Creating a healthier planet
We are committed to reaching Net Zero across all scopes by 2050 or earlier, and we have published our Group Net-zero Transition Plan which demonstrates our targets for decarbonisation and engagement.
We have reduced our direct footprint by 70% since 2019, and commit to maintaining carbon neutrality for our UK operations, by offsetting our residual emissions.
For our wider supply chain, we are working with partners to set milestone reduction targets aligned to the Science-Based Targets initiative, ensuring our goals match the latest climate science.
Our transition plan details the steps we will take to reduce emissions, engage suppliers and drive meaningful change across the insurance value chain.
Find out more in our Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures Report (TCFD) report and Discovery Group Net-zero Transition Plan.
What does it all mean?
Direct Carbon footprint
The total amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (scope 1 and 2) caused by an individual, organisation, service or product.
Indirect carbon footprint
The total amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (scope 3) caused by the organisation’s supply chain.
Carbon neutral
An activity is carbon neutral if all the residual emissions (following a carbon reduction plan) have been offset via high integrity carbon credits.
Net zero
Cutting greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90% - compared to a baseline measurement - with any remaining remissions removed from the atmosphere, via nature-based or technology-based solutions.
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) - Gases in the earth’s atmosphere that trap heat. Well known GHGs include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane or sulphur dioxide
Minimising our impact
We’re working to reduce the impact we have on the environment.
We are cutting emissions across our business, from the buildings we operate in, to the vehicles we use and the energy we source.
Key actions include:
- Converting our nurse fleet to hybrid vehicles, with a gradual shift to electric
- Switching all Vitality offices to 100% renewable electricity
- Reducing our office space by 15%
- Achieving a 2-star Fitwel accreditation in London and Bournemouth, aiming for 3 stars in our new Stockport office to support healthier, more sustainable workplaces
- Completing energy audits to identify further savings
- Measuring our UK office waste and collaborating with partners to work towards zero waste-to-landfill
Explore our progress in the Discovery Net-zero Transition Plan 2025.
We are committed to transparent reporting and welcome guidance and regulation that support best practice across the market.
Our policies reflect the risks associated with climate change. We regularly review and enhance our approach to ensure continuous improvement across our operations, policies and disclosures.
Find out more by reading our:
We support the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) through our parent company, Discovery, a signatory committed to advancing sustainable finance.
We integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into our investment decisions in line with our Group Responsible Investment Policy.
Our portfolios are managed by asset managers who apply responsible investment practices, including ESG monitoring and screening.
We have also taken steps to reduce the carbon intensity of our bond portfolio and continue to explore opportunities for impact and sustainable investing.
We are committed to transparency and accountability. You can explore our approach and progress in our Climate-related Financial Disclosures Report, and our Group Sustainability report.
We have multiple initiatives for our employees to help them live greener lives.
Electric Vehicle leasing scheme, which enables Vitality employees to lease an electric or hybrid vehicle at a reduced cost through a salary sacrifice arrangement.
Access to an eco-platform which enables employees to review their personal carbon footprint, as well as discover ways to reduce their carbon impact. We run focused campaigns every year encouraging employees to track actions in the eco-platform.
Car-pooling scheme access for Bournemouth and Stockport employees, to encourage lift sharing and reduce emissions from commuting to the office.
Our Green champions across the business regularly share their sustainability stories through our internal communications channels.
Working with our supply chain
Being a Force for Good, an exceptional partner and a good corporate citizen are key values at Vitality. We’re collaborating with our suppliers and partners to help reduce our collective carbon footprint.
What this means for our suppliers and partners
- We continuously review our suppliers' and partners' approach to managing environmental and social issues
- We use a supplier management framework to dictate governance levels, which can include service reviews and strategy/innovation sessions
- We have a Supplier code of conduct that outlines our sustainability expectations in areas focusing on social issues and the environment, such as Diversity and Equality, Child Labour, and Financial Crime
- We have a Sustainability award at our annual Supplier awards, to recognise the actions our suppliers and partners are taking to decarbonise
- We ask for responses to a variety of ESG questions, through our supplier risk questionnaires before working with a supplier. This lets us make sure we work with suppliers who share our values
Driving more sustainable choices
Rewarding Healthy and Sustainable Choices
The Vitality Programme doesn’t just incentivise healthier lifestyles – it’s also evolving to support more sustainable choices. Through our growing network of partners, we’re helping members make everyday decisions that are better for their health and the planet.
Here are just a few ways we’re doing it:
- Members are rewarded with a stamp when they bring a reusable cup when redeeming their Vitality hot drink at Caffè Nero, helping reduce single use waste and support more sustainable daily habits.2
- Our partner itsu is focused on reducing food waste and ensuring their packaging is sustainable.3
- Through musicMagpie our members can resell their old Apple Watch when ordering a new one, promoting a more circular economy. (Selected tech trade-ins, up to a maximum of £30. Excludes mobile phones).4
- Mindful Chef, a certified B Corp1 offers recipe boxes with ethically sourced ingredients.5
- Members booking through Mr & Mrs Smith can choose certified B Corp1 hotels with strong sustainability credentials.6
We’re always looking for new ways to support sustainable living. Stay tuned for more partner updates - or explore the Vitality Programme.
