Sun Life Financial advances sustainability in four key areas

2015 Sustainability Report focuses on building sustainable, healthier communities for life

TORONTO, May 26, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, Sun Life Financial announced that its 2015 Sustainability Report and Public Accountability Statement are available online on www.sunlife.com. The Sustainability Report outlines Sun Life Financial's commitment to sustainability and showcases how the organization is building sustainable, healthier communities around the globe.

"Whether we're teaming up against diabetes, investing in our clients, building on our 31-year history of investing in clean and renewable energy, or ensuring our governance practices are industry leading, I'm proud of our commitment to sustainability and the dedication I see across our operations," said Melissa Kennedy, Executive Vice-President, Chief Legal Officer & Public Affairs, Sun Life Financial.

Throughout 2015, Sun Life Financial focused on advancing sustainability in four key areas:

• Community Wellness - Since 2012, Sun Life Financial has proudly committed more than $13 million to diabetes awareness, prevention, care and research.
• Organizational Resilience - In 2015, Sun Life Financial was recognized as one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People, and received Excellence Canada's platinum award recognizing Sun Life Financial as one of the nation's best-run corporations in areas such as leadership, strategy, client experience and engagement.
• Environmental Responsibility - Sun Life Financial continued its trend of reducing energy use across its corporate real estate and real estate investment portfolio in Canada and the United States.
• Governance and Risk Management - In 2015, Sun Life Financial was awarded the Ethical Boardroom Best Corporate Governance - Financial Services - North America award.

"In 2015, we moved the needle in each of these areas and gained global recognition in the areas of governance, sustainability and corporate citizenship," said Kennedy. "Sustainability is key to meeting long-term commitments to our clients, employees, advisors and shareholders, and we will continue to advance and develop new ways to strengthen our sustainability practices."

For more information on some of the initiatives undertaken in 2015, 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 protection and wealth products and services to individuals and corporate customers. 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, 2016, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of $861 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.

SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc.