The CMS Portugal vegetable garden

A role model of biodiversity and sociability

When it decided to partner with Noocity, the law firm CMS Portugal was already aware of the positive impact that a vegetable garden could have on their business ecosystem. “More than just a vegetable garden, it’s a living space where, on top of vegetables and fruit, we’re cultivating healthy relationships and behaviors”, explains Francisco Xavier de Almeida, an associate of this transnational organization of law firms (with 75 offices in more than 40 countries), which recently established its office in Lisbon.

The vegetable garden, he points out, also sets an example of the behavior to adopt in the city — “an example of good habits in large urban centers given the population’s densification.”

Noocity garden

A role model of biodiversity and sociability

The Noocity vegetable garden covers 250 square meters on the roof of CMS Portugal, in a Green Lounge which also includes a food court, an auditorium and a bar van. That’s where parsley, sage, lemongrass, lettuce, beetroot and other fruits and vegetables grow, for a total of 17 species spread over 55 containers: “Three containers were added in a second phase, given CMS’s commitment to the project,” adds the partner.

The first harvest has already taken place with “massive support” from employees. The idea now is to involve them in “actions from A to Z,” all while counting on the ongoing support of Noocity’s Grower. “It’s important to create a spirit of cooperation in order to create a positive impact. One of the advantages of having built the vegetable garden with Noocity is that we have a partner who can help us make the most of this project. ”

In CMS’s opinion, the garden’s presence brings benefits on several different fronts. “On one hand, I’d say it’s an effective and responsible way to use our space to promote healthy behaviors”, underlines the partner. “On the other, we know that we’re building something that will positively influence our community, since we intend to donate a large part of the crops we grow to organizations in the area. The gardens are a space for biodiversity, for socialization, but above all, for setting an example. »

For this reason, CMS has entered a partnership with ReFood São Sebastião, an organization in the Lisbon district which aims to “create a dynamic with a positive impact on the community. By the end of the year, we will have 700 kg of vegetables that can make a difference for many people. »

Beyond simply signing pacts, we must act.

Installing the vegetable garden is proof of the dedication of those who make up the CMS universe, both in their behavior and in their concrete actions – in terms of environmental and social sustainability and in terms of well-being and satisfaction. Beyond simply signing pacts, stresses Francisco Xavier de Almeida, it is important to act.

“At CMS, we have always had a strategic approach to questions of sustainability and well-being for those who work here. With the move to our new offices in Castilho 50, we wanted to make our space one of wellness and positive impact”, he explains, citing the example of CMS E-Mobility, “a partnership with the Portuguese startup Wyze, allowing employees to travel by electric motorcycle.”

On top of that, CMS has also implemented Going Digital, a project accelerated by the pandemic which “involves adopting responsible digital behavior,” the partner explains. “This action has led, for example, to a 40% savings in paper use in 2020.”

For all these reasons, Francisco Xavier de Almeida considers that the synergy with Noocity was certain to lead to a winning partnership. “When we arrived at Castilho 50, we already had plans to develop synergies with exemplary projects. Noocity is clearly an exemplary project. Not only because of the core concept, but also because of the dynamic it creates around that concept.”