The AIA Group has launched "AIA CAN: An Eco-Office Movement" (AIA CAN) - a large-scale, multi-year programme that seeks to empower over 25,000 employees across 18 markets to adopt environmentally conscious mindsets, attitudes and behaviours to create more sustainable workplaces and a healthier planet.
AIA CAN is part of the group’s commitment to foster a culture of sustainable behaviours and aligns to the Sustainable Operations pillar of AIA’s ESG strategy to support its move towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
AIA CAN is created in partnership with leading sustainability consultancy, Sustainable Living Lab, and will enable business units to effectively implement sustainability workplace initiatives and inspire behavioural change across six key areas: waste management, energy usage, water usage, travel and transportation, sustainable procurement, and environmental wellness.
The six key areas have been selected following a thorough study of eight well-established global and national eco-office certifications, with the aim to help business units take the appropriate steps to achieving their respective eco-office certifications.
For example, AIA Thailand has rolled out a waste segregation programme by replacing all personal desk bins with communal recycling bins, while AIA Malaysia published an ESG Events Guidebook to promote responsible procurement and reduce the carbon footprint of events. AIA Philippines is promoting energy conservation by replacing lighting systems in common areas with LED fixtures and reducing the number of elevators and lights in operation during off-peak hours.
Business units that have embarked on sustainability initiatives have already seen visible impact. In 2023, AIA China was able to achieve an emission reduction of 440KG CO2e, as a direct result of employees choosing new energy buses for MICE events. In the Philippines, the upgrading of air conditioning system at AIA Alabang resulted in annual savings of PHP$14 million (US$338,000) in energy costs and significant water consumption reduction.