Ecologically improving company premises: A win for nature, employees and companies
- informatik75
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
More and more companies are discovering the potential of their spaces – from parking lots to green spaces – as habitats for plants and animals. At the same time, this creates inspiring recreational spaces for employees and sets a strong example of sustainability. A company site that is close to nature fulfills several functions: It promotes biodiversity, improves the microclimate, and serves as a creative calling card both internally and externally. In contrast to traditionally designed spaces, natural areas evolve dynamically – adapted to the location and seasons. Less rigid maintenance, more diversity: ecologically, aesthetically, and economically.
Find out here which measures are useful and what concrete added value they bring. 🌱
Successful example from practice 🌟
Sika is committed to increasing biodiversity on the company premises
During the "Tüffenwies Alive" campaign , 40 Sika employees actively worked for four days to improve the ecological quality of their company premises. They planted 300 native shrubs along the Limmat River to create a 100-meter-long hedge as a habitat for weasels, hedgehogs, lizards, and birds. They also created a ruderal area by moving 16 tons of gravel . This required first removing the nutrient-rich soil before filling the area with gravel—a strenuous but rewarding task.
What exactly can be improved?
1. Sealed areas / parking spaces 🚗
Gravel lawns and permeable surfaces help absorb rainwater and reduce heat.
with trees that provide shade, improve the microclimate and ensure pleasant coolness.
2. Company-owned green spaces 🌻
As wildflower meadows : An attractive alternative to high-maintenance lawns. They create habitats for wild bees, butterflies, and birds.
with hedges made of native trees : as a screen, food source and breeding place for birds.
with a snack hedge / edible hedge: for humans and animals with lots of delicious fruits, berries and herbs to snack on – straight from the bush, without long journeys – with for example raspberries, currants, gooseberries, blackberries, chokeberries, serviceberries, cornelian cherries, rose hips and much more.
with deadwood structures and piles of stones : Ideal for small animals such as lizards and hedgehogs.
with ponds and temporary pools, as well as special Eternit toad tubs : habitat for endangered amphibians such as the yellow-bellied toad and dragonflies.
With insect hotels for buzzing and humming around the office, wild bees and the like offer a home – especially in combination with colorful flowers, a real highlight for the eye and the biodiversity.
with a herb spiral: Fragrant variety in a small space – whether mint, thyme or savory, it invites you to smell, snack and marvel and magically attracts bees, butterflies and colleagues.
3. Green roofs and facades 🏢
Extensive green roofs improve thermal insulation, filter fine dust from the air and provide habitat for insects and birds.
Green facades provide cooling and reduce heat islands.
4. Unused peripheral areas and transition zones 🌾
Ruderal areas : Colorfully flowering sandy and stony areas are habitat for specialized plants and insects such as wild bees.
Flower strips along fences or sidewalks: easy to implement and valuable for pollinators.
Process: Here's how it works step by step 🚀
On-site consultation: Initial inspection of your company premises by Naturnetz experts .
Individual concept: Planning of suitable measures for the improvement and maintenance of the areas.
Implementation with corporate volunteering: Your employees actively participate – under the guidance of Naturnetz.
Monitoring and maintenance: Long-term support and success control.
Start your green company project now!
With creative and pragmatic measures, you create valuable living spaces, inspiring working environments and a strong sustainability profile.