Company commended by the Carbon Disclosure Project for its professional approach to climate change disclosure
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., (NYSE: HIG), today announced that for the 2nd consecutive year it is featured in the Carbon Disclosure Project’s (CDP) “Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index.”
This index, a key component of CDP’s annual S&P 500 Report, highlights the constituent companies within the S&P 500 Index which have displayed the most professional approach to corporate governance in respect of climate change disclosure practices. Companies are scored on their climate change disclosure and high scores indicate good internal data management and understanding of climate change related issues affecting the company.
“We are honored to be recognized for the second consecutive year by the Carbon Disclosure Project,” said Alan Kreczko, executive vice president and general counsel of The Hartford. “As The Hartford prepares to enter its third century, we remain committed to evaluating the risks and opportunities presented by climate change, assessing the company's current approach, and developing even more efficient strategies for the future.”
The index, compiled by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) on behalf of CDP provides an evaluation tool for institutional investors. It comprises 50 constituents of the S&P 500 Index based on analysis of the responses to CDP’s 2009 Questionnaire which focused on greenhouse gas emissions, emissions reduction targets and risks and opportunities associated with climate change.
Paul Dickinson, Chief Executive of the Carbon Disclosure Project, commented, “Companies recognized in the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index are rewarded for high quality responses to CDP, which demonstrate a good understanding of how climate change is and will continue to impact their business. Companies which control their risks today, manage their emissions and seize the opportunities to produce low carbon goods and services, will be the best placed to prosper in a low carbon economy of the future. ”
As an insurer, investor, employer, property owner and responsible corporate citizen, The Hartford is committed to understanding, managing and mitigating the risks associated with global climate change. For more information on The Hartford’s commitment to social responsibility, download The Hartford’s 2008 Corporate Sustainability Report at http://www.thehartford.com/higfiles/pdf/Sustainability_Report.pdf.
The S&P 500 Report including names of companies featured in the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index can be found at www.cdproject.net.
About The Hartford
Celebrating nearly 200 years, The Hartford (NYSE: HIG) is an insurance-based financial services company that serves households, businesses and employees by helping to protect their assets and income from risks, and by managing wealth and retirement needs. A Fortune 500 company, The Hartford is recognized widely for its service expertise and as one of the world’s most ethical companies. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at www.thehartford.com.
About CDP
The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is an independent not-for-profit organisation holding the largest database of corporate climate change information in the world. CDP gathers data through its annual Information Requests on behalf of institutional investors, purchasing organisations and government bodies. Since its formation in 2000, CDP has become the gold standard for carbon disclosure methodology and process, providing essential climate change data to the global market place.
Investor CDP represents some 475 institutional investors, with combined assets under management in excess of $55 trillion. CDP also works with private and public sector organizations to facilitate the collection of climate change data from their supply chains, as well as with local government to drive emissions reduction and sustainable development in key cities around the world. More than 2,500 major corporations around the globe report their greenhouse gas emissions and the risks and opportunities posed by climate change through CDP.
The Carbon Disclosure Project is a Registered Charity (no. 1122330). In the United States, CDP’s sponsor liaison is Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, which provides CDP with 501(c)3 charitable status.
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Some of the statements in this release may be considered forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution investors that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially. Investors should consider the important risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ. These important risks and uncertainties include those discussed in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no obligation to update this release, which speaks as of the date issued.
Contacts:
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.
Heather Lodini,
860-547-3301
Heather.Lodini@TheHartford.com
