Bees and trees are the focus of two of the latest community projects supported by Kingspan’s Planet Passionate Communities initiative. Planet Passionate Communities, the philanthropic arm of our Planet Passionate 10-year sustainability program, strives to support people and communities around the world while promoting sustainable practices using responsibly sourced materials. On a local level, our businesses are devoting their time and resources to support community projects that create positive impacts and advance sustainability.
Most recently, our Langley, British Columbia, plant took on a project aimed at helping increase the local bee population, and team members at our Columbus, Ohio, facility are devoting volunteer hours to support community tree planting events.
Helping increase bee populations
A recent study revealed that 48% of U.S. honeybee colonies were lost between April 2022 and April 2023. Researchers believe that a combination of factors, including a parasitic mite, poor nutrition from decreased diversity of flowers, increased use of pesticides and dramatic changes in the environment, contributed to this colony loss.
The loss of pollinators like honeybees negatively affects biodiversity and ecosystems. The worldwide decline in bee populations also negatively impacts food production as honeybees are responsible for pollinating 80% of all flowering plants, including more than 130 types of fruits and vegetables. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 35% of the world’s food crops depend on pollinators like bees.
To help increase the local bee population in Langley, British Columbia, our Langley plant kicked off an urban bee project in April.
Working in partnership with Alvéole, a company that helps organizations launch sustainable bee programs for greener cities, Kingspan’s Langley facility is currently home to two beehives. In addition to helping increase local bee populations, the project is focused on “changing people’s perspective of the urban environment and reconnecting the community with the subtle wonders of nature.”
Anyone interested in this project can follow the progress of the Langley plant’s beehives here on the Alvéole site. This real-time activity feed features photos, videos, updates, bee data, foraging ranges, and much more.
Trees are a powerful natural resource that contribute to the health of people and the environment. In fact, two mature trees can provide enough oxygen for a family of four, according to the Arbor Day Foundation. Trees also reduce stormwater runoff, lower summer daytime temperatures by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit and provide food, protection, and homes for many birds and mammals.
The presence of trees in communities can also connect children with nature to support child development and learning.
Partnering with Green Columbus, a volunteer-driven nonprofit on a mission to bring equitable tree coverage to Columbus, Ohio. Urban forests represent an incredible opportunity, having the potential to remove 70 million tons of carbon pollution annually. Our Columbus facility is dedicating volunteer hours and hosting tree planting events to support this mission.
Recently, our Columbus team members worked with Green Columbus to plant 22 large trees at Livingston Elementary School. Over 1,000 seedlings were also planted at local areas including Walnut Woods Metro Park in Columbus.
Caring for bees and planting trees are just two examples of how our Planet Passionate Communities program is making a positive environmental impact on the local level.
Stay tuned for more Planet Passionate Communities updates.