KIRKBI and the LEGO Foundation mark UN day by planting new forest in Billund

On 22 April, 120 schoolchildren from the International School of Billund and employees from KIRKBI and the LEGO Foundation plant trees in a field on the outskirts of Billund. The purpose is to establish a new forest in connection with the UN’s International Mother Earth Day.

For many years, the UN has used 22 April as a day to raise global awareness of protecting our planet and the need to address climate and environmental challenges.

“This day is fully aligned with our long-term owner vision of contributing to solutions to global climate challenges. We are therefore using the day to raise awareness of the issue among both our employees and local schoolchildren,” says Anupam Bhargava, CEO of KIRKBI Climate, which has investments of more than DKK 10 billion in climate and energy.

A forest with multiple purposes

The new forest outside Billund will cover approximately 50 hectares and will be developed as a diverse forest with several purposes. Among other things, it will include areas with fast-growing trees that absorb large amounts of CO₂, nature-rich areas with high biodiversity, and production forest that can provide timber for future construction. Trails and paths will also be established so the forest can be used for walks or runs.

“We hope the event can help highlight the many benefits of planting more forest. At the same time, we are creating a new forest that people in Billund and the surrounding area can enjoy for decades to come,” says Anupam Bhargava.

Since 2023, KIRKBI Climate has acquired lower-quality agricultural land and converted it into production forest in Denmark. The ambition is to establish 10,000 hectares of production forest, and KIRKBI Climate has so far acquired approximately one third of the targeted area.

About KIRKBI Climate

KIRKBI Climate is owned by KIRKBI A/S, the holding company of the LEGO Group and other companies owned by the Kirk Kristiansen family. With a purpose of building a better future for children, KIRKBI Climate addresses global climate change by building high-impact businesses focused on the energy transition, circular plastics, and land sustainability. KIRKBI Climate builds businesses based on proven and mature technologies, while also exploring and investing in emerging and promising solutions that require long-term capital to scale and make a meaningful impact on climate challenges.