Concert Properties transformed a simple sustainability pilot into one of their most successful tenant engagement programs through a partnership with Alvéole. What started as an environmental initiative in 2013 has evolved into a powerful tool for tenant retention, leasing success, and community building across their Canadian portfolio. With 10 active hives supporting over 500,000 bees, Concert Properties demonstrates how urban beekeeping creates measurable value beyond environmental benefits.
The mission
Concert Properties, a leading Canadian real estate developer and property manager, was looking to advance their sustainability goals while finding meaningful ways to engage both residential and commercial tenants. As a company committed to creating thriving communities, they needed initiatives that would resonate with people on an emotional level while contributing to environmental stewardship.
“It continues to form part of the social sustainability aspects of both residential and commercial buildings. But I know here in the West, we find it really garners good engagement. It’s a good triage, and both commercial and residential tenants alike seem to be very keen on it.”
– Grant Knowles, Vice President of Property Management
The solution
In 2013, Concert Properties launched a beekeeping pilot project developed collaboratively by their sustainability and property management teams. This pilot evolved into a long-standing partnership with Alvéole, expanding to include:
- 10 professionally managed hives across 9 properties in British Columbia and Ontario, housing over 500,000 honeybees.
- Seasonal workshops led by professional beekeepers, covering bee biology, honey harvesting, and pollinator support.
- Custom MyHive pages for each property, providing residents and tenants with real-time hive updates, photos, and educational content.
- Workshop integration into existing tenant events like barbecues and resident programming.
- Annual honey harvest of approximately 150 kilograms, distributed to tenants and residents as hyperlocal souvenirs.
The results
Measurable Environmental and Operational Impact
With 10 active hives spread across 9 properties in two provinces, the network supports pollination over an impressive 1,185 square kilometers each year. These hives produce approximately 150 kilograms of honey annually and are home to more than 500,000 active honeybees, contributing meaningfully to local biodiversity and sustainability efforts.
High Tenant Demand and Engagement Success
Resident workshops held across multiple buildings saw such high interest that waiting lists were required. This overwhelming engagement prompted an expansion of the programming and deeper integration into other tenant-focused events throughout the year.
“We had a waiting list for the resident workshops that your team put on at all of our residential buildings here last year.”
– Liza Bauer, Senior Director, Property Management
The program resonates equally well across different property types and markets. As Grant Knowles observes:
“Whether it’s on a rooftop in Vancouver or at a commercial tower in Toronto, the response is always enthusiastic. The hives generate curiosity and community, and the workshops are a real hit.”
– Grant Knowles, Vice President of Property Management
What began as a sustainability initiative has become a differentiator in the competitive real estate market. The program helps with tenant retention, attracts environmentally conscious renters, and provides compelling content for marketing materials and corporate communications.
Noemie Turcotte from Alvéole explains the transformation they regularly witness:
“Some people come in a little nervous or frightened by the bees, but once they learn more and see the bees up close, they fall in love with them. That connection to nature, right where they live or work, is powerful.”
Concert’s newer multi-residential properties are both LEED and Toronto Green Standards certified. This program compliments the certification requirements for these properties and offers additional monitoring capabilities through emerging features like pesticide and microplastics tracking.
Community, Staff, and Property Benefits
The program encourages casual interactions and shared moments among residents and tenants, helping to build a stronger sense of community. Staff at Concert Properties also take part, enjoying honey produced at sites like 201 County Court Blvd. and 20 Wellington in their office kitchens.
The initiative is adaptable, offering everything from workshops to barbecue events, making it easy to fit into different kinds of properties.
Key success factors
The 12-year relationship between Concert Properties and Alvéole shows the value of long-term partnerships in supporting meaningful sustainability efforts. This ongoing collaboration reflects a strong, shared commitment to environmental and community impact.
The program includes a variety of engagement opportunities such as hands-on workshops, digital platforms, and honey sharing. With Alvéole managing the technical aspects, Concert Properties is free to focus on engaging tenants without added operational complexity.
Beekeeping education is woven into existing tenant programs, making it easier to implement and more impactful. This approach proves that well-designed sustainability initiatives can create environmental benefits while offering a competitive advantage in the real estate market.
“Even a single hive can make a difference; it’s a small gesture with a big impact.”
– Grant Knowles, Vice President of Property Management
