As part of this year’s Women in Energi event, we hosted a creative activity with a lasting impact – painting bird boxes that will now be installed across our project sites nationwide. Supporting local communities and wildlife is important to us, and this initiative reflects our commitment to enhancing local habitats, increasing biodiversity, and leaving a positive, lasting impact in the areas where we work.
Isabelle Humphreys, Graduate Social Value Coordinator, shared her insight into the environmental and community benefits of the initiative, explaining how even small interventions can contribute to wider ESG outcomes.
“Bird boxes are a simple but effective way to support biodiversity in the areas where we operate. They provide safe nesting spaces for birds, helping protect them from predators and harsh weather, while also creating warm environments during colder months. In areas where development can limit natural habitats, these measures play an important role in maintaining and enhancing local ecosystems.”
Supporting biodiversity in a practical way
The installation of bird boxes forms part of a broader commitment to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), delivering measurable ecological enhancements across our projects. By incorporating features that actively support wildlife, we help ensure that sites are left in a better environmental condition than before. This also supports our ISO14001 accredited Environmental Management System, which help manage and improve the environmental aspects and impacts of our activities, including biodiversity and ecosystem considerations where relevant.
The boxes will help attract species such as Blue Tits, Great Tits, House Sparrows and Nuthatches, building on similar installations across projects including Newcastle Airport, Duffryn Heat Network, and Chamber House Solar Farm.
Creating social value through community engagement
Beyond environmental benefits, the initiative also delivers tangible social value. By installing bird boxes within project locations, opportunities are created for local communities to engage with the natural environment, whether through birdwatching, supporting installation, or simply enjoying enhanced green spaces.
“These types of projects help us connect with the communities around our sites,” said Isabelle. “They raise awareness of biodiversity, encourage participation, and reinforce our commitment to protecting the environment for future generations.”
From event activity to lasting legacy
This Women in Energi activity was one of many moments during the day that brought people together to connect, reflect and contribute to something meaningful.
While Women in Energi may only last a day, initiatives like this show how its impact continues far beyond the event, supporting biodiversity, engaging communities and helping us deliver our environmental and social commitments in a practical, visible way.
