Bees on roofs and in green spaces: Aroundtown strengthens urban biodiversity

In the "Aroundtown buzzes" project, the company provides the roofs of its commercial properties as homes for bee colonies and also employs a full-time beekeeper who takes intensive care of the bees. In this way, Aroundtown is promoting biodiversity and supporting the survival of bees in the urban area.

Bee colonies on the roofs

The "Aroundtown buzzes" project was initiated in 2020 with 15 beehives on the roofs of Aroundtown Group commercial units. There are now a total of 28 bee colonies, including six young colonies that will become productive bees for the first time in 2022. In the process, 450 liters of in-house honey have already been produced and put into 1,800 jars.

Bee-friendly green spaces around residential and commercial properties

Various outdoor areas, such as the roof of the Markt Center Potsdam, have been landscaped with bee- and insect-friendly flowers and plants to create ideal conditions for the animals and preserve their habitats. Another example is the conversion of lawns into meadows, as was implemented in a project in a residential complex in Kley, Dortmund. Here, a bee hotel and an information board were also installed to raise awareness of the issue among residents and draw their attention to the local ecosystem.

Employees as ambassadors for the bees

Employees are also involved in the initiative. New employees of the Group in Germany receive a bee certificate as part of the onboarding process when they join the company and thus take on the sponsorship of a bee in one of the Aroundtown Group's properties. On special occasions, they also receive in-house beeswax candles or honey.

About Aroundtown

Aroundtown is Europe's third-largest listed real estate company, committed to sustainable investment and focused on income generating quality properties that have potential for value-add in central locations mainly in Germany and the Netherlands. The portfolio comprises mainly office, residential and hotel properties. Hundreds of experienced employees from all areas of the value chain ensure that Aroundtown effectively realizes long-term potential. Professional organization, flexibility and innovation make Aroundtown a reliable partner for growth and success. Aroundtown is a member of the European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA), the German Property Federation (ZIA) and the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB). (DGNB) as well as a signatory of the United Nations Charter of Diversity. Aroundtown has received multiple EPRA BPR Gold Awards and EPRA sBPR Gold Awards for its transparent financial and sustainability reporting.

Avisco, controlled by Yakir Gabay, holds 15% in Aroundtown followed by Blackrock at 6% (date: 29-7-22). Other shareholders include Norges, Vanguard, Allianz, BNP Paribas, Japan’s Government investment fund, Aliance-Bernstein, Dekabank, State-Street, Bank of Montreal and many other leading international investors. The main bond investors include ECB, GIC, Union Investment, DB, UBS, CS, M&G, Pictet, Credit Agricole and many other major institutional investors.

www.aroundtown.de