Working surrounded by greenery is more than a trend; it is an essential part of the sustainable work landscapes of the future. Companies such as Trespa in Weert and the Brainport Human Campus in Helmond have understood this and deliberately chose to transform their work environments, integrating trees into their sites. Trees are not only aesthetically and functionally valuable but also play a key role in creating future-proof work landscapes. How can the benefits of planting trees in work environments be determined?
A future work landscape is a dynamic and resilient environment that responds to the changing needs of both people and nature. It meets various criteria that contribute to sustainability, well-being, innovation, collaboration, energy efficiency, and adaptability. The coalition “Work Landscapes of the Future” has established these criteria with the aim of transforming “grey” work sites into “green-blue” ones. These areas are adapted to the effects of climate change such as heat, drought, and flooding, while contributing to biodiversity.
Quantifying the ecological return of trees
While the aesthetic value of trees is often immediately visible, the broader benefits of greenery in work landscapes are less tangible but no less important. The economic and ecological returns of trees can be quantified, making a strong business case for companies looking to invest in a sustainable workplace. When developing such a business case, companies should not only consider the initial costs of planting and maintaining trees but also the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). In the long term, trees provide substantial benefits, including lower energy costs, increased property value, and a positive impact on employee well-being. With the rise of modern technologies such as sensors and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), companies can monitor the health and growth of trees. These data can provide insights into CO₂ absorption, stormwater management capacity, and energy savings. This makes the benefits of trees not only visible but measurable, strengthening the business case.
Monetary value of ecosystem services in work landscapes
Trees deliver a range of services that can be directly translated into financial benefits. They absorb CO₂ and filter pollutants from the air, leading to lower health costs and improved air quality at the workplace. At the Trespa headquarters in Weert, for example, the carbon footprint has been improved by planting trees and shrubs with high CO₂ absorption capacity in collaboration with Boomkwekerij Ebben. Trees provide shade, cooling surfaces by up to 10°C. Through evapotranspiration, they cool the air by several degrees. They also mitigate the urban heat island effect by intercepting sunlight and reducing heat storage. In winter, trees act as natural windbreaks. Companies can calculate energy savings based on the shade and shelter provided by trees, leading to a positive payback period. Water retention is another major benefit: tree canopies intercept rainfall and slow runoff, reducing pressure on sewer systems. Their roots improve soil structure and promote water infiltration, while evapotranspiration restores moisture balance. These services translate into avoided costs, such as lower investments in air conditioning, water management, and heating.
Green attracts people to work landscapes
Green workplaces enhance employee well-being, leading to higher productivity and lower absenteeism. Various studies and articles indicate that employees working in green environments are on average 6% to 16% more productive. This translates directly into economic benefits for companies. A green workplace also makes a company more attractive to employees, as demonstrated by the Human Brain Campus in Helmond. From the buildings to the outdoor spaces, the site was designed with a clear focus on happiness at work and human connection. Green spaces therefore improve employee retention and reduce recruitment costs. Trespa, for example, has seen extremely low absenteeism among its production staff thanks to its healthy green work environment.
Research, including a publication in Elsevier Science & Policy, also shows that greenery increases property values. For owners, this means greater appeal to tenants or buyers and a positive impact on the value of their property portfolios.
Trees in elevated work landscapes
Space and weight are the biggest challenges when integrating nature into built environments. Wherever possible, trees should be planted directly in the ground. When this is not feasible, rooftop trees offer innovative opportunities to create green work landscapes where ground space is limited. Boomkwekerij Ebben and The Urban Jungle Project are pioneers in this field. Ebben focuses on selecting suitable species and designing rooftop gardens that can withstand extreme weather conditions. The Urban Jungle Project goes a step further by planting modular, lightweight trees on rooftops—flexible solutions that make urban greening possible without adding excessive weight. Rooftop gardens and green façades capture particulate matter, improve ecology, and reduce the heat island effect. These initiatives provide companies with attractive and functional work environments.
The future of climate-adaptive tree species
Trees can only deliver their full ecosystem services when they are not under stress. Certain tree species are well known for their resilience to climate extremes, often referred to as climate trees. They show little to no damage during stressful periods of drought, heat, heavy rainfall, and air pollution, or they recover quickly. Examples include Ulmus resista® (elm), which is drought- and heat-resistant and heals damage rapidly; Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine), which filters polluted air and is both heat- and drought-tolerant; and Gleditsia triacanthos f. Inermis, which tolerates drought, captures relatively high amounts of particulate matter and nitrogen, and cools effectively with its lush canopy.
Trees are also part of broader innovations. Companies are integrating greenery to support energy-positive goals and reduce their ecological footprint. This vision of the future includes not only planting trees but also managing them smartly with technology. Boomkwekerij Ebben, for instance, collaborates with Greehill to use LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and AI to collect detailed data on trees in urban areas. The results are presented in detailed reports and maps, providing insights into tree value that can be applied in all types of built environments. This helps companies make informed decisions about resilient planting plans for creating the work landscapes of the future.
