Our concern for those impacted by global climate change leads us naturally to sustainability. We recognize that, as a company, we can make choices that are good for our business and our planet.
In 2009, our multifaceted approach to addressing global climate change was recognized with a Climate Change Leadership Award from the state of Connecticut. In 2009, during a three-year project to renovate much of our home office complex, we installed approximately 1,000 solar panels on our Atrium building, generating an estimated 237,789 kilowatt hours of power each year. We installed a “green” roof of plantings over one wing to help improve air quality. And, the renovations included construction of a new energy-efficient kitchen and a cafeteria featuring reduced use of throw-away packaging.
Aetna is seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Silver certification for the Atrium building, a distinction that was earned in early 2009 for the Aetna Customer Center in Hartford.
Aetna continues to have a robust program in place to reduce our carbon footprint through the use of energy-saving design and technology; and through the recycling of paper, cardboard, fluorescent lightbulbs, glass, and plastic bottles. Perhaps most impressive of all, Aetna’s teleworking initiative continues to prevent more than 79 million miles of driving each year, which saves more than 3.3 million gallons of gas and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by more than 29,000 metric tons per year.
