6,000 trees for a training that prioritizes sustainability
Sustainability has long played an important role at Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH – and that is also true for the training program. Since 2011, trainees have been working with the Kempten Office for Food, Agriculture, and Forestry to support the reforestation of the protective forest in the Allgäu region. Head of Training Matthias Fendt and trainees Felix Martin and Lukas Mittermayer report on last year‘s campaign.
How did the project come about?
Fendt: Sustainability has been a priority for us from the very beginning: the tree planting initiative has been running since 2011. It is important to us to convey environmental awareness in a practical way. At the same time, the event fosters team spirit among the trainees – and is a welcome change from their everyday digital routine.
Can you walk us through what happens on a day like this?
Martin: We take the bus to the meeting point together with the instructors. Then it‘s time to hike with tools and seedlings in our backpacks and head uphill to the planting area.
Mittermayer: On site, foresters introduce us to the most important functions and characteristics of the Allgäu mountain and protective forests and give us instructions on how to plant and what to look out for. And then we‘ll get started. The foresters keep an eye on things and help out. And afterwards, everyone enjoys a light snack together.
Not for couch potatoes: The ascent to the planting area
What stands out most in your memory from this day?
Martin: It was wet that day, and the slope was slippery and steep. But once you‘ve made it, you have a real sense of pride.
Mittermayer: It‘s hard work, but it‘s worth it. It‘s really a great idea – and you can see right away what you‘ve achieved.
Will this be intiative be repeated?
Fendt: Absolutely. For us, it‘s part of our duty. Our trainees have now planted over 6,000 trees – out of a total of 320,000 in the project. This also allows us to make an important contribution in terms of our CO₂ footprint. We also are involved in other initiatives such as the VDMA “Carbon Busters” award.
