We have created a Sustainability subcommittee within our board of directors, as well as a Green Committee for our employees and officers. A Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-accredited employee oversees all activities related to the construction and renovation of our facilities.

As part of our effort to extend our Aflac SmartGreen ^® philosophy into the areas in which we live and work, we encourage employees and members of our community — as well as other local businesses — to become more environmentally conscious. To support the effort, we sponsor several green-oriented activities, including an annual Earth Day event, recycling information booths and material-collection drives. Aflac also participates in Earth Hour, during which we turn off our non-essential lights and other electrical appliances for one hour to raise awareness of climate change. We also use our corporate intranet to encourage employees to be good stewards of our natural resources, both in the office and at home