Unfortunately, a lot of companies talk the talk without walking the walk when it comes to their climate commitments. So, we thought we’d outline what we do to positively contribute to the planet. That way, you can see that when Arma Karma talk about taking action – we really mean it. Arma Karma was founded with the intention of making insurance a little bit nicer, to people and the planet. Hey, it’s even in our name- with the ‘Karma’ in Arma Karma representing our mission to do good.

Here at Arma Karma, we positively contribute to the environment in four key ways:

1. Our carbon offsetting scheme

We are a climate positive workforce, and have been so since Arma Karma was founded. With our partners Ecologi, we assess our company’s carbon footprint, and then commit to planting enough trees to offset that negative effect. To date, we have 737 trees in what we like to call the ‘Karmadillo forest’, with the majority of our trees growing in Madagascar.

These mangrove trees have a dual positive effect on the planet: whilst also offsetting carbon, these super trees’ thick roots serve as natural buffers against storm surges, which are increasing in frequency due to climate change.

2. Our transparency and accountability through B-Corp

Certified B-Corporation, known as ‘Fairtrade for Business’, is essential for us as a business to track and monitor our impact on the globe, so we can continually strive for better. Accountability has never been more important, and to know where you need to go, you need to understand where you are, and where you’ve been.

Whilst we are not fully B-Corp certified yet, due to our status as a start-up, we are currently a “B-Corp Pending”, and well on our way to being fully accredited. Nevertheless, we hold ourselves to the same standards.

As per the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence, we believe:

  • “That we must be the change we seek in the world.
  • That all business ought to be conducted as if people and place mattered.
  • That, through their products, practices, and profits, businesses should aspire to do no harm and benefit all.
  • To do so requires that we act with the understanding that we are each dependent upon another and thus responsible for each other and future generations.”

3. Protection of the Earth and the people on it with our charity partners

Our four charity partners are instrumental in helping us contribute to some of the most important causes in the world. From an environmental perspective, our partner Rainforest Trust UK have done immeasurable work in saving the rainforests, the most important carbon sinks in our ecosystem.

So far, Rainforest Trust UK have protected over 37 million acres of forest, ensuring habitats of endangered animals, homes of indigenous communities and the lungs of the Earth are safe and well.

However, planet protection does not just mean protecting the environment, but also helping people. Shelterbox are vital in helping provide communities vulnerable to climate disasters rebuild and keep safe. The recent earthquake in Haiti has been their core focus recently, providing essential items to thousands of people feeling the very real effects of the climate crisis.

Let’s not forget our other charity partners, Railway Children and YoungMinds, who provide crucial support to vulnerable communities. By keeping at-risk children safe from exploitation, and safeguarding young peoples’ mental health, we can ensure the next generation can benefit from the positive climate choices we make today.

4. Eco-consciousness at the Arma Karma office

We don’t just go for green on a macro scale, but closer to home too. We chose our base, the Innovation Centre in Colchester, specifically because it matched up to our ethos, and used innovative (naturally) ways to save energy.

The building meets the highest possible for energy efficiency, with the Centre constantly searching for ways to improve its environmental performance even further. Through using solar panels, stringent recycling procedures and even pioneering ways to reduce water consumption, we can go to work with peace of mind, knowing our operations do not harm the environment around us.

Of course, the road to halting climate change may feel uncertain and difficult, but as long as every person and every business tries as hard as they can, we can make a healthier planet a reality much sooner. For some more information on our amazing charity partners, check out our Karma page, and to watch our Karmadillo forest grow, head to the Ecologi website!