Bespoke Bug Hotel for Victoria Leeds Shopping Centre
Sustainability

Victoria Leeds, comprising Victoria Quarter and Victoria Gate, is Yorkshire's premier shopping destination with 120 stylish retailers and major department stores. In partnership with ABM, Victoria Leeds has embarked on sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impacts and enhancing ecosystem services. A critical component of this initiative is the bespoke Bug Hotel, designed to support local biodiversity and serve educational purposes.

Challenge

The primary challenges for this project were:
- Reducing the shopping centre’s carbon footprint.
- Enhancing local biodiversity to support pollination.
- Demonstrating environmental responsibility and sharing best practices.

Solution

ABM constructed a bespoke Bug Hotel using sustainable materials to promote a beneficial habitat for insects, crucial for maintaining a healthy local ecosystem. The Bug Hotel, positioned at the Gate Guardian Sign, symbolizes the centre's commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation.

The surrounding flora, including heather, lavender, and lilac, provide food and shelter for bees, bugs, and soil invertebrates. These plants were sourced from the Arium, Leeds City Council Nursery Division, ensuring the use of local and sustainable resources.

Benefits

Environmental:
- Provides a habitat for various insects, contributing to natural pest control and reducing the need for chemical solutions.
- Attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and beetles, which are essential for pollinating local plants and food crops.
- Utilizes recovered, biodegradable, and recycled materials such as cardboard, bamboo, pallet wood, and tree stumps.

Economic:
- The Bug Hotel has allowed the site to save 40% on landscaping maintenance costs by involving the site team in its upkeep.

Social:
- Gained national recognition, receiving a Green Apple Award for Environmental Best Practice and the Corporate Social Responsibility Award from the UK’s Green Organisation.
- Improved team morale and provided educational opportunities related to biodiversity for local schools and organizations.

The Bug Hotel not only enhances the aesthetic and ecological value of Victoria Leeds but also serves as a model for environmental stewardship and community engagement.

For more information on how we can assist you with similar initiatives, visit [ABM.co.uk](https://www.abm.co.uk).