Horace Mann recognizes that natural resources are limited and is committed to protecting the environment through the implementation of sustainability best practices. We acknowledge our relatively modest environmental footprint as an insurance and financial services company – but we also understand the importance of taking responsibility for doing our part to contribute to a larger environmental benefit.
Our approach to environmental stewardship
As environmental stewards, it is our responsibility to maintain and communicate comprehensive policies, programs, procedures and guidelines to govern business activities and guide employees on matters that affect the environment, while closely monitoring and addressing environmental risks that may arise. We look for ways to enhance our transparency through routine systems for measuring, monitoring and reporting our environmental performance, including:
- Monitoring waste reduction. We track various waste metrics, such as usage of water, paper and energy, as well as carbon emissions. The data tells us which areas of our operations need improvement and subsequently allows us to set reduction targets for each type of waste.
- Reviewing legal requirements. We comply with all environmental laws that apply to our facilities and industry. We annually review Horace Mann’s environmental goals and any changes to environmental policy that may affect our operations.
- Looking for energy efficiencies. We conduct ongoing facility evaluations to identify and reduce energy inefficiencies. Horace Mann’s environmentally friendly practices include recycling programs and utilization of Energy Star-certified appliances and LED light fixtures.
A commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions
In 2023, we updated our Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon emissions data to include leased properties — as clarified by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard – and continued our efforts to decrease emissions to achieve our long-term objectives. On this basis, we have met our initial emissions reduction target in advance of our 2030 deadline with 2023 emissions 55% below our base year of 2019. In 2023, Horace Mann also aligned its ESG and financial reporting disclosures with the standards of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) to further our understanding of our climate impacts and manage our climate risks.
Our carbon-reduction initiative began in 2019 at our headquarters facility, which included installing a new, more efficient HVAC system; adding LED lighting and lighting motion sensors; and replacing single-pane windows at our 230,000-foot facility with double-pane insulated glass.
In addition, Horace Mann invested in renewable energy by installing more than 500 solar panels at its headquarters location in 2021. Since 2022, renewable solar energy has accounted for roughly 10% of total energy usage, a number we expect to increase as we continue to fully realize the impact of our energy efficiency initiatives.
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2019
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2020
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2021
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2022
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2023
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Scope 1 emissions(1)
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1,740.77 tCO2e
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1,309.39 tCO2e
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1,100.63 tCO2e
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757.25 tCO2e
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540.13 tCO2e
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Scope 2 emissions(2)
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6,651.90 tCO2e
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4,997.70 tCO2e
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4,643.90 tCO2e
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3,265.17 tCO2e
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3,266.60 tCO2e
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Carbon emissions measured from owned and operated Springfield, Ill., headquarters location
Waste reduction measures
We also made strides in reducing waste at our Springfield, Ill. headquarters location:
- Reduced water usage: Water consumption at our Springfield headquarters location in 2023 was 32% below 2020, although it has risen from an artificially low level during the pandemic as employees return to the office with greater frequency. We continue to focus on conservation initiatives, such as improving grounds irrigation and updated plumbing as well as fostering a culture of conservation within our office.
- Lowered waste sent to landfills: Horace Mann recycled more than 50% of its waste in 2022 and 2023. We recycle paper, plastic, metal, cardboard, personal computers, monitors, servers, hard drives, printers and printer cartridges.
- Supporting EVs: We have eight EV charging stations at our Springfield headquarters to recharge employee-owned EVs.
(1) GHG emissions calculations include for CO2, CH4, and N2O. Biogenic gases are not applicable to Horace Mann’s GHG inventory. The base year for our calculations is 2019, which was selected because it was prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and the changes in energy use that occurred with it. The GHG Protocol and EPA were utilized to derive emissions factors and global warming potential. We employed the operational control approach when consolidating our emissions and used the GHG Protocol calculation tool when calculating our emissions.
(2) GHG emissions calculations include for CO2, CH4, and N2O. The base year for our calculations is 2019, which was selected because it was prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and the changes in energy use that occurred with it. The GHG Protocol and EPA were utilized to derive emissions factors and global warming potential. We employed the operational control approach when consolidating our emissions and used the GHG Protocol calculation tool when calculating our emissions.