Sustainability plays a key role at Sport-Thieme: our leadership team continuously promotes improvements across the company. We’re reducing plastic use and developing strategies for cutting down on energy consumption.

This time, our focus was on protecting biodiversity. Together with Katharina, our apprentices built three insect hotels. These will support insect populations near our company site and contribute to the preservation of biodiversity as well as the protection of local flora and fauna.

Tap, tap, bang, boom!

That’s probably how it sounded as our three teams got to work on building the insect hotels. Getting started wasn’t exactly easy. Each team first had to figure out the best approach. After some brainstorming and sharing of ideas, it quickly turned into a friendly competition: who could build the most appealing insect hotel? What stood out during the process was the high level of commitment from every team member – without everyone’s support, we would’ve needed much more time to complete the task.

Are we nearly done yet?

After about two hours of focused effort, all teams were tired but proud of their work. To recharge, we gathered for a relaxed breakfast with bread rolls and cake – right where the insect hotels would later be placed. It gave us the chance to get a feel for what it might be like to live there. During the break, we exchanged ideas on how to integrate sustainability into our everyday lives. Then it was back to work for the finishing touches.

What a post!

In the final step, the insect hotels were mounted on two sturdy wooden posts and driven deep into the ground with plenty of muscle power – positioned facing south to ensure they get as much sun as possible and can withstand the elements. Now they stand at the edge of our company car park, surrounded by wildflowers. All that’s left to do is wait and see when the new “residents” move in.

The morning brought plenty of fun for everyone involved and revealed some unexpected DIY talent. A big thank you goes to Katharina from the management team and to our wood production department – without them, this project wouldn’t have been possible.

Want to set up your own insect hotel? Here are some tips:

• Position it facing south (to maximise sun exposure)
• Make sure it’s sheltered from rain and wind
• Use a stable and weather-resistant construction
• Fill it with a mix of materials (to attract different insect species)
• Holes should be 3–8 mm in diameter – ideal for insects
• Ensure there’s enough food nearby (plants and water)
• Remove spider webs from time to time (for insect safety)