There is something especially sweet at Boehringer Ingelheim's Saint-Vulbas Research Centre (CRSV), in Eastern France. Not only that this site does develop cutting-edge science to foster animal welfare but its employees also take this mission to another level. They are producing honey! Actually, they are joining a global battle to fight for biodiversity and supporting important pollinators: bees.

Those insects play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem and biodiversity. Being pollinators, they fly from plant to plant carrying pollen on their bodies, being responsible for the growth of trees, flowers and many plants – some of which serve as food or even shelter for other animals. What’s more: those plants also make active contributions to help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and prevent soil erosion.

Aware of these critical roles, our scientists decided to act in France. Back in 2016, they installed three swarms and started convincing colleagues to work for the sake of biodiversity while having new experiences, collaborating with other colleagues from different areas and, why not?! Having fun. The number of participants has been constantly increasing. No previous knowledge in beekeeping is needed, but visits to and from specialists, lectures and small workshops are turning every collaborator into an expert.

“We are very proud of the initiative. The conceptualization and management of this project is completely employee-driven; a success from an environmental point of view as well as from a collaborative perspective. It is a pleasure to bring together people from different backgrounds and professions, who would not necessarily interact during their official duties, thus strengthening a real team spirit. This approach fully reflects our philosophy and state of mind,” shares Emmanuel Montrozier, Health, Safety and Environment Manager, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health France.

Bee Team, more than a wordplay

Right now, around 20 percent of the site’s employees are part of the Bee Team. Claiming that they look like busy bees is no exaggeration: all the maintenance work is done by the volunteers themselves during the lunch break or at the end of the workday. A great chunk of attention is required in early spring and during the autumn. However, what some might perceive as additional workload, for the team members, it is all about the time to share a good atmosphere and act together for a greener and sweeter future. A wordplay seems unavoidable: it is time to be(e).

“We are all pleased to take part in this mission. The simple possibility of bringing the subject among  colleagues is great. It raises awareness and encourages further discussions both at work and at home, with their families and friends.  This has an extremely positive impact for us and for the environment. We are really proud to make a difference,” says Vincent Staszwezski, Clinical Research and Development Manager.

Environmental sustainability requires also more conscious societal contributions. Every year, the Bee Team harvest around five kilos of honey. Some of the jars are distributed among employees or even offered as a welcome treat to external visitors. Another part is sold, and the revenues go to the “Dr. Clown” association, a French charity that supports professional clowns, jugglers and magicians in sharing some color and laughter in children’s hospitals.