Schneider Electric to Plant 200 Orchards, Driving Biodiversity in Ireland

Schneider Electric, the leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, has announced its participation in the DCs for Bees Orchards in the Community in association with Host In Ireland.

The programme will see more than 1,000 orchards planted in Ireland in November to encourage biodiversity and protect endangered pollinators. Trees including Victoria plum, Conference pear, and apple will create 'priority habitats’ for bees, which are a vital contributor to crop pollination and indicator of biodiversity. 

The orchard project comes on the back of Schneider Electric’s commitment to the DCs for Bees Pollinator Plan. The Pollinator Plan is a collective plan of action initiated by Host In Ireland and executed by 48 partners from the data centre industry. It aims to save Ireland's declining bee population and ensure its survival for future generations, along with other endangered species such as flying insects and butterflies.

Schneider Electric Ireland has pledged a total of 200 orchards, each with 5 mixed fruit trees which will create much needed early season food for bees and the rich ecosystem of biodiversity that orchards support. Schneider Electric's involvement in the project is led by Katie Mills, Head of Sustainable Development & Innovation, cementing the company's commitment to sustainability and preserving biodiversity.

"At Schneider Electric, we are always searching for ways to drive sustainable change. This project encompasses all our values, and we are delighted to be advocates of such a pressing issue in our local communities and worldwide. Schneider Electric's participation in the programme fits perfectly with our wider mission to put sustainability at the heart of progress, as well as providing great spaces like orchards for the community to enjoy and experience nature," said Chris Collins, Country President at Schneider Electric, Ireland.

"The beauty of this initiative is that any business can get involved. Thirty percent of Ireland's 99 bee species are under threat of extinction, and it's down to everyone to act. We're looking forward to watching these trees grow and help to restore and protect bee populations along with other ecologically important species," said Gary Connolly, Founder of Host In Ireland.

Planting will begin in November at the start of the dormant season. Every orchard planted will be included in an annual fruit crop count, with fruit expected to start growing within its first year.