CIBC SQUARE, a standout office building in Toronto, is redefining what it means to be a workplace. With a vision to build a thriving community where tenants can work, exercise, and connect with nature, the building has partnered with Alvéole to integrate a sustainable tenant engagement initiative. The result? A seamless blend of engagement, education, and environmental impact that has tenants buzzing with excitement.
The mission
At CIBC SQUARE, community and sustainability are at the heart of everything. With over 14,000 occupants and a daily presence of 7,000 to 10,000 people, the property aims to offer more than just office space.
The goal at CIBC SQUARE is to create an environment where tenants feel inspired to come to work, enjoy green spaces, and participate in meaningful sustainability initiatives. Striving to be Toronto’s leading sustainable building, CIBC SQUARE has taken an innovative step by partnering with Alvéole to bring urban beekeeping to the property.
“A little bee can make a big difference. We all love this initiative.”
– Shannon Manning, Brand and Community, Hines
The solution
CIBC SQUARE discovered Alvéole through a referral and introduced a beehive on their fifth-floor terrace, visible from the fitness center. The hive is not just a sustainability initiative – it’s a source of joy for tenants.
The program includes two interactive Meet Your Bees workshops per year, where tenants can experience the magic of urban beekeeping firsthand. Tenants thoroughly enjoy meeting their beekeeper and witnessing the hive inspection, while taking part in the extraction process and bottling of honey. It’s a sweet moment for all!
The excitement is palpable, with tenants eagerly anticipating these events and regularly checking their MyHive page for updates.
The results
Engaged and inspired tenants
The beekeeping workshops have become the highlight of the year for tenants. These hands-on experiences spark curiosity, joy, and a newfound appreciation for bees.
“These workshops are my favorite events to plan. Spending time with the bees brings out a childlike wonder in the participants. Our beekeeper made CIBC SQUARE fall in love with bees.”
– Shannon Manning, Brand and Community, Hines
Strengthened sustainability efforts
The LEED and WELL certified building is always looking to up their sustainability performance. The biodiversity data collected through this initiative has inspired CIBC SQUARE to take further action. They are now working with an organization to plant more pollinator-friendly flowers based on the insights gained, reinforcing their commitment to making a lasting environmental impact.
A seamless partnership
The turnkey aspect of this solution means the property team can focus on driving results without worrying about keeping the program running. Regular hive care, workshops, and keeping the tenant engagement hub populated with updates is all managed by their Alvéole beekeeper.
“Collaborating with Alvéole has been effortless. The program runs smoothly and our beekeeper is beloved among tenants and staff.”
– Shannon Manning, Brand and Community, Hines
