Green Future
We take care of the green areas
Caring for the environment is part of the carmaker’s DNA and forms an integral part of the Green Future strategy
On ŠKODA premises surface planted:
244,675
square metres of grassy area
19,115
square metres of shrubs
787
trees
Beyond the ŠKODA premises, the following has been planted in the city:
111,275
square metres of grassy area
6,607
square metres of shrubs
401
trees
Planted last year:
97
trees
6,200
flowers
3,277
shrubs
ow are we to conceive of this? The carmaker contributes to nature thriving not only in the vicinity of Mladá Boleslav but also around other production plants. At the same time, green areas are not only used to please the eye but also contribute to a healthy work environment, microclimate and clean air, reduce dust, absorb CO2 and increase humidity.
“We are planting where the infrastructure and our intended construction projects allow it”, explains Luděk Holub from the PSZ/42 – Infrastructure Operations department. “We are also cooperating with experts. For example, a certified arborist recommends the most suitable tree species by taking into consideration the location and climatic conditions”, he adds.
It’s like mowing 50 pitches
The carmaker takes care of green areas both on its own premises and surroundings. “At the Mladá Boleslav plant, for example, we are taking care of 787 trees, 19,115 m2 of shrubs and almost a quarter of a million square metres of grassy areas. Outside the car company premises, it’s almost half this number”, says Holub. Some trees are indeed valuable, especially Chinese metasequoias and mulberries – both black and white. The green area that ŠKODA AUTO is taking care of is constantly increasing, and last year alone, the carmaker planted 97 trees, 3,277 shrubs and 6,200 flowers. “We regularly water recently planted trees and shrubs, but since this is not enough in the era of climate change, we are deploy irrigation bags in many places. In addition, we protect the bark of new trees from damage caused by the thermal impact and apply the Arboflex coating, which strengthens vitality”, explains Holub.
Taking the scientific greenery path
Every autumn, the PSZ/42 department conducts a dendrological survey, whose results are also available in digital format. Based on this survey, we proceed with new tree and shrub planting or pruning. “We are organising this survey in cooperation with a certified dendrologist who examines the health and operational safety of woody plants. If the examination reveals that some trees have died or are dangerous to their surroundings, we remove them upon agreement with the Environmental Protection department. Of course, we then plant new and healthy pieces to replace them”, says Holub. Rani Tolimat
International Day for Biological Diversity
We are celebrating this day every year on 22 May. The VW Group is calling on all Group brands to scale up their support for projects to protect nature and preserve the diversity of species, especially insects. It also supports events organised in the region (flower meadow farming, insect hotels etc.), as well as global events, such as the afforestation of the Mexican Iztaccíhuatl–Popocatépetl National Park.
Even small changes help
The entire planet prepares to commemorate close to 50 years of nature conservation
ack in 1972, the UN General Assembly declared 5 July World Environment Day that raises awareness of environmental issues. This year’s main theme is the protection of biodiversity – natural diversity. You may have realised, especially at the time of a global pandemic that has affected everyone’s lives, that all of us are part of a delicate balance. At the same time, you can start protecting nature with some changes at work or on your commute. It doesn’t have to be anything radical. RED
Try following these guidelines
When commuting to work, keep proper tyre pressure and drive calmly and smoothly. If possible, use cruise control. Your car will burn less fuel and emit fewer harmful substances.
Drive less, go to work on foot or by bike or use public transportation. Alternatively, agree to give somebody a lift to use the car more efficiently.
Have your coffee or tea in an ordinary cup or thermo mug. Do not overwhelm nature unnecessarily with disposable cups.
Use plastic water bottles repeatedly, for example by refilling them with tap water.
Do not discard paper you have written on; use the flip side as well.
Switch off the lights in areas where you do not need it.
Switch off computers, monitors and other devices after business hours.