In the North of Luxembourg, close to Grosbous, a new forest is born. On a 5,000 m2 big area, more than 100 employees from UBS in Luxembourg volunteered to plant 2’000 trees over two days. Oak, pine, linden, maple trees - a variety of regional saplings all sponsored by UBS employees - make up the forest contributing to the larger goal of reforestation, biodiversity, and sustainable development in Luxembourg and beyond.

“The best moment to plant a tree was 40 years ago. The next best moment is right now. We are glad to count on UBS in Luxembourg as a partner to contribute to more biodiversity.” says Nicolas Hormain, Communication & Fundraising manager, Fondation Hëllef fir d’Natur of natur&emwëlt.

“Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do and not only limited to offering world leading sustainable investment solutions to our clients. From the beginning, our aim was long-term oriented - to plant trees, but also to take care of the forest so that it can grow. Our ambition is to make tree planting a habit and to connect people for a better world.” explains Christian Schön, Head of Advisory&Sales, UBS in Luxembourg and Partnership Mediator.

The idea of the forest was born 2 years ago when the UBS Future Innovation team came together internally to do something good locally. It all started with a wish to plant trees and have local impact. Long-term commitment was driving the initiation of the partnership between the non-profit organization the foundation Hëllef fir d’Natur of natur&emwëlt and the financial actor UBS with the aim to create a positive impact on the environment we live in. The initiative quickly got traction internally at UBS. In the end, more than 100 employees were eager to volunteer for the planting and sponsoring of the trees.

Trees offer many environmental benefits. The 5,000 m2 forest has an average carbon sink of 3 t of CO2 offset per year. Trees reduce urban heat, improve our air quality, reduce the amount of stormwater run-off and give off the oxygen we need to breathe. This also goes along with some key social benefits. Spending time around trees can reduce stress and improve recovery. The planting of trees brings us forward in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, addressing diverse Sustainable Development Goals – SDG3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG13 (Climate Action), SDG15 (Life on Land) and SDG17 (Partnership for the Goals).