A new habitat for endangered animal and plant species is currently being created a few kilometers outside Audi’s Ingolstadt plant gates: the Audi AzuBioTop. The idea for the project came from new recruits. Since October 2022, employees have been gradually planting meadows of fruit trees and flowers as well as a replacement habitat for sand lizards. The first tree to be planted in the fall was recently followed by another planting event. Together with Member of the Board of Management for Human Resources and project sponsor Xavier Ros, Board Member for Production and Logistics Gerd Walker, and Chairman of the General Works Council Peter Mosch, the trainees have planted several native fruit trees.
Sustainability has been an integral part of training at Audi for many years. Among other things, new recruits attend environmental days on which they learn more about topics such as carbon footprints, climate change, and biodiversity – as well as getting active as a team. In the past, they transformed a discarded vehicle into an insect hotel and designed a sustainable race course for the State Garden Show. With the AzuBioTop project, the topic of sustainability has now reached a new dimension for the Ingolstadt training center. In future, the efforts of Ingolstadt’s approximately 1,400 trainees will focus primarily on the 1.24-hectare plot. A meadow orchard, a wildflower and gentian meadow, and a replacement habitat for sand lizards are gradually being created here. Audi’s junior employees are responsible for planting, regular maintenance, and further development of the site.
Sustainability at Audi: More than a trendy topic
Together for more green – under this motto, Audi trainees have now followed up on their first planting event in the fall of 2022. They were joined by Member of the Board of Management for Human Resources Xavier Ros, Board Member for Production and Logistics Gerd Walker, and Chairman of the General Works Council Peter Mosch. “Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role – both for the younger generation and us as a company. As an attractive employer, we are called upon to facilitate these topics in training as well,” says Ros, who took over sponsorship of the AzuBioTop project in December 2022. Walker confirms this stance: “Protecting the environment as best as possible is one of our global challenges and is therefore firmly anchored at Audi with the cross-site Mission:Zero environmental program for production and logistics.”
Just like the two board members, Mosch also lent a hand with the tree planting event: “With the shortage of skilled workers we’re facing, it is important that Audi employees identify with the company from the very beginning. In that respect, joint commitment is the key to success.”
Trainees from different training programs get involved together
Just how much passion and initiative the 120 trainees involved in the project so far have put into it is demonstrated, among other things, by a construction trailer at the edge of the site that trainees designed and built themselves. It serves as a storage unit for tools as well as a shelter in bad weather and was even furnished with a seating area. “We come from very different backgrounds and have learned a lot from each other,” says Christina Brunner, an office management assistant trainee. “It builds a lot of team spirit when you know you’re part of something big and contributing to environmental protection.” The young people already have far-reaching plans for the “AzuBioTop” in the future, such as a self-built weather station and a basin for rainwater harvesting. The young people already have far-reaching plans for the future of the AzuBioTop project. As soon as the flower meadows are planted, they plan to establish a bee colony there in cooperation with a honey farm. Moving forward, crops from the meadow orchard will contribute to a healthy and regional diet for Audi employees. In addition, the trainees are seeking partnerships with universities, social institutions, and the Audi Environmental Foundation.
Audi’s commitment to people and the environment
Audi is committed to sustainability in many areas, such as with its company-wide Mission:Zero environmental program, which proactively addresses the fields of decarbonization, water use, resource efficiency, and biodiversity. At the same time, the Audi Environmental Foundation supports research into new technologies and scientific methods. As a “good neighbor,” Audi also promotes the volunteering of employees in projects and institutions in their region, including with the International Audi Social Day in June.
Applications to start training in 2024 are now open online. Check the Audi careers website for more information at https://www.audi.com/en/career/pupils.html.