Real Trees for Real Estate: How NVM is driving ecosystem restoration
The real estate sector plays a significant role in shaping our cities, communities, and environmental footprint. From construction materials and energy use to land development and urban sprawl, the industry is responsible for a substantial share of global carbon emissions and resource consumption.
In response, many real estate professionals are already taking important steps to reduce their impact: improving energy efficiency, embracing sustainable building standards, and investing in lower-carbon operations. Yet beyond lowering emissions, the sector also has a unique opportunity to take tangible climate action that restores nature and strengthens local communities.
NVM Haaglanden & Life Terra
NVM Haaglanden is the Hague's branch of the largest association of real estate agents and appraisers in the Netherlands. In 2025, NVM Haaglanden decided to plant a tree for every house sold during the year.
The initiative was a success: with more than 160 offices taking part, the campaign reached 10,000 trees, contributing to the restoration of 5 hectares of forest in the Staelduinse Bos, one of the few remaining green zones in a highly developed area.
This collaboration shows how the real estate sector can link everyday business results to measurable environmental impact.
The planting initiative
The Staelduinse Bos is a 95-hectare forest in the Westland region between Hook of Holland and Maasdijk, and is part of the Kapittelduinen nature reserve.
Like many other European forests, the Staelduinse Bos has been affected by ash dieback, resulting in many ash trees dying or being felled. Life Terra is working with Zuid-Hollands Landschap (South Holland Landscape) to replant these affected areas with a mix of native species.
In March and November 2025, NVM Haaglanden's employees planted some of the trees themselves. A symbolic act to kick off the initiative, where they learnt about the state of the forest and the species planted while taking the action themselves.
A strong collaboration
This partnership was established thanks to Greenbookings, one of our partners from the events sector. As part of their sustainability strategy, Greenbookings is making a tangible contribution to a better climate, increased biodiversity, and healthier living conditions by planting trees with Life Terra at events and meeting locations in the Netherlands.
Next steps
The Dutch campaign has grown from a regional experiment to a national ambition. The next step and opportunity is for neighbouring regions (and in other countries!) to adopt the same model and build their own living legacy.
If you are working in the real estate sector and this initiative resonates with you, don't hesitate to get in touch with us to explore how we could make this work for you.