FM Global, a mutual insurance company that provides broad-based and specialized risk management services and insurance products, recently had it corporate office park in Johnston, RI designated as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” by Audubon International. The company’s 93-acre headquarters facility is the first site in that state to receive this certification and one of 32 such properties in the world.
The sanctuary certification recognizes FM Global for maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in five environmental priority areas, including environmental planning, wildlife habitat management, water quality and conservation, resource management, as well as outreach and education. The “plan-do-check-act” approach of the program offers information and guidance to implement an environmental management plan that improves efficiency, conserves resources, and promotes conservation efforts.
According to Tim Faulkner, president of the board of directors of the Barrington Land Conservation Trust, who was involved with assessing the site during the certification process, “FM Global is the most environmentally conscious office park I’ve been to in Southern New England.”
Among the private sanctuary’s features:
- 77 acres of wildlife habitat, including 55 acres of woodlands, 20 acres of wetlands, four acres of fields and wildflower meadows, two ponds and one stream
- 95% of the landscaped trees, shrubs, and flowers are native species to maximize breeding, nesting, and resting places for a variety of wildlife species
- Nearly 40 wildlife species have been identified on the property
- Natural nesting sites for birds are supplemented with nest boxes
- One mile of walkways
- The site’s two water retention ponds are enhanced with aquatic plants to provide habitat for wildlife
- Natural areas and landscaping are not highly manicured and the majority of vegetation is left undisturbed
- 100% of reclaimed water from rainwater collection is used for irrigation
- The eight-acre corporate offices building is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certified by the U.S. Green Building Council for its resource efficiency
- 100% of FM Global employees participate in waste reduction and recycling programs with 84 tons recycled per year
“FM Global has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program,” said Tara Donadio, Audubon International’s director of cooperative sanctuary programs. “They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on their property. By taking action to implement indoor and outdoor conservation projects, the management and staff at FM Global have demonstrated their commitment to the sustainable management of their natural resources.”
This is the second time FM Global has been recognized by the Audubon movement. In 2015, the Audubon Society of Rhode Island named FM Global its ‘Business of the Year,’ noting the company’s “leadership in applying environmentally sound and innovative practices to its day-to-day business operations.”
Like other “Audubon” organizations, Audubon International takes its name from John James Audubon (1785-1851), the world-renowned ornithologist, naturalist, and artist. In 1987, it was founded as the Audubon Society of New York State; in 1996, the organization began doing business as Audubon International to better reflect the true scope of its operations. Although Audubon International has no formal affiliation with the National Audubon Society or the other 500-plus Audubon organizations worldwide, its staff works with and partner with many of these groups to promote common goals.
