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 compared to 2008 and a 100% reduction of emissions by 2050 (in line with the Poseidon Principles for Marine Insurance)
• excluding insurance and facultative reinsurance coverage for the tobacco industry
• aligning with the UNESCO, Principles for Sustainable Insurance and World Wildlife Fund initiative to protect World Heritage Sites 
• Multiplying insurance and facultative reinsurance coverage for low carbon energy by 3.5 by 2030. This measure complements the ambition previously announced at the 2022 General Assembly of doubling such coverage by 2025
• Engaging with clients representing at least 30% of SCOR Specialty Insurance Single Risk premium regarding their ESG commitments and their transition strategy, over the course of the new strategic plan

The guidelines also address the management of activities presenting ethical issues in the areas of health (e.g. opioids, animal testing), the environment (e.g. palm oil, dam construction) and human rights (e.g. forced labor).

Promoting Solutions

As illustrated by the orientations set out in our "Quantum Leap" strategic plan, exclusion is not the only way in which SCOR takes action on social and environmental issues:

In the field of P&C reinsurance, we capitalize on our expertise in analysis, modeling and risk transfer to support climate change mitigation, adaptation and the energy transition. 

We have strengthened the Group’s renewable energy underwriting capabilities, identifying strategic markets for development. And we are working in partnership with governments and global development institutions worldwide – such as the United Nations Development Program, the World Food Program and the the World Bank – to promote climate change adaptation. For example, parametric insurance schemes developed in partnership with development finance institutions provide financial protection for post-event reconstruction. 

SCOR has also developed strong expertise in underwriting Environmental Impairment Liability (EIL) insurance through our Lloyd’s syndicate. SCOR Syndicate’s proprietary rating tool, made up of 16 environmental indicators, helps underwriters assess companies seeking EIL coverage. By offering reduced premiums to companies with good ratings, this incentivizes better risk management. It also provides capital to help restore the environment when it has been damaged by an insured’s activities. 

In Life reinsurance, biometric risks and realities - such as mortality, longevity, disability and long-term care - are at the heart of underwriting. One of the objectives of the “Quantum Leap” strategic plan is to develop digital solutions for an easier and faster purchasing experience, with better value for the consumer. In doing so, we aim to reduce the protection gap.

SCOR is leveraging multiple partnerships with academics, research institutions and innovative companies to provide inclusive insurance, promote healthier lifestyles, and make the insurance buying process easier and faster. This translates into tailored-made solutions for SCOR Global Life’s clients, including, for example:

• mortality cover for cancer survivors
• a digital offering for people with type-II diabetes
• a pricing tool for women who have recovered from breast cancer
• insurance for congenital diseases such as Down’s syndrome
• optimized patient pathways in chronic diseases.
   

Creating Value From Risks

To support our value creation objectives while addressing sustainability concerns, we also invest in selected loans, in particular in certified infrastructure projects. Wind farms, reforestation, solar panels and green infrastructure for sustainable transportation are just a few examples.