Nexus Select Trust, India's largest retail real estate platform, is not just transforming cityscapes with its 17 malls across 14 cities but also nurturing the environment through its impactful sustainability initiatives. Embracing the urban forest concept, Nexus Malls organized a tree plantation drive to foster employee engagement while contributing to environmental restoration.

This initiative saw employees come together to plant native tree species in an urban forest setting, creating a green oasis amidst bustling city environments. By participating in this meaningful activity, employees not only strengthened their bond with nature but also contributed to mitigating urbanization challenges like pollution and heat islands.

Aligned with Nexus's core values of innovation, caring, and excellence, the drive aimed to create a sustainable future while encouraging employees to take ownership of the environment. The initiative symbolizes Nexus Malls' commitment to adding value to the communities they operate in, reflecting their vision of blending growth with ecological responsibility.

By transforming barren spaces into thriving urban forests, Nexus Select Trust is leading the way in creating greener, healthier cities while cultivating environmental stewardship among its workforce. This effort underscores their dedication to harmonizing corporate success with sustainable practices.

Tree Plantation Date

2nd August 2024

Tree Plantation Location

56CW+QXP, Hendre Pada, Badlapur, Maharashtra 421503

Trees Planted

Total Count: 50 Trees

Species Name: Mango

Forest Type: Urban Forest

Nexus Select Trust, India’s leading retail real estate platform, has undertaken a transformative tree plantation initiative rooted in the urban forest concept to engage its employees meaningfully. This initiative brings employees together to plant native trees in urban settings, creating green pockets that combat the environmental challenges of urbanization, such as pollution and heat islands. By fostering teamwork and environmental responsibility, the activity not only strengthens employee connections but also aligns with Nexus’s commitment to innovation, care, and sustainability. Through this effort, Nexus Select Trust continues to lead by example, blending its corporate success with ecological stewardship to create healthier, greener cities.

Advantages Of Urban Forest

Enhances Employee Well-being and Mental Health

Tree plantation activities provide employees with an opportunity to step away from their busy routines and immerse themselves in nature. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors reduces stress, lowers anxiety, and improves focus. By engaging in meaningful outdoor activities, employees experience a sense of calm and fulfillment, which directly contributes to their mental health and overall productivity. The initiative reinforces Nexus Select Trust's commitment to employee well-being by offering an experience that benefits both mind and body.

Builds a Stronger Team Bond

Planting trees as a group activity fosters teamwork and collaboration among employees. It encourages individuals to work together, strategize, and support one another in achieving a shared goal. These experiences strengthen interpersonal relationships, enhance communication skills, and build trust among team members. This bonding creates a more cohesive and connected workforce, which is essential for organizational growth and harmony.

Promotes Environmental Responsibility

By participating in this initiative, employees gain a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting the environment. The hands-on experience of planting trees instills a sense of accountability and pride in contributing to ecological sustainability. This awareness often extends beyond the workplace, encouraging employees to adopt environmentally friendly habits in their personal lives, thus amplifying the impact of the initiative.

Mitigates Urbanization Challenges

Urbanization poses several environmental challenges, such as increasing air pollution, heat islands, and declining biodiversity. Nexus Select Trust's urban forest initiative directly addresses these issues by creating green spaces that improve air quality, reduce ambient temperatures, and provide habitats for wildlife. Employees take pride in contributing to a tangible solution to urban environmental problems, reinforcing the company's role as a leader in sustainable development.

Boosts Employee Engagement and Retention

Offering employees meaningful activities like tree plantation helps them feel valued and connected to the organization’s mission. When employees are given the chance to contribute to a cause larger than themselves, it increases their sense of purpose and satisfaction at work. This sense of fulfillment fosters loyalty, leading to higher engagement and retention rates. Employees feel a stronger bond with Nexus Select Trust and its vision for sustainable development.

Creates Lasting Green Legacies

Trees planted during the initiative grow into vibrant green spaces that employees can see and take pride in over time. These urban forests serve as a long-term reminder of their collective efforts, creating a sense of legacy and achievement. Employees can share their contributions with friends and family, reinforcing their connection to the company’s sustainability initiatives.

Strengthens the Organization's Sustainability Image

Initiatives like this enhance Nexus Select Trust's reputation as a socially responsible organization. Employees feel proud to be associated with a company that prioritizes sustainability and actively works to improve the environment. This positive image not only boosts internal morale but also attracts environmentally conscious talent, customers, and partners.

Improves Local Air Quality and Aesthetic Appeal

Urban forests significantly improve air quality by filtering pollutants, increasing oxygen levels, and reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Additionally, these green spaces enhance the aesthetic appeal of the surroundings, creating more pleasant and visually appealing environments. Employees directly benefit from these improvements, making their workspaces and communities healthier and more vibrant places to live and work.

Activities During Tree Plantation

During Nexus Select Trust's tree plantation initiative for employee engagement, the site was meticulously prepared in advance to ensure a seamless and impactful experience for participants. On the day of the event, employees enthusiastically came together to plant saplings, carefully placing them in the pre-prepared pits. Guided by sustainability experts, they learned the proper techniques for handling and planting native tree species to maximize their survival and growth. After planting, employees watered the saplings, nurturing them as a symbol of their commitment to environmental conservation. The activity fostered teamwork, environmental awareness, and a sense of achievement among employees, reflecting Nexus Select Trust's dedication to sustainability and employee engagement.

Tree Plantation Purpose

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Achieved through Nexus Select Trust’s Tree Plantation Initiative:

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Nexus Select Trust’s tree plantation initiative promotes a healthier environment by improving air quality and reducing pollutants through urban forestation. Employees participating in the activity benefit from reduced stress and enhanced mental well-being, while the surrounding community enjoys cleaner air and a greener urban landscape. The initiative also fosters mindfulness and encourages physical activity, contributing to better overall health for all involved.

2. SDG 4: Quality Education

Through the initiative, employees and participants are educated about the importance of urban forests, native tree species, and sustainable environmental practices. By imparting practical knowledge about tree planting and ecological restoration, Nexus Select Trust ensures that participants leave with a deeper understanding of their role in promoting environmental sustainability.

3. SDG 5: Gender Equality

The initiative fosters inclusivity by encouraging participation from employees of all genders, ensuring equal opportunities for engagement in sustainability efforts. By promoting gender-balanced involvement, Nexus Select Trust creates an equitable platform for environmental stewardship, breaking down barriers and encouraging collective responsibility.

4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The tree plantation initiative contributes indirectly to economic growth by creating opportunities for local workers involved in site preparation, maintenance, and long-term care of the urban forest. By investing in these green projects, Nexus Select Trust supports sustainable economic activities while fostering environmental consciousness among employees.

5. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Nexus Select Trust demonstrates innovative urban planning by integrating urban forests into its sustainability strategy. These green spaces act as essential infrastructure in urban areas, improving the environment while also supporting climate resilience and ecological balance. The initiative serves as a model for sustainable corporate practices within the real estate sector.

6. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

By incorporating urban forestation, Nexus Select Trust transforms urban spaces into green, sustainable zones that enhance the quality of life for residents. These forests reduce urban heat, improve air quality, and foster biodiversity, helping create more sustainable and inclusive cities. The initiative also sets a precedent for urban development that prioritizes environmental balance and community well-being.

7. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The initiative encourages sustainable use of resources by focusing on native and drought-resistant tree species that require minimal maintenance. Employees learn about sustainable practices and responsible consumption during the activity, promoting an ethos of environmental care and conservation within the organization.

8. SDG 13: Climate Action

Tree plantation is a critical measure to combat climate change. By increasing green cover, the initiative helps sequester carbon dioxide, reduce the effects of urban heat islands, and mitigate the impact of urbanization on the environment. Employees actively contribute to climate action, fostering a culture of responsibility and sustainability.

9. SDG 15: Life on Land

Urban forests planted during this initiative support biodiversity by providing habitats for wildlife and enriching the urban ecosystem. The project restores degraded lands in cities, ensuring that native flora and fauna can thrive. Employees’ efforts directly contribute to protecting and restoring life on land, aligning with global biodiversity conservation goals.

10. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Nexus Select Trust’s partnership with Grow Billion Trees has exemplified the essence of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by uniting resources, expertise, and shared commitment to environmental sustainability. Through this collaboration, Nexus has effectively implemented its urban forest tree plantation initiatives, transforming urban landscapes into green havens while engaging employees in meaningful environmental action. Grow Billion Trees provided expert guidance in site preparation, tree selection, and ecological management, ensuring the plantations’ long-term success and alignment with global sustainability standards. This partnership has amplified the impact of Nexus’s efforts, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship among employees and creating a scalable model for corporate sustainability. Together, Nexus Select Trust and Grow Billion Trees have demonstrated the power of collective action in addressing climate challenges and advancing sustainable development.

ESGs Achieved Through Urban Forest

Environmental (E): Enhancing Urban Ecosystems

Nexus Select Trust’s tree plantation initiative under the urban forest concept significantly contributes to environmental sustainability. By increasing green cover in urban areas, the initiative improves air quality, mitigates the urban heat island effect, and helps in carbon sequestration, reducing the overall carbon footprint. The plantation of native and drought-resistant species ensures biodiversity conservation, providing habitats for various birds and insects. Additionally, the initiative restores degraded urban land, turning it into thriving ecosystems that promote ecological balance. These efforts reflect Nexus Select Trust’s commitment to proactive environmental stewardship and align with global goals to combat climate change and foster sustainable development.

Social (S): Empowering Communities and Employees

The tree plantation initiative strengthens social well-being by fostering a sense of responsibility and environmental awareness among employees. The hands-on involvement of employees in planting and watering saplings creates a sense of teamwork, unity, and pride in contributing to a greener future. This activity also supports mental well-being by connecting participants with nature, reducing stress, and promoting mindfulness. Beyond employee engagement, the initiative positively impacts local communities by creating healthier urban spaces that improve the quality of life. Nexus Select Trust’s focus on inclusivity ensures equal participation, making the activity a platform for collaboration and collective growth.

Governance (G): Promoting Sustainability Practices

Through the tree plantation initiative, Nexus Select Trust reinforces its governance framework by integrating environmental, social, and corporate responsibility into its core values. The initiative reflects a forward-thinking approach to sustainability, showcasing leadership in aligning corporate activities with global ESG standards. Nexus Select Trust collaborates with expert organizations like Grow Billion Trees to ensure transparency, accountability, and the effective execution of the project. By adopting sustainable practices and involving stakeholders at every level, the company demonstrates its dedication to ethical governance, setting a benchmark for the real estate industry in driving impactful ESG initiatives.

Commitment by Grow Billion Tree

Grow Billion Trees is committed to driving sustainable plantation efforts, ensuring every initiative aligns with key environmental objectives and promotes long-term ecological balance. We focus on selecting native tree species that are well-adapted to local ecosystems, ensuring a higher survival rate and stronger environmental impact.

To maintain plant health and longevity, Grow Billion Trees emphasizes continuous maintenance and regular monitoring of the plantations. This approach helps ensure that each tree thrives, contributing effectively to both biodiversity and climate resilience.

Transparency is a core principle in our operations. Clients receive comprehensive reports, including geo-tagging of planted trees, survival rate updates, and ongoing progress reports. This level of openness allows clients to track the direct impact of their contributions, reinforcing trust and accountability.

Through our dedication to sustainable practices, Grow Billion Trees ensures that every plantation project leaves a lasting positive footprint on both the environment and the local communities it serves.

Summary 

Nexus Select Trust’s tree plantation initiative under the urban forest concept is a transformative effort aimed at fostering environmental sustainability and employee engagement. With meticulously prepared sites, employees actively participated by planting and watering saplings, contributing to the creation of green urban spaces. This initiative not only enhances air quality, biodiversity, and ecological balance but also promotes climate resilience by reducing the carbon footprint. It fosters teamwork, environmental awareness, and mental well-being among employees while aligning with global sustainability goals like SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Partnering with Grow Billion Trees, Nexus ensures effective execution and long-term impact, reflecting its commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and sustainable governance.