Sustainability Report 2016 / 2017

Projects Biodiversity on our Doorstep In 2015 biodiversity was the central theme of joint projects managed by Werner & Mertz and NABU. One of our goals was to find a way to do more for species protection at our headquarters. We decid- ed to create a new habitat for plant and animal species and to actively support biological diversity on our own doorstep. We have set up insect hotels and planted wild ros­ es and bushes, which have grown into an attrac­ tive habitat in the middle of an industrial zone. The grassy areas on the property are mown just once a year to allow them to develop into species-rich flower patches. The wild bees benefit most from the variety of blossoms as the lack of flowering plants is one reason for the bees’ disappearance. In May 2016 an area was set aside on the Hallein premises with the dual purpose of providing employees with a place to relax and space for bio- diversity to thrive. Besides wild flowers, nectar-laden plants and insect hotels, an herb garden was also planted to provide fresh greens for lunch or dinner. Help yourself! 93