Improving tenant engagement for greater satisfaction

When it comes to reducing a city's ecological footprint, owners, managers, and suppliers in the commercial real estate sector can be a source of major change on a global scale, while also fostering tenant engagement in sustainable initiatives.

After all, more than half of the world's population currently lives and works in urban areas: a number that, according to forecasts, will only increase by 2050. One of the simplest ecological and educational initiatives out there involves bees.

In fact, urban hives have become highly prized (and desirable) not only for a building's environmental impact and its real estate value, but also for tenant retention and engagement.

Green spaces increase appeal

Since individuals and businesses are increasingly supporting the preservation of urban green spaces and local food ecosystems, tenants and customers have developed higher expectations of the buildings where they settle.

As part of your green strategy, urban beekeeping shows that you are working both to reduce your ecological impact and to reconnect people with nature. But that's not all! By offering greener, healthier spaces, you:

• contribute directly to the health and well-being of tenants;
• significantly increase the satisfaction and perceived value for people who frequent the building;
• engage with people to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and bee populations.

Small bees, big conversations

Honey bees living in urban environments can do something no other creature can: act as ambassadors for all beneficial insects, a unique role that opens the door to important conversations about our environment and the way we produce food.

In his role as Director of Sustainability for Oxford Properties, Darryl Neate has witnessed the change that has taken place among employees and customers.

"Our property management teams really took to heart creating ideal conditions for the hives, including adding pollinator-attracting flower boxes, learning urban beekeeping, and hosting workshops to let our customers learn more."

– Darryl Neate, Director of Sustainability, Oxford Properties

Minimal resources, many long-term benefits

Installing a hive in an urban setting requires surprisingly few resources, yet a multitude of direct and indirect benefits follow, such as an increased level of social and ecological engagement and well-being.

"A beekeeping project is affordable and easy to implement… The benefits are many and go in the same direction as the potential long-term effects. Hundreds of Canadian companies benefit from having hives on their facilities, which proves that such projects do not pose a problem in terms of safety or liability."

– Darryl Neate, Director of Sustainability, Oxford Properties

When owners and building managers play an active role in implementing innovative initiatives, such as urban beekeeping projects, they have a front-row seat to see the direct impact bees can have not only on their tenants and customers, but also on tenant engagement and the quality of life of an entire city.