In the ever-evolving world of commercial real estate, environmental sustainability is gaining importance. More than ever, property teams are looking for solutions to bridge the gap between business and nature. One innovation that meets this need? BeeHomes for wild bees. These structures serve as safe nesting spaces for wild bees. But they don’t just benefit pollinators. They also bring significant value to the buildings where they are installed. WHAT IS A BEEHOME? BeeHomes (sometimes called bee hotels or insect hotels) are structures made up of small tubes where solitary wild bees ca ..read more

Certified B Corporations, AKA B Corps, are businesses that meet the rigorous social and environmental standards set by the nonprofit organization B Lab. You probably recognize the B Corp logo from the packaging of some of your favorite products. But what does it really mean to be a certified B Corp? What are the advantages of working with B Corps? Let’s dive in! IS ALVÉOLE A B CORP? Alvéole has been a certified B Corp since 2018. When we last recertified in 2021, we scored 111.8 points. The minimum qualifying score is 80 points, and the median score for an ordinary business is 50.9 points ..read more

Nature and the economy are closely linked. According to the World Economic Forum, half of the global GDP ($44 trillion of economic value) is highly dependent on nature. However, the world is currently experiencing rapid biodiversity loss. Wildlife populations have reduced by 69% since 1970. Another 1 million species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. Irreplaceable ecosystems are disappearing due to deforestation. The need to take action is clear. And for industries like real estate, the investment in biodiversity conservation is mutually beneficial. Let’s dive into why preservi ..read more

In the pursuit of a sustainable future, the real estate industry is a crucial player in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. WHAT ARE THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS? The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were first adopted by the United Nations in 2015. The 17 goals act as a blueprint for building a better world by 2030. Each goal focuses on a different global issue. From eliminating poverty, to ensuring equality for all, and protecting the environment. WHAT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE TOWARDS ACHIEVING THE SDGS? We’re only 6 years from 2030, the d ..read more

Not all urban beekeeping operations are equal. Currently, there aren’t any rules that regulate urban beekeeping operations and practices. When embarking on an urban beekeeping project, it’s essential to adopt responsible practices. These take into account the health and safety of the honey bees, but also all the other pollinators who are sharing the same resources. Here are five principles of Alvéole’s operations that are redefining the urban beekeeping industry. 1. FOCUS ON EDUCATION, NOT PRODUCTION The core principle of responsible urban beekeeping is to be education-focused. This ..read more

At the end of each beekeeping season, beekeepers are met with a sweet reward for their months of hard work: the honey harvest. Let’s take a closer look at how honey is made, how it ends up in your kitchen, and all the steps in between. Table of contents: How honey is made How beekeepers harvest honey How honey is extracted and bottled What honey can teach you about the environment HOW HONEY IS MADE Though there are over 20,000 species of bee around the world, only 8 of those species are honey bees. Making honey is no small feat for a bee. In her entire lifetime, a honey bee will ..read more

A common question we get at Alvéole is: how does an urban beekeeping program benefit the environment? We love this question because it shows a property team’s dedication to environmental sustainability – and because the answer is that it benefits the environment in many different ways! Here are the top environmental benefits of bringing a nature-based, responsible urban beekeeping program to your building. SPREADING ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS We’ve seen it time and time again: once someone falls in love with bees, they feel the need to protect them. Bees tend to be misunderstood creatur ..read more

Finding ways to meet your sustainability and ESG targets, keep your tenants happy, and maintain an attractive property is a never-ending challenge. But what if one amenity could tick all of those boxes and more? An urban garden is an accessible and affordable amenity with a host of benefits for your property, your tenants, and your city as a whole. Here are 6 reasons why you should consider installing an urban garden on your commercial property. 1. INCREASED ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY More green spaces in cities means improved air quality and greater biodiversity. They are also you ..read more

When you think of a typical office, what words come to mind? If you answered “calming”, “inspiring”, “vibrant”, or “enriching” – your office may already use biophilic design practices! If not, keep reading to discover how to create an office space that makes people feel good. WHAT IS BIOPHILIC DESIGN? Biophilic design incorporates natural elements into architecture or interior design to connect building occupants with nature. The idea for biophilic design comes from “biophilia”. This is the hypothesis that humans have an innate desire to seek connection with nature. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ..read more

Your environment has a huge impact on your mental and physical health. One of the most effective elements in creating a calm, healthy, happy space? Nature! Finding ways to connect with nature at home, at the office, and in your free time will have a positive impact on your wellbeing. In this blog, you’ll learn about: The concept of biophilia Biophilic design 3 ways nature can improve your physical and mental health WHY ARE HUMANS DRAWN TO NATURE? Biophilia is the hypothesis that humans have an innate desire to seek connection with nature. It’s in our nature to love nature! Unfort ..read more