The Ruysbroeckveld Nature Park in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, launched last year in collaboration with AstraZeneca, was significantly expanded in the autumn of 2024 – thanks to AstraZeneca BeLux employees planting 2,600 trees.
This new phase brings the park a step closer to the full realization of a 5-hectare green oasis in a densely populated residential area just a few kilometers from Brussels and AstraZeneca's offices. This project is led by the local government of Leeuw, in collaboration with the international pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, Forest Fwd, the Strategic Project Zennevallei, the Agency for Nature and Forests, and the Flemish government. The aim is to improve both biodiversity and the livability of the neighborhood.
In Phase 1, completed in 2023, 2,700 trees were planted by AstraZeneca employees and local residents. Today marks the start of Phase 2, during which 2,600 trees will be planted over approximately 3.75 hectares to further expand the nature park. The planting activity was completed thanks to AstraZeneca employees volunteering again, and continued when local residents were invited to participate.
The Ruysbroeckveld Nature Park, amidst a residential neighborhood in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, contributes to a healthier and more sustainable environment, with a strong focus on air quality, biodiversity, and recreation. The park not only offers green space for recreation, such as play areas, walking paths, and a Finnish running track, but also supports the mental and physical health of local residents in the region.
Healthier Planet and Community
Tijs Neutens, Corporate Affairs Director of AstraZeneca BeLux, explains how this project fits within AstraZeneca's broader sustainability ambitions.
The health of people is strongly connected to a healthy society and a healthy planet. AstraZeneca considers it its responsibility to operate more sustainably throughout the entire chain and also encourages its partners to do the same. As a global company, AstraZeneca plays a role in addressing the greatest challenges of our time, from climate change to access to healthcare and disease prevention.
AstraZeneca’s sustainability strategy, Ambition Zero Carbon, is committed to achieving a fully carbon-neutral operation. The Ruysbroeckveld project is a concrete example of how our company is taking action both locally and globally to achieve climate and health objectives.
With this step, AstraZeneca aims to raise awareness about the importance of good air quality in our cities. Worldwide, only 3% of cities meet WHO air quality standards, and Belgium has a high number of people with lung diseases. Moreover, research shows that a 10% increase in nature within 1 km of a residential area can significantly reduce healthcare costs per inhabitant.
AstraZeneca is focused on accelerating the delivery of life-changing medicines that create enduring value for people, society, and the planet.
Our aim is to drive positive change beyond the impact of our medicines by embedding sustainability into everything we do – from the lab to the patient.
As a responsible, ethical global company, we are tackling the biggest sustainability challenges of our time, including the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, health equity, and health system resilience. These are interconnected and require collaboration within and beyond the health sector.
