ClimateWise 2010: QBE EO Statement of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Corporate Real Estate Services (CRES EO) has primary responsibility for identifying, monitoring,
reducing and reporting environmental impacts from our physical assets and internal activities.

a) Quantum of Emissions
QBE European Operations total direct greenhouse gas emissions during 2009 were 9,882 tonnes CO2e.
The breakdown of emissions by source is summarised below:

The scope of reporting covers direct environmental impacts associated with 78 QBE offices located in
seventeen countries, with more than 2,600 QBE employees.

QBE’s European offices are generally leased with shared tenancy, building services such as boilers;
back-up generators and centralised cooling systems are generally managed and controlled by the
landlord or landlord’s agent under a service contract.

b) Method of calculation
CRES EO has since 2008, developed and implemented an environmental reporting system throughout
all QBE’s European offices. CRES collects and collates data provided by the company’s 78 European
offices on a quarterly basis. Quarterly reports summarise a range of environmental key performance
data, identifying gaps, limitations and actions required as part of an on-going programme to improve
environmental management and QBE’s wider objectives.

Direct Greenhouse Gas emissions associated with our European offices are calculated in accordance
with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development / World Resources Institute Greenhouse
Gas Protocol and current Defra / DECC guidance for Company Reporting. GHG emissions associated
with the activities of QBE EO are, where possible, calculated using the Defra/DECC conversion factors
for ‘Total GHG’ i.e. carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide.

c) Data Assurance
QBE works with an experienced external consultant on an on-going basis. The
consultant, Dr David Smith, Head of Resource and Environment Group at Scott Wilson
applies an assurance methodology that includes review of data and supporting audit
trails, as well as meetings with representatives of QBE. The consultant has supported
the design and evolution of the data management system with data queries and
opportunities for improvement documented for future action.
The consultant’s relevant qualifications include:

• Member of Institute of Environmental Management and Assurance (MIEMA), Chartered

Environmentalist and an IEMA Registered Environmental Auditor
• Carbon Trust Standard Accredited Assessor