Supporting Green Smart Cities: Flashnet’s Team Tree-Planting Project
As a promoter of smart city solutions, we believe in harnessing technology not only to improve efficiency, but also to enhance the quality of life for residents. Together with our colleagues from Lucy Group, we’re always socially and environmentally conscious, encouraged and inspired to act.
That’s why, when we had the chance to join a CSR project aimed at planting trees and shrubs locally, we were excited to be part of it.
The initiative took place along a bustling boulevard, a central artery in the city of Brasov, our hometown. With heavy public transit and having the University nearby, this area serves as a vital hub for commuters, students, and residents alike. However, amidst the hustle and bustle, there was a noticeable absence of greenery. Recognizing the need to preserve biodiversity, we decided to get involved.
Representatives from each department gathered at the site on April 12th, ready to make a difference. Armed with gloves, digging spades, and shovels provided by ProPark, a leading provider of conservation training in Romania, our team set out to plant a diverse array of indigenous trees, shrubs, and even wild strawberries.
Despite encountering challenges such as rocky soil, our team remained resolute in their mission. Through perseverance and teamwork, we successfully planted around 500 plants, each carefully chosen for its suitability to the local climate and soil conditions.
In the context of urban green spaces in Brasov, where 95% of woody vegetation is represented by trees, shrub islands are a must for both biodiversity and ecological benefits. They provide essential benefits such as the retention of dust and NOx air pollutants, reduction of noise pollution and an aesthetic value.
Our initiative wasn’t just about tree planting; it was also part of a biodiversity conservation project. By using only indigenous species of plants, perfectly adapted to our climate and soil conditions, we created an oasis for local bird and insect species. The Flashnet’s team goal was to contribute to the organizer’s bigger plan – establishing a network of such green spaces across the city, fostering biodiversity and improving the overall urban environment.
In addition to our hands-on contribution, this initiative served as an educational opportunity. It raised awareness about the delicate balance between nature and the city and demonstrated how community-led actions can enhance the quality of life for residents while preserving biodiversity.
About FLASHNET
FLASHNET is a fast paced tech company that integrates the latest IT, energy and telecommunications technologies into hardware and software solutions, creating and implementing intelligent systems for smarter cities and better infrastructure. Founded in 2005, FLASHNET is a leader in intelligent utility management systems, with worldwide operations. Since 2022, FLASHNET is part of Lucy Group. (www.flashnet.ro)
About Lucy Group
Lucy Group is a diversified international group with operating businesses across three sectors: Lucy Electric, Lucy Controls and Lucy Real Estate. Since its origins in Oxford, over 200 years ago, the Group has grown and evolved. Lucy Group now employs over 1,500 employees across offices and factories in 10 regions and trades in over 70 countries. The Group’s annual revenues in 2021 were over £250 million. Further information can be found at www.lucygroup.com