In celebration of National Tree Week, Ground Control is pleased to be supporting EQUANS, a leading expert in energy efficiency, facilities management, and regeneration, in planting over 3,000 trees across the UK.

This is the third year that EQUANS (part of ENGIE UK and Ireland) has worked with Ground Control on these multiple tree planting schemes, as part of a joint mission to reduce carbon emissions and achieve net-zero status sooner, rather than later.

Since 2019, Ground Control has contributed through match funding, expert tree planting services, environmental consultation, and sourcing and delivering the trees, materials, and shelter.

This year Ground Control is supporting nine tree-planting schemes at EQUANS sites across the country.  Our specialist staff will facilitate the planting of approximately 3,040 trees, and our Corporate Social Responsibility initiative fund will contribute £2,500 of match funding.  We will continue to offer value-added environmental services and consultation when necessary.

Planting took place at these sites between 27th November and 5th December 2021, coinciding with National Tree Week.

Some of the EQUANS sites that had new trees planted during the week include the Rugeley power station redevelopment, Wisbech community farm supported by Clarion Housing, Keele University low carbon energy project, Eadha Enterprises at Whinneyhill Wood, and BBPL (Birmingham BioPower Limited).

Chris Bawtree, Woodland Creation Lead at Ground Control commented

 We are proud to be working with EQUANs and all the volunteers for the third year on this impactful tree planting initiative.  Each year it brings communities together, wanting to do their bit for our environment as we work towards zero-carbon transition. At Ground Control, we have set ourselves an ambitious target to plant one million trees by 2025. It’s working with companies like EQUANs and the associated communities that make this feel achievable. National Tree Week is a great opportunity to highlight the importance of tree planting.  It’s a simple, yet effective way to remove carbon from the atmosphere as well as create biodiverse habitats and support community wellbeing.  Thank you to everyone involved again this year.

Jessica Pawley, Environmental Manager at EQUANS commented,

As an industry leader, we take all aspects of Responsible Business (RB) seriously.  We look for every opportunity to work closely with our contractors and partners to provide sustainable, low carbon and energy efficient places to live and work.  We are delighted to be working with Ground Control who are supporting us in delivering the EQUANS’ Tree Fund for the third year.  Over three years the partnership has planted nearly 8,000 trees across 23 sites, ranging from client sites to community projects.
The tree planting iniative not only provides environmental benefits but social benefits as well.  Our army of employee volunteers work side by side with the communities and businesses we serve to plant the trees.  We are proud of what this partnership with Ground Control has achieved.

Tree Planting with EQUANS at Snaresbrook