GVB – Embedding Sustainability Strategically
Gebäudeversicherung Bern (GVB) is a public-law insurance provider that protects buildings in the Canton of Bern against natural hazards and fire damage. In addition to its insurance business, GVB and its more than 280 employees are particularly active in prevention, intervention and risk management relating to natural hazards.
Starting Point: From Individual Measures to Strategic Integration
GVB had already implemented numerous individual measures across various areas of sustainability and addressed climate-related issues as part of its «Climate Strategy 20+». However, there had not yet been an overarching consolidation and integration of the various sustainability topics. To ensure that regulatory requirements can continue to be met and that key sustainability topics are addressed effectively, the need emerged to strategically embed and systematically further develop GVB’s sustainability engagement. The objective was to develop a sustainability strategy for the 2026–2029 strategy period in order to systematically integrate sustainability into the company-wide strategic framework and, in particular, to place a stronger focus on environmental issues.
Approach: Taking a Holistic View of Sustainability
Swiss Climate supported GVB in developing its sustainability strategy through a structured, multi-stage process. The process began with a comprehensive assessment of the current situation and the identification of relevant stakeholders. Based on this, a double materiality assessment was conducted to prioritise the sustainability topics that are particularly relevant to GVB from both a strategic and an impact perspective. In joint workshops, these topics were further specified and translated into overarching strategic directions, objectives, KPIs and measures. In addition, Swiss Climate supported GVB in integrating sustainability into its vision and mission, as well as in establishing clear governance and accountability structures to ensure effective implementation.
Outcome: Clear Direction for the Years Ahead
With its 2026–2029 Sustainability Strategy, GVB now has a clearly structured and company-wide aligned framework for systematically managing and further developing its sustainability engagement. The strategy is aligned with GVB’s regulatory requirements, business model and key stakeholders, providing clear direction for the years ahead.
Specifically, GVB benefits from:
- a clearly structured sustainability strategy with prioritised environmental, social and economic topics;
- defined objectives, KPIs and measures that enable systematic management and effective monitoring;
- clearly defined governance and accountability structures that support the integration and implementation of the strategy in day-to-day operations.
The Sustainability Strategy thus provides the foundation for transparency, commitment and the continuous development of GVB’s sustainability engagement.
«Working with Swiss Climate enabled us to structure and strategically embed our existing sustainability engagement in a holistic way for the first time. We particularly valued the practical approach and the clear translation of analytical findings into actionable objectives and measures.»
Sandra Hostettler, Head of Partnerships & Sustainability at Gebäudeversicherung Bern
