Industry and Eco-Grazing: Sustainable Maintenance of Green Spaces

The Poclain Group’s headquarters in France is set within an 18-hectare park, an asset for quality of life at work, further enhanced by our societal commitments and environmental actions. Eco-grazing, in collaboration with the ESAT de l’Arche, is a perfect illustration of this approach.

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Picture of ecopasturing sheeps at Poclain

Since 2021, Poclain adopted eco-grazing to maintain its green spaces at the Verberie site (France). This natural and silent solution, implemented by the ESAT de l’Arche* in Compiègne, a long-standing partner for green space maintenance, encourages local biodiversity and limits the use of motorized equipment and pesticides.

This local partnership is part of a sustainable and inclusive approach deeply rooted in the group’s values and our CSR policy.

A Local and Inclusive Collaboration

Fifteen sheep provide continuous maintenance over several natural areas from April to October, with parcel rotation every four weeks, which reduces soil pressure and parasite proliferation.
Poclain’s HSEÉn** department ensures the upkeep of lawns and wooded spaces in the company’s 18-hectare headquarters park.

This season, over ten lambs have already been born onsite, proof of a healthy balance between environment, animal welfare, social commitment, and industrial activity.

Each week, the ESAT eco-grazing team visits to monitor the flock: health checks, enclosure management, water supply, and shearing.

“Our teams are always warmly welcomed. For many of us, this may seem simple, but for them, it means everything to feel that their work is valued and well done.” – Aurélie Dujardin, Head of the eco-grazing workshop, ESAT de Compiègne.

This season, more than ten lambs have already been born on site.

The ESAT eco-grazing team regularly visits to monitor the flock: health checks, enclosure management, water supply, and shearing.

I would like to thank Poclain because here our teams are always warmly welcomed. Our staff feel very comfortable. For many of us, this may seem simple, but for them, it means everything, to feel that their work is valued and well done. That is priceless!

Aurélie Dujardin, Head of the eco-grazing workshop, ESAT de Compiègne.

The ESAT eco-grazing workshop is active on 25 company and public authority sites in the area. Seven people manage 300 sheeps entrusted by three ESAT partner breeders, Etienne Stofaes and Maxime & Grégoire Boibin.

CSR Commitments

As part of its CSR policy, the company is committed to a sustainable working environment that respects the environment and promotes inclusivity for people with disabilities. Eco-grazing strikes a fine balance between environment, animal welfare, social engagement, and industrial activity.

In addition, there are numerous local initiatives and HSEÉn actions to comply with the requirements of the international ISO 14 001:2015 standard for environmental management.

For example, new trees are regularly planted every year in France, in the United States (a magnolia for Earth Day in 2025), in India, in Italy…

At Poclain, every new recruit, temporary staff, intern, or visitor receives a general introduction to environmental, safety, and energy awareness, reinforced by further training sessions.

More information on Poclain’s CSR policy

*Health Safety Environment Energy (énergie in French)
**The ESAT de l’Arche, part of L’Arche federation in France, is an international organization that creates and runs living and working spaces for people with disabilities, alongside employees or volunteers who support them. The organization aims to foster professional and social inclusion through professional activities and medico-social and educational support.Hygiène Sécurité Environnement Énergie

https://www.esatdelarcheoise.org/