Nature-based solutions for commercial buildings in New York City

Alvéole leverages bees on your commercial building to help you boost tenant engagement and achieve your sustainability goals.

The Alvéole bees have been buzzing in NYC since 2020. Amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling urban life of New York City, pockets of nature flourish, contributing to the city’s unique ecosystem. Parks like Central Park and the High Line provide refuge for a variety of bee-friendly plant species. The city’s environmental initiatives, including green rooftops and urban gardens, reflect a strong commitment to sustainability.

Bring nature-based solutions to your building

Use your property to make a lasting impact on your community and city.

Nature-focused amenities

Nature-focused amenities

Foster a sense of attachment to the building with bee habitats and branded jars of honey from your own property.

Environmental workshops

Environmental workshops

From beekeeping 101 to bottling your own honey, you’ll have everything you need to make your building events unforgettable.

Sustainability initiatives

Sustainability initiatives

Earn green building certifications, foster environmental awareness, and support nature in the city.

Nature and biodiversity monitoring

Nature and biodiversity monitoring

Enhance your ESG report 
and make informed 
decisions to support biodiversity.

Join the movement in New York City

A few of our clients in New York City

Empire State Realty Trust
Goldman Sachs
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Brookfield Properties

Local client spotlight

RXR

RXR is an innovative real estate company committed to building socially, economically, and environmentally responsible communities. Their diverse portfolio includes Pier 57 in Hudson River Park. To push boundaries, they partnered with Alvéole to bring honey bees to Pier 57.

Since their arrival, the bees have helped attract more visitors, connecting New Yorkers with nature through environmental education events.

Read the case study

Align with New York City’s green regulations

Local Law 2016/032 mandates that new capital projects funded by the city’s treasury, with construction costs over $2 million, additions to existing buildings, or significant renovations, must adhere to green building standards at least as strict as LEED Gold.

Earn LEED points with Alvéole

Why choose Alvéole?

Put your trust in an experienced partner

We work with over 350 buildings in New York City and 2500+ leading organizations across North America and Europe.

Promote community engagement and wellness

Take part in educational team building activities and stay connected through an online platform dedicated to your nature-based program.

Increase the value of your property

Attract tenants and investors by showcasing your environmental initiatives.

Strengthen your sustainability strategy

Access data-focused sustainability metrics and earn points towards green building certifications.

Alvéole in the media

Forbes - NYC Residential Rooftops Strive To Ensure Hives Thrive
Empire State Realty Trust - Empire State Realty Trust Announces ESRT Bees with Beehives at the Empire State Building and Three Other NYC Properties
New York Times - Offices Dangle Beehives and Garden Plots to Coax Workers Back

Frequently asked questions

Urban beekeeping in New York City is regulated by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). Beekeepers must register their hives with the DOHMH, and hives must be placed in locations that minimize potential conflicts with neighbors. Professional Alvéole beekeepers ensure compliance with all local requirements.

Urban beekeeping is safe, with many successful bee programs operating throughout New York City. At Alvéole, we work with a special breed of Italian honey bees selected for their docility. Honey bees are gentle creatures who (almost) never sting without reason. Unless they feel threatened, bees have no motivation to sting – in fact, once they sting, they lose their stinger along with a part of their abdomen, and die.

Wild bees are as peaceful as honey bees. They technically can sting, but they don’t. Docile and nonterritorial, they’re extremely gentle. Unless they’re being touched, they simply go about their business.

A bee program supports New York City’s sustainability initiatives, including PlaNYC, which focuses on creating a greener and more resilient city. A bee program promotes green spaces, sustainable landscaping practices, and environmental education around biodiversity and pollinator health. This aligns with the city’s broader efforts to integrate sustainability into urban living and foster environmental stewardship.

Ready to make an impact in New York City?

Discover how Alvéole can help you meet your sustainability and social impact goals.

Book a demo