We strongly believe in a sustainable business approach

The impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent. Summers are growing hotter and drier, winters wetter, and rainfall more intense. This transformation particularly affects cities. Amongst the concrete and asphalt, heat stress intensifies. During heavy rainfall, water accumulates with nowhere to go, and trees, weakened by prolonged dry spells, are more susceptible to storms. Additionally, in paved environments, biodiversity suffers; insects vanish, leading to the disappearance of birds and small mammals, disrupting the ecological balance. On the positive side, a growing awareness is urging society and businesses to take decisive action, and supportive legislation is propelling this movement, creating numerous opportunities.

Blooming Buildings’ sustainability strategy

Guided by our mission, we transform grey expanses into vibrant green havens. This not only alleviates heat stress but also purifies the air and enhances water management, contributing to a healthier and happier community and environment. Our primary focus is on greening urban spaces, where the impact is most profound. We focus on contributing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 11, 13, and 15. Our projects can play a role in advancing corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives. Internally, sustainability is ingrained in every aspect of our operations. As of November 2024, we’ve proudly attained B Corp status.

SDG 3 – Good health and wellbeing
SDG 11 – Sustainable cities and communities
SDG 13 – Climate Action
SDG 15 – Life on Land

Sustainability according to Blooming Buildings – in detail

Environmental Impact

At Blooming Buildings, we invest in nutrient-rich soil and high-quality, diverse plantings for all our projects. Our nature-inclusive and climate-adaptive designs are rooted in a profound understanding and deep love for nature, especially the plant kingdom. We meticulously address water management, both in terms of designing efficient water systems and considering rainwater when constructing the groundwork.

Our projects also foster biodiversity. Each project incorporates a minimum of 150 different plant species. Currently, our most diverse project boasts over 400 different species. From day one, our natural spaces teem with life. Insects and worms arrive first, followed by birds, bats, and hedgehogs. They not only find shelter in man-made additions like nest boxes but also in our diverse plantings and frequently used climbing plants.

All our projects are visually appealing 365 days a year. Every day brings something new: a blooming flower, a changing leaf color, a dragonfly gracefully hovering, and people enjoying their favorite spots.

How do our projects combat heat stress? A green environment contributes to lower temperatures, potentially reducing it by up to -2 degrees Celsius. Well-planted roofs and walls also provide insulation, reducing the strain on climate control systems to maintain a livable indoor environment. This can substantially decrease annual energy consumption.

In terms of waste management, we ensure the ‘reuse’ of plant remnants, preventing unnecessary loss. Additionally, ongoing discussions with suppliers and partners focus on reducing plastic in the supply chain, optimizing logistics by combining deliveries from various sources, and incorporating natural materials or products from natural or recycled resources wherever possible.

Health and wellbeing

Ensuring our projects significantly contribute to user health and well-being is a core value for us. When designing, we consistently see spaces through the eyes of future users, actively involving them through methods like interviews. Our goal is to craft green oases—spaces for people to breathe, find inspiration, and connect. Carefully planned greenery not only fosters social cohesion but also invites more physical activity. We boldly assert that good greenery has a healing effect, exemplified in projects like those for Radboudumc, where the positive impact of nature on patients became evident.

The purifying effects of plants, especially in interior landscaping, lead to a demonstrably improved air quality. Research affirms that employees in green work environments are not only healthier but also more productive, as good natural greenery enhances concentration and creativity. Outdoor green spaces create natural connection spaces that increase social cohesion and therefore peoples’ well being.

Sustainable Maintenance

We manage our natural green oases on a weekly basis. To do so, we seek caretakers who live or work near the respective project, allowing them to commute by bike or on foot. We have caretakers or as we like to call them, plant managers, from all walks of life. We’ve been told some see it as the short cut or part time version of their dream to become forest ranger! We provide intensive guidance so that they precisely understand their responsibilities. Armed with nothing more than pruning shears, they vigilantly monitor both the health and visual appeal of our urban nature. By conducting these weekly check-ins, we prevent the need for extensive pruning work.

Are you reading this and getting interested in a maintenance job? Check our vacancies and send us your resume!

Expand the ‘green stain’

Finally, we aim to expand the ‘green stain’ by familiarizing as many people as possible with the (economic) benefits of good greenery and inspiring them to take both significant and small steps. We achieve this through articles on relevant topics via our social media channels and by allowing our caretakers unlimited time to engage with passersby, answering questions about our projects and specific plant management. This includes addressing inquiries about plants in people’s homes. Additionally, we engage with policymakers, deliver lectures, and host ‘open office hours’ for questions on natural green for people ranging from professionals in our sector to our neighbours.

Holistic sustainable business practices

Blooming Buildings strives for a holistic approach to sustainable business practices, with a focus on the long-term well-being of all stakeholders. We draw a great deal of inspiration from the B Corp principles, which, in addition to the environment, also encompass governance, employees, the community (including diversity and inclusivity), and proper treatment of customers. We are proud to have received B Corp certification in November 2024.

Inspiration or a Direct Conversation

That’s sustainability according to Blooming Buildings. If you are a Facility Manager, HR Manager, Impact Manager, Sustainability Manager, or manage a real estate portfolio or a hospital, and you’d like to take steps with natural greenery in and around your facility(ies), please check here for inspiration or contact us directly for an informal conversation.