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 can nest and lay their eggs.

    Unlike honey bees who live in colonies within hives, wild bees live alone and build their nests in the ground or in hollow cavities. The tubes in a BeeHome mimic the hollow logs or plant stems these bees use in nature.

    Keep reading: 5 frequently asked questions about BeeHomes

  • WHAT ARE WILD BEES?

    Of the 20,000+ bee species on the planet, most are wild. This means they have not been domesticated by beekeepers.

    Wild bees are very efficient pollinators – sometimes even more efficient than honey bees. Just one mason bee can do the pollination work of over 100 honey bees!

    Keep reading: 10 wild bees you’ve probably never heard of

  • WHAT CHALLENGES ARE WILD BEES FACING?

    Because these bees are undomesticated and rely on plant materials to make their nests, they are heavily impacted by habitat loss due to urban sprawl.

    This is why the commercial real estate industry is well positioned to help conserve wild bee populations. Encouraging wild bees to nest on your property by adding a BeeHome and planting native flowers doesn’t just help the bees – it can positively impact your property as a whole!

Discover 3 ways BeeHomes bring value to commercial buildings:

  • 1. BeeHomes can boost tenant engagement

    Installing BeeHomes on your commercial property is an innovative way to bump up tenant engagement.

    It’s perfectly safe to install a BeeHome in a high foot traffic area. Wild bees are non-territorial and many don’t even have stingers. Everyone is encouraged to interact with the BeeHome and even open up the observation drawers to see the nesting bees and cocoons inside.

    Throughout the season, your tenants can watch the bees develop their nests and lay their eggs – an experience they can only get at your building. Your beekeeper will also be there to share regular updates about the BeeHome and spread awareness about wild bees amongst your community.

    To help you capture this value in your end of year reports, Alvéole clients receive an annual engagement report.

    Keep reading: 7 ways to drive tenant engagement with nature-based amenities

  • 2. BeeHomes play a key role in your building’s sustainability strategy

    Looking to incorporate biodiversity conservation into your corporate sustainability strategy? Adding a BeeHome to your property supports wild bee populations by offering them nesting space in the city.

    The eye-catching BeeHomes also spread awareness for these essential but under-appreciated pollinators.

    A unique aspect of Alvéole’s BeeHomes is a service we call BeeCare. At the end of the season, any cocoons are harvested from the BeeHome and sent to our facilities to be cleaned and stored. This helps eliminate parasites and keeps the cocoons in a secure environment over winter.

    At the beginning of the next season, the cocoons are returned to the BeeHome. Thanks to the BeeCare process, they are more likely to hatch into the next generation of healthy bees!

    Keep reading: How to support wild bees by installing a BeeHome on your property

  • 3. BeeHomes make your building stand out

    Like other nature-based solutions, BeeHomes are a unique amenity that help differentiate your building. Property teams love including them in their marketing initiatives and as a stop during building tours.

    More tenants are seeking out buildings that prioritize ESG. Wear your sustainability strategy on your sleeve with highly visible BeeHomes.

    Another way to stay competitive is to get a green building certification. Alvéole’s BeeHome solution is eligible for credits from internationally recognized green building frameworks like BOMA, BREEAM, GRESB, and LEED.

NATURE AND BUSINESS GO HAND IN HAND

BeeHomes blend environmental conservation and commercial viability. They offer value to commercial buildings through tenant engagement, sustainability, market differentiation, and certification opportunities.

As the demand for sustainable real estate continues to rise, BeeHomes demonstrate that profitability and environmental responsibility can indeed go hand in hand.

Unlock more value for your building with BeeHomes

Interested in bringing nature-based amenities to your building? Speak with an Alvéole team member today!

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