Transforming the workplace - and giving back to nature
Going beyond professional commitment to nature, Astakus GmbH has transformed its company grounds into a "living showroom". The site creates a cohesive ecosystem that combines a sustainable building design with unsealed, biodiverse outdoor spaces.
Description
Astakus GmbH converted an old Raiffeisen bank building into its company headquarters using ecological and energy-efficient methods without sealing any new surfaces. Instead, the company actively unsealed existing areas, such as the parking lot, redesigning them with permeable materials. Even the building’s gravel perimeter serves as a habitat for lizards and insects.
The centerpiece of the outdoor area is a large swimming pond that functions simultaneously as a retention basin, flood protection, a valuable biotope, and a recreational space for employees. A native hedgerow, herb spiral, kitchen garden, orchard, flowering meadows, and dry stone walls create diverse additional micro-ecosystems.
Astakus GmbH actively champions biodiversity, organizes activities with the local community and fire brigade, and professionally restores water bodies. The outdoor area serves as a “showroom,” which the company opens annually to discuss environmental and biodiversity topics with visitors.
Key Measures
Unsealing of surfaces: Removal of concrete/asphalt in favor of permeable ground.
Creation of micro-biotopes: Including the building perimeter as a lizard habitat.
Water management: Swimming pond acting as a central biotope and retention area.
Greening: Façade and fence greening with edible and flowering plants.
Insect support: Fruit trees and flowering meadows.
Native vegetation: Hedges with native shrubs and trees to provide shade and habitat for birds, insects, and small mammals.
Refuges: Dry stone walls with site-appropriate plants as wintering areas for amphibians and reptiles; leaf piles and deadwood as habitats.
Pictures © Astakus GmbH
Effects
Preservation of biodiversity
Climate resilience
Unsealing, reduces heat buildup, trees provide shade
Water retention and flood mitigation
Create habitats supporting biodiversity
Pleasant working atmosphere for employees
Implementation tips
Cooperate with authorities: Work closely with your local nature conservation authority. We were fortunate to receive strong support from ours.
Involve your team: Include your employees in the planning and implementation process! We carried out all measures ourselves with the active support of our team.
"Taking sustainable actions, as well as living and working in a sustainable manner: for the benefit of nature and the future of our children, this should become as matter of fact as putting on a seatbelt in the car. With a one-time action, our impact is limited. Instead, our efforts for more biodiversity and for preserving ecosystems should be constantly improved."
© Astakus GmbH
Further information
