Energystore plants trees in schools with the NI Forest Schools Association

Holywood-based insulation company energystore has completed the second year of its tree planting initiative with the NI Forest Schools Association.

This year’s tree planting initiative saw 2,000 trees planted in local schools. The aim of the project is to contribute to reaching NI’s targets for net zero and teach children about the natural environment and how it must be protected. All the trees are species native to Northern Ireland and have been planted by the school children and NIFSA as part of an outdoor learning programme.

energystore manufactures, supplies and installs a range of products, including their EPS bonded cavity wall insulation superbead and energystore TLA, an insulation designed for floors and roofs, all of which are designed to make homes as thermally efficient as possible.

It is committed to developing and installing products that create a cleaner environment and improve energy efficiency wherever they are used.

The business has five production sites across the UK serving homeowners and commercial customers, such as new build developers and housing associations.

Alex McCandless, Marketing Manager at energystore, said: “Corporate Social Responsibility is one of our core values at energystore. We feel its important to give back to the communities we live and work in. Our tree planting initiative has been a very special project for us and being able to plant in schools this year has been fantastic.

“With the NI Forest Schools Associations help we’ve been able to plant trees in schools and engage with the children about the importance of protecting our environment. Our business model is designed to make us as sustainable as possible and we recently installed a solar panel system in our Larne manufacturing plant. Being able to take our commitment to the environment one step further and play our part to reach net zero has been very rewarding.”

Brian Poots, NI Forest Schools Association, said: “The partnership with energystore is hugely important for NIFSA and the local school community. After the pandemic schools have realised the value of reconnecting with nature and how important it is for the pupil’s mental and physical health. Through the funding provided by energystore schools can begin to develop their own school grounds into mini-forests. Not only will these habitats develop over the years to become rich in biodiversity and provide important feeding grounds for pollinators but they will become outdoor classrooms enriching the lives and experiences of our young people.”