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 your secret weapon to combat heat islands – areas that become hotter than natural landscapes due to densely spaced buildings and concrete. By incorporating an urban garden into your commercial property, you can stay ahead of the curve, attracting environmentally conscious consumers, businesses, and investors.
Alvéole’s urban garden service includes seasonal environmental impact reports. Through biomonitoring technology, you’ll be able to track the health of your bees and level of biodiversity in your area over time.
2. A MORE BEAUTIFUL PROPERTY
Underutilized spaces like rooftops are begging for a lush green makeover. An eye-catching garden improves a property’s visual appeal and creates an inviting place for tenants to gather and enjoy a slice of nature in the city. Plus, with a native flower garden, you can enjoy fresh bouquets indoors, too.
3. HAPPIER PEOPLE
Connection to nature is proven to positively impact human wellbeing, productivity, and job satisfaction. A study in the UK found that employees working in offices with natural greenery saw a 15% rise in productivity over a three month period, compared to those working with no natural elements in their environment.
4. FRESH LOCAL FOOD
Growing your own fruits and veggies on-site allows you to provide fresh, healthy produce for your tenants, employees, or local communities. It also presents an opportunity to educate your community on sustainable food systems and fosters a stronger connection between people and the food on their plates.
5. GREATER SOCIAL IMPACT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
An urban garden can serve as a focal point for community engagement and involvement. Your garden can become an educational hub, hosting workshops, gardening classes, or volunteering opportunities. By organizing community or tenant events, you can foster a greater sense of connection.
6. FOOD FOR THE BEES
Of all the living beings who will benefit from your urban garden, bees may be the most grateful. Both honey bees and wild pollinators rely on a diverse diet of flowers. Planting bee-friendly blooms is one of the most direct ways to support them. Native flowers are best as they require less maintenance and are preferred by wild bees. For planting recommendations, check out these ecoregional guides from Pollinator Partnership (for Canada) and The Xerces Society (for the US).
