NURTURING THE NATURE AROUND US

We realize our goal of helping communities become more climate-resilient cannot be achieved without championing nature-forward solutions and practices.

Biodiversity is essential for the health of ecosystems, climate regulation and the well-being of current and future generations. Recognizing that production activities can impact local biodiversity, we ensure biodiversity initiatives are central to our overarching sustainability strategy and self-imposed ESG goals.

Our proactive approach

Rather than awaiting legislation, we actively seek to make a difference right now by implementing ambitious biodiversity programs across our production sites. Aligning with the EU's biodiversity strategy, we aim to achieve tangible, measurable results year after year, harnessing our production facilities as sites for significant and positive change.

Implementing a company-wide program

As a part of the world of wienerberger, Pipelife is committed to the wienerberger Corporate Biodiversity Program. Launched in 2021, the program has been implemented throughout Europe, at all 24 Pipelife production sites. The program’s primary goal is to enhance biodiversity in the unsealed areas of our plants and demonstrate that industrial sites can offer an excellent opportunity to enrich nature.

These plans start with baseline monitoring conducted by an independent, certified partner. The assessment identifies existing species and their habitats, allowing for the development of targeted conservation efforts that address the specific needs of each location and its existing ecosystem.

Collaborative action and local expertise

We foster close cooperation between a central biodiversity team and local employees at each site. The central team provides guidance and support, while local employees contribute their insights and expertise about the situation on the ground. This approach ensures that biodiversity initiatives are adapted to the unique challenges and opportunities presented by each production facility.

One of the lawn areas at the Kalmthout production site has been transformed into a fruit garden — employees planted several apple and cherry trees there and set up bee hotels.

Homegrown biodiversity ambassadors

Recognizing that lasting change requires a collective and engaged effort, we actively involve our employees in biodiversity programs. Each production site appoints dedicated biodiversity ambassadors who champion and oversee the implementation of local action plans. This fosters a sense of ownership and encourages employees to contribute their ideas and efforts over the long term.

Beyond their designated roles, employees actively participate in hands-on activities like planting trees, building insect hotels, and conducting cleanup events. This direct involvement helps to connect us with nature and better understand the impact of our actions.

Baseline biodiversity monitoring taking place at Pipelife's plant in Enkhuizen, the Netherlands. Repeated monitoring will be carried out at all production sites three times per year | Pipelife

Concrete steps towards a thriving ecosystem

Our biodiversity initiatives encompass a wide array of tangible actions aimed at creating and restoring diverse habitats across Pipelife production sites. Some examples include:

Wildflowers were reintroduced to Pipelife Estonia's front lawn last year | Pipelife

Flourishing Flora

Pipelife Estonia prioritizes planting native trees, shrubs and wildflowers that are better adapted to the local climate and can provide food and shelter for nearby wildlife.

Growing green walls

Pipelife Poland integrates green infrastructure into its facilities, which not only serve as a habitat for local fauna but also help to regulate the building's
temperature.

Pipelife Belgium's biodiversity ambassador Patrick Bouckaert, is making bird boxes from used wooden pellets for the company's production site in Seneffe

A Belgian success story

Pipelife Belgium reports significant biodiversity improvements thanks to newly added fruit gardens, wildflower meadows, trees, ponds, insect hotels and bird boxes.