Groundwork Hudson Valley named Swiss Re’s 2022 Charity of the Year
Groundwork Hudson Valley named Swiss Re’s 2022 Charity of the Year
Yonkers, NY, May 13th, 2022 — Groundwork Hudson Valley has been named Swiss Re Armonk’s Charity of the Year for the second year in a row. The Armonk-based reinsurance company is a global leader focusing on the risks of climate change and natural catastrophes, and the role of re-insurance to strengthen climate-resilience and advance the transition to a low-carbon future.
Brigitte Griswold, Groundwork’s Executive Director said, “We are so honored that Swiss Re has chosen to support our vision of creating sustainable environmental change in urban neighborhoods. Our work to address the risks of climate change on our most vulnerable populations in Yonkers is truly strengthened by this recognition from a global leader on the frontlines of innovative climate change solutions.”
As a founding member of the UN-convened Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance, Swiss Re has committed to transition its investment portfolio to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Swiss Re announced concrete targets for how to achieve this:
- Setting a 2025 carbon intensity reduction target of 35% for its corporate bond and listed equity portfolio
- Exiting coal-based assets in their portfolio by 2030.
- Systemically engaging with portfolio companies to develop climate strategies as part of a broader engagement framework.
- Increasing investments in renewable and social infrastructure by $750 million and setting an expansion target for their green, social, and sustainability bond exposure to $4 billion by the end of 2024.
“Our company’s mission is to make the world more resilient,” said Jonathan Isherwood, Swiss Re Americas CEO. “Things like improving sustainability don’t happen in isolation and depend on local, national and global efforts. This is why we’re pleased to be able to support the work Groundwork has undertaken to map and measure the impacts of climate change on the local community and on environmental, economic and social issues – all of which help contribute an important local perspective to a critical global issue.”
Groundwork Hudson Valley has been working in Southwest Yonkers and in the Saw Mill River Watershed for over 20 years. In addition to their Climate Resilience Program, they are a leader in sustainability education and youth leadership. The Science Barge is a destination for school groups around the region to supplement the science offerings of local schools. It is also a popular local resource for individuals and families to learn about sustainable lifestyles. The award-winning Green Team provides paid conservation jobs for Yonkers Public High School students who are interested in exploring higher education and careers in environmental fields.
As part of this partnership, Swiss Re will donate $54,000, along with support and encouragement for employee volunteer hours to help Groundwork Hudson Valley’s climate resilience work.
Media Contact
Candida Rodriguez
candida@groundworkhv.org
914-375-2151
About Groundwork Hudson Valley – Groundwork Hudson Valley is an environmental justice non-profit that works with communities to improve climate resilience and adaptation, promote sustainability education, and nurture the next generation of environmental leaders. For more information visit groundworkhv.org.