At PJM, we have always embraced challenges as opportunities for innovation. In connection with the expansion of our facilities in 2023, we quickly realized that large amounts of runoff water needed to be managed. We turned the challenge into a lasting asset and now we have a biodiversity “park” that will benefit our employees, the local community, and the biodiversity in the area.
When we planned our new factory space, we experienced complications getting rid of excess surface water from rooftops and paved areas. We needed to find a way to drain off the rainwater, without overloading the public sewage systems. runoff can collect pollutants from surfaces, carrying chemicals, oils, or other contaminants into surrounding ecosystems – all issues we wish to avoid. Therefore, we decided to create a rainwater basin in the grassy area behind the factory. This system allows water to filter back into the ground, promoting groundwater recharge and reducing the need for artificial drainage.
The project quickly evolved, and in collaboration with the Odsherred Municipality, the park grew to include two ponds connected by a small canal with a bridge. The leftover soil from the excavation was used to shape a hilly terrain, where we planted several groups of trees, wildflowers, and meadow grasses to foster biodiversity. We have also placed a number of “insect hotels”, tree trunks, and stone piles to provide attractive habitats for insects and small amphibians. This again will attract birds, fish, and other animals that will benefit from the enhanced food base.
By utilizing nature’s own resources to handle surface water, we can create a more sustainable and resilient environment. Wetlands, ponds, and basins manage water and create habitats for local wildlife and plants, ultimately boosting biodiversity.
Moreover, these green areas provide a calming, aesthetically pleasing space for employees and the community to enjoy, turning a potential issue into a valuable, multifunctional asset. Employing such nature-based methods helps mitigate the effects of climate change while aligning with broader sustainability goals.
Besides finding a solution for the excess surface water, we wished to create a peaceful space where our employees could relax and recharge. However, we realized that this green space should not be limited to the employees at PJM but should be shared with the entire local community. With the park, we hope to provide a space where nature and people can coexist and thrive. The trees and the additional vegetation contribute to absorbing CO2 and further reducing the already limited emission of greenhouse gasses from our operations.
As our CEO, Benny Smith puts it:
“It was important for us to think long-term. We didn’t just want to solve a problem; we wanted to create something meaningful that everyone could enjoy. The park is a place where both employees and locals can take a break and enjoy nature"
At PJM, we see this project as more than just a solution to a practical issue. It reflects our commitment to environmental responsibility and to creating value for our employees and the local population. The biodiversity park symbolizes our dedication to sustainability, and we look forward to seeing the area bloom into a place where nature can flourish hand in hand as we continue our work in automation solutions.
The park is ready to use now, and we are excited to welcome our staff and the local community to this little oasis of nature where visitors can have a break during the day.