Sustainability Report 2025: Carbon footprint of investments falls by 23 percent as German insurers advance sustainability goals

"In our investment portfolios, the carbon footprint fell by 23 percent in 2024 to 47 tonnes per €1 million invested – a decline of 27 percent since 2021," says GDV CEO Jörg Asmussen. The industry is also making progress in its own business operations and insurance activities. "As risk carriers and investors, we take responsibility and remain committed to this strategic course even in the face of headwinds. This is the only way to safeguard both competitiveness and long-term viability." 

The report shows that sustainability remains embedded in insurers' business strategies despite economic and geopolitical challenges. More than 90 percent of insurers have set net zero targets for their investment portfolios, and nearly half have developed transition plans to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. 

Progress in investments and operations 

Insurers continue to reduce emissions associated with their investments. Sustainable investments increased to €184 billion in 2024, compared to €163 billion in the previous year, and almost all insurers plan to further expand their sustainable investment activities in the coming years. 

Sustainability considerations are becoming a standard feature for property and casualty insurers. Energy-efficient buildings, the energy transition, and sustainable mobility remain key priorities. 

Ninety percent of responding insurers now consider sustainability in their claims processes. Climate-resilient repairs are becoming more common, while 62 percent promote the use of recycled or reused parts in repairs.  

Strengthening climate resilience 

As extreme weather events become more frequent, insurers continue to focus on prevention and climate adaptation. In 2024, natural catastrophes caused €5.6 billion in insured losses in Germany. 

At the same time, insurance coverage against natural catastrophes continues to grow. In 2024, 57 percent of residential buildings in Germany were insured against risks such as floods, up from 45 percent in 2019. 

The GDV believes that effective climate protection and adaptation require both private-sector commitment and public-sector support through appropriate policies. Stable and efficient regulatory conditions are essential for mobilising investment and ensuring that sustainability and competitiveness go hand in hand. 

The Sustainability Report 2025 shows that German insurers continue to deliver on their commitments while helping to finance the transition to a more sustainable and climate-resilient economy.