2016 Sustainability Report showcases how Sun Life is building sustainable, healthier communities for life

TORONTO, May 30, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, Sun Life Financial released its 2016 Sustainability Report and Public Accountability Statement, which are available on www.sunlife.com. Aligned with the Company's business strategy, the Sustainability Report outlines Sun Life Financial's progress against its four key sustainability areas of focus and demonstrates how its commitment to sustainability supports Sun Life's mission to help Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives.

"Sun Life's approach to sustainability is a real differentiator for us," said Melissa Kennedy, Executive Vice-President, Chief Legal Officer & Public Affairs. "We continue to embed this sustainability perspective into our culture and across our operations knowing that it will serve us, our Clients, and our communities for the long term."

In 2016, Sun Life advanced sustainability in its four key areas:

Organizational Resilience – In Canada, Sun Life launched some of the most comprehensive changes to underwriting requirements in the industry in over a decade, making it easier and more convenient to access insurance.

Environmental Responsibility – Sun Life provided $487 million in financing for renewable energy projects, and in Canada, owns and leases over two million square feet of green-certified space.

Community Wellness – Since announcing diabetes as a key business and community giving priority across our global footprint in 2012, Sun Life has committed over $17 million to the cause.

Governance and Risk Management – For the eighth consecutive year, Sun Life was ranked in the top 10 in The Globe and Mail Report on Business' Board Games review of corporate governance practices.

"Our relentless focus on Clients is tightly linked to our sustainability commitment," said Dean Connor, President & Chief Executive Officer. "Whether it's doing more to help prevent and treat diabetes, providing access to alternative investments, including P3 projects, or leading the way in digital innovation to make it easier for our Clients to get the services they need, advancing our sustainability strategy will further our company's purpose to help Clients achieve lifetime financial security and well-being."

For more information on some of the sustainability initiatives undertaken in 2016, visit www.sunlife.com and read Sun Life's Sustainability Report and Public Accountability Statement.

About Sun Life Financial
Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individuals and corporate Clients. Sun Life Financial has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of March 31, 2017, Sun Life Financial had total assets under management of $927 billion. For more information please visit www.sunlife.com.  

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Media Relations Contact:
Krista Wilson
Director, Corporate Communications
T. 519-888-3900 ext.3414896
krista.wilson@sunlife.com

SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc.