That bees are struggling is nothing new. Zou2019n two years ago, it was reported that bee mortality in Europe was nowhere as high as in Belgiu00eb. Since then, many initiatives have been launched to reverse this trend.
Part of the CSR strategy
Flanders Expo, part of Easyfairs , is also lending a hand. Beehives have been installed with a population that will grow over the coming years to around 80 000 honeybees.
u201cThe comitu00e9 and I are very pleased with the arrival of the bees,u201d says Charlotte Blondeel, chair of theu00a0 Easyfairs comitu00e9, u201cit is tangible proof of our contribution to a sustainable society and the local economy. And that is what we strive for within the comitu00e9.u201d
Corporate social responsibility has been part of the organisation’s DNA for years. For instance, a few years ago Flanders Expo installed 53 000 mu00b2 of solar panels on its roofs, and the organisation has a charging station for electric cars and bicycles. The offices have been given a new and sustainable look in line with the u2018cradle to cradleu2019 concept, and in collaboration with SITA, Flanders Expo continues to improve its waste management.
But a great deal is also happening behind the scenes to reduce the ecological footprint: the switch to LED lighting, the installation of combined heat and power, and the launch of an energy coaching programme in collaboration with E20. The beehives are a great next step in this story.
u201cOur staff and visitors will not be inconvenienced by the bees,u201d Charlotte Blondeel continues, u201cunlike wasps, bees are not attracted by food or drink. We have also deliberately installed the hives in a quiet location so the bees can go about their work peacefully.u201d
