Wilo is SMART ... with its eco-pasture

Corporate social responsibility at Wilo

The Wilo Group is one of the largest manufacturers in the world of pumps and pumping systems for the Residential and Collective Building, Water Cycle and Industry markets. As such, we have responsibilities towards our customers, our employees, society and the environment. For us, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) describes above all a sustainable management method: fair business practices, an HR policy focused on employees, optimized management of natural resources and a clear commitment to climate protection.

In France, we have defined four major corporate social responsibility themes based on precise and quantifiable projects set up at our production site in Laval (53). These sustainable development projects meet two priority objectives for the Wilo Group: our commitment to climate protection and our responsibility towards our employees.

Today, we are developing a new project: eco-grazing. Eco-grazing is a method of maintaining green spaces, complementary to mechanical maintenance. Often implemented in urban areas, it helps preserve biodiversity, limit noise, strengthen social ties and promote heritage breeds with high adaptability. This project is led by Système Bêêê and supported by Animal & Cité.

"SMART SHEEP": Eco-grazing at the Laval site, a practical and ecological solution

Our objectives: Eco-grazing is an ecological approach in the continuity of our recycling center, an energy-independent building. This action initially helps to promote the biodiversity of flora and fauna. Then, secondly, to save two endangered breeds: the Ouessant sheep and the Fossés goat. The topography of the land and in particular the embankments located around the Recycling Center make it particularly difficult to maintain. Eco-grazing makes it easier to maintain the site.

In addition, the sheep and goats animate and enhance the site. Over the days, they have become real mascots for Wilo France employees. Moreover, 3 new births took place in the herd during March.

The budget: This project also saves € 1800 per year by reducing the costs associated with the maintenance of the areas concerned. The investment in fences and gates for eco-grazing ultimately amounts to nearly € 6000, i.e. a return on investment over 3,3 years.

The organization:

• 1 to 2 passages of the shepherd per week
• Eco-grazing from February to November depending on the weather
• Wintering in the sheepfold
• Possible activities especially when shearing wool
• 3 exploitable plots