The German auto giant has adopted an unconventional approach to the maintenance of its factory in Poland.
The plant has a solar power plant with more than 31,000 panels with a total capacity of 18.3 MW. In a year, it generates about a quarter of all the necessary energy.
Greater Poland sheep graze directly under the panels on an area of about 27 hectares. They naturally keep the lawn in order without damaging the structure.
Finally:
- no noise or exhaust from gasoline lawnmowers.;
- sheep get shade from the panels in the heat and access to natural food.;
- biodiversity is being preserved.
The project is being implemented jointly with the Poznan University of Natural Sciences. Researchers are studying the effects of grazing on biodiversity, soil quality, and vegetation conditions.
"We are showing that industry can cooperate with nature" – Margena Pillic-Gronska, Director of Volkswagen Poznań.
