Data-Powered Automotive Sustainability for the Eco-Conscious Customer

Forty years ago, sustainability wasn’t even on the radar for most businesses. When the concept first started gaining traction in 1987 after the publication of The Brundtland Report and in the years to follow, sustainability was often seen as a nice-to-have, idealistic goal for a far-off future. Fast-forward to today, and sustainability has gone from an optional to a must-have for most industries, including automotive and insurance. Consumers and investors alike are no longer asking if companies are addressing their environmental impact—they’re asking how, and they expect transparent, action-focused answers.

At this year’s edition of ITC Vegas, two sessions highlighted the power of data-driven sustainability solutions: Lyne Mercier’s panel on Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and Bill Brower’s session on the Innovation Stage about Sustainable Estimatics.

Both sessions reinforced one clear message: sustainability in the automotive industry isn’t just possible, it’s necessary—and data holds the key.

Tackling Climate Change with Data-Driven Solutions

In the ITC Vegas panel, Lyne Mercier, VP of Claim Solutions at Solera, joined fellow industry experts to discuss the growing need for climate adaptation strategies. The conversation underscored the importance of parametric insurance analytics solutions, which can provide coverage for climate-related events that traditional insurance often overlooks. 

Data took center stage. The panel emphasized that without reliable data, insurers and auto companies cannot effectively assess or mitigate climate risks.

“Without data, there’s not much action you can take.” 

– Lyne Mercier, VP of Claim Solutions

Companies like Solera are stepping up to provide the tools and analytics necessary to quantify and evaluate the impact. Access to this data helps auto insurers calculate emissions and enables them to make informed decisions about investments in climate adaptation. For example, the French Natural Catastrophe Compensation Scheme (or Cat’ Nat’ system for short) has shown that investing in preventive measures like detention ponds can reduce losses by 50% over 25 years.

For companies in the business, these insights offer a chance to not only reduce their environmental impact, but also boost operational efficiency and customer satisfaction across the board. With tools like Sustainable Estimatics, companies can align their sustainability goals with business objectives to ensure their actions are good for the business, the consumers and the planet alike.

The Role of Data in Sustainability

Bill Brower, Senior Vice President of Global Industry Relations and North America Claims at Solera, took to the Innovation Stage at InsureTech Connect 2024 to outline how Solera’s Sustainable Estimatics is helping companies across multiple sectors, including carriers and shops, take measurable actions to reduce their carbon footprint.

At the heart of this effort is the ability to track and calculate CO2e emissions across all three scopes—direct emissions, indirect emissions, and emissions across the value chain. Companies involved in vehicle claims and repair, are facing increasing pressure to report and reduce their carbon emissions. Brower highlighted how Solera’s emissions tracking software enables companies to measure their environmental impact, helping them calculate and report with detailed metrics for an insightful decision-making process in the auto claims journey.

“It helps the repair network and enables our partner insurance companies to monitor the emission of carbon, and they can anticipate where they can take those actions to reduce carbon emissions.” 

– Bill Brower, Senior VP of Global Industry Relations and North America Claims

This ability to monitor CO2 emissions aligns with growing demands from consumers, especially millennials, who are increasingly choosing companies that prioritize environmental action. Investors, too, are looking closely at companies’ sustainability initiatives, with eco-conscious strategies in the automotive industry, including aftermarket, quickly becoming a legitimate differentiator.

The Benefits of Green Decisions

As both sessions at ITC 2024 highlighted, the business case for sustainability is stronger than ever. From claims and repair analytics to emissions tracking, modern solutions should be designed to help companies not only meet regulatory requirements, but also gain a competitive edge in an increasingly eco-conscious market.

“If they don’t know how much carbon is generated during that repair, how can they take action?” 

– Lyne Mercier, VP of Claim Solutions

The ability to accurately report on carbon emissions and reduce environmental impact isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for business.

Looking Ahead: A Call to Action

The takeaway is clear: now is the time to invest in sustainable solutions. As regulatory pressures around emissions reporting increase, and as consumer and investor demands for action grow, companies that act now will be best positioned for future success. Tools like Sustainable Estimatics offer a way to get ahead of the curve, providing the insights and technology needed to navigate these complexities.

Interested in learning more?

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