Schneider Electric Continues Support for DCs for Bees Initiative
For the third year in a row, Schneider Electric has joined the DCs for Bees initiative in partnership with Host In Ireland. This initiative, known as “Orchards in the Community,” is part of Schneider Electric’s ongoing commitment to the DCs for Bees Pollinator Plan. This collective effort, led by Host In Ireland and involving 48 industry partners, aims to address the decline in Ireland’s bee population and safeguard the future of these vital pollinators.
As part of this initiative, Schneider Electric is one of 73 companies that have pledged to help plant over 3587 mixed fruit orchards across Ireland. These orchards not only support bee populations and promote biodiversity but also provide essential green spaces in urban areas. With a third of Ireland’s 99 wild bee species facing extinction, these orchards play a crucial role in providing food for bees and other endangered species as they emerge from winter.
Throughout the partnership, Schneider Electric has sponsored a total of 500 orchards, which translates to 2500 trees planted over three years. In 2023, the company has sponsored an additional 100 orchards, each containing 3 apple trees, a plum tree, and a pear tree. Employees have taken on 34 orchards, while 66 orchards have been allocated to communities participating in the initiative.
Several communities have already benefitted from the biodiversity enhancements brought about by these orchards, including Kilmaine Tidy Towns, Monivea Tidy Towns, Gorey Community Schools, Abbeyleix Tidy Towns, Oaktree Court Residence Association, Dromahair Tidy Towns, Holy Rosary College, and Sustainable Community Area Network Milltown.
Garry Connolly, founder of Host in Ireland, emphasized the importance of orchards in fostering community connections with nature and raising awareness about the significance of biodiversity and bee conservation in Ireland. He commended the collaborative efforts of organizations like Schneider Electric, biodiversity groups, schools, colleges, and Tidy Towns in addressing the challenges of biodiversity loss and protecting Ireland’s pollinators.
Mark Yeeles, VP of the Secure Power Division at Schneider Electric UK and Ireland, expressed pride in the continued partnership with Host Ireland and the sponsorship of the Orchards in the Community initiative. He highlighted Schneider Electric’s commitment to driving sustainable change within communities and creating holistic ecosystems that will benefit future generations.
