Dear $subscriber.firstname $subscriber.lastname

This edition of the Risk Dialogue Magazine features articles on the human benefits of biophilic design; designing our energy future; green buildings and energy performance; and zero waste manufacturing. The articles have been written by speakers at a number of events in the broad topic area of sustainability, held at the Centre earlier this year.

Sustainability is a key theme for re/insurers. Much of the technology and materials being employed in the current wave of green investment have relatively little track record. However, Swiss Re believes uncertainties of green technologies can be overcome; and that not investing in such technologies, as emphasised in the article by Ralph Sims, ultimately represents a much larger risk.

I hope you enjoy the attached selection of articles.

With kind regards
Annabelle Hett
Head Swiss Re Centre for Global Dialogue

Integrating biophilic design into the built environment

Acclaimed architect Rick Cook et al discuss how the concept of incorporating natural features into buildings can substantially improve the well being of the building’s users Read more »

The green world of tomorrow – the transition of the energy sector

Nobel laureate Professor Ralph Sims presents two views of our energy future, one based on conventional technologies, the other what can be achieved with the adoption of localised, multi-layered solutions Read more »

Green buildings – the foundations to building our future?

Jonas Debatin examines how the building sector is contributing to a reduction in green house gases. Buildings will no longer be static shelters, but a series of performance systems designed to regulate heat, energy and water consumption, ultimately as part of a larger smart grid solution Read more »

RETURNITY® – the fabric of many lives

Reinhard Backhausen, CEO of Backhausen Interior Textiles, explains why and how his company has adopted cradle-to-cradle principles to ensure far greater sustainability within the production process Read more »