It stands as a model for biodiversity. Our Research & Development Institute at Paris-Saclay is the first of our sites to receive the BiodiverCity® label for its exemplary approach to protecting living organisms, from its very conception.
BiodiverCity® is the first international label to recognize biodiversity in real estate projects that integrate and value nature, vegetation, and living organisms. On March 8th, the IBPC (International Biodiversity Property Council), which established the BiodiverCity® standards, confirmed the excellence of our R&D Institute in Paris-Saclay in terms of ecology and sustainable construction.
A Model of Eco-design
From its eco-responsible architecture that blends into the existing ecosystem to the best practices deployed to optimize the ecological potential of the site, everything has been designed to preserve nature sustainably and live in harmony with it.
The outdoor spaces – 9,000 m² of green roofs, 5,000 m² of ground-level gardens, 100 m² of collaborative vegetable gardens – were developed according to the recommendations of an ecologist, as exemplary living spaces to welcome living organisms.
Climbing plants, dense hedges and groves, forest and fruit trees, nectar-producing flowers… At least 95% of the selected plants are local species beneficial to the fauna of the Saclay plateau. These green areas form a mosaic of habitats for common species, as well as protected, threatened, or rare species recorded on and around the site, such as the Yellow Wagtail, the stag beetle, and the common pipistrelle bat.
The diversity of plant environments, the presence of wetlands, and the installation of refuge areas (nesting boxes, insect hotels, shelters for hedgehogs and squirrels) simultaneously promote biodiversity. Bird visits since the green spaces were established have increased!
Moreover, the measures implemented to maintain these spaces – drip irrigation, selective mowing, mulching, composting, “zero pesticide” maintenance – will contribute to the sustainable protection of biodiversity.
“I am extremely proud that our Group has made biodiversity preservation a priority from the start of the R&D Institute construction project at Saclay. Every step was meticulously planned! Obtaining the BiodiverCity® certification, despite its demanding standards, demonstrates our commitment to environmental protection, and it is now essential to sustain it.”
Isabelle Laurandin, CSR Leader, R&D, Servier
A Source of Well-being for Everyone
Furthermore, the enhancement of living organisms also benefits the employees on site. The gardens include outdoor seating where they can relax while listening to birdsong.
Those who wish can also gather in the vegetable garden to grow vegetables, exchange seeds, participate in a workshop with an ecologist, or simply deepen their knowledge of fauna and flora through informational panels installed all around!
“At our Saclay site, nature and buildings can coexist for the well-being of both wildlife and our teams!”
Laurence Perineau, Senior Hospitality Services Expert, Servier
Biodiversity and Nature, Pillars of Our CSR
Obtaining the BiodiverCity® label aligns with our Group’s CSR strategy, which aims to reduce the impact of our activities on the planet at every stage of the medicines’ life cycle. It is another demonstration of our high ambition in terms of biodiversity.
Committed to protecting biodiversity for many years, Servier joined the Act4Nature International initiative in 2021, driven by companies acting for the environment.
We adhere to the ten commitments defined by Act4Nature International and add our own commitments:
Biodiversity is an integral part of our global CSR strategy! A model of exemplary conduct, the Paris-Saclay R&D Institute is our first site to be certified BiodiverCity®.
“Obtaining the label is just the starting point, we are determined to progress and go even further: it’s a continuous commitment, a way of life!”
Marie-Josèphe Salle-Gangneron, Senior Hospitality Services Manager, Servier.
100 %
By 2030, 100% of our French sites will be certified BiodiverCity® Life or equivalent.