Biodiversity is on everyone's lips: In recent years, it has evolved from a foreign word into an everyday term. Zürcher Kantonalbank has also recognized that there is still much to do. Together with us, it now wants to promote biodiversity effectively, sustainably, and concretely. For Zürcher Kantonalbank, sustainability means balancing economic activity with responsibility for the environment and society.
Experience biodiversity on the way to the bank
With the project "Biodiversity – the nature-friendly bank," Zürcher Kantonalbank aims to comply with the national "Biodiversity Strategy Switzerland". Our collaboration began with a portfolio manager's personal interest in wild bees. This led to our joint project to create valuable wild bee paradises at Zürcher Kantonalbank branches. The themes of sustainability and biodiversity are thus made visible and tangible. At the designated locations around the branches, interested visitors can observe wild bees and other insects in aesthetically pleasing and natural gardens. Discreet information boards provide details on the ecological requirements of the insects.
Valuable habitat
In 2019, on behalf of Zürcher Kantonalbank, we implemented the first pilot project. The surroundings of the Männedorf branch were enhanced not only visually but, above all, ecologically. Biodiverse areas were created on various sections of the premises, providing valuable habitat for wild bees, other insects, as well as lizards and birds. Over the next two to three years, these improvements will be implemented to varying extents at all of Zürcher Kantonalbank's own locations.
Sandy areas, gravel, and humus form the basis for the natural landscaping of the planned habitats. Decaying deadwood, pithy stems, and a diverse wild bee house ensure ideal nesting sites for various wild bee species. Native wildflowers are planted, offering important pollen and nectar to a large number of different wild bee species. Many other animal species, such as butterflies, birds, and lizards, will also benefit from the enhancements.
Sustainable impact on all levels
As a large company, Zürcher Kantonalbank is taking a pioneering role with its commitment to more biodiversity. This is encouraging: it allows us to demonstrate on a large scale that biodiversity promotion works and has a sustainable effect. The wild bee paradises at Zürcher Kantonalbank's locations have an ecological, economic, and communicative impact. They increase biodiversity and, thanks to their intelligent design, can be maintained practically without noise and CO2 emissions. The wild bee gardens also comply with the federal biodiversity strategy and the SRF project "Mission B."
Your decision to pursue these goals with us by your side fills us with great joy and confirms our vision of a biodiverse future with wild bees!