As employees moved into Acer’s new headquarters in Santa Clara, California, Acer launched an employee-driven greening initiative to create a more welcoming, vibrant, and sustainable workplace. By establishing a vegetable garden and planting new shrubs, the project went beyond improving curb appeal, serving as a tangible demonstration of Acer’s commitment to supporting local environmental well-being.

With the participation of 25 employees, the team successfully transformed the front area of the building by planting 20 new shrubs and cultivating a variety of vegetables and herbs—including cabbage, kale, cilantro, and thyme—across four large planters. Within just a few months, the garden flourished, providing employees with fresh produce ready for harvest while creating a green, inviting entrance that enhances the overall appeal of the new headquarters.

The initiative generated meaningful environmental and social value. From an environmental perspective, the planting of diverse shrubs and herbs—such as thyme and cilantro—created micro-habitats in an urban setting that support bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators. Replacing hardscaping or neglected soil with living vegetation also helps lower local surface temperatures, mitigating the urban heat island effect and improving air quality. From a social perspective, the garden provides employees with access to fresh, nutrient-rich organic produce, promoting healthier diets and overall well-being.

Through the shared process of planting and ongoing maintenance, the initiative also fosters teamwork, a sense of belonging, and stronger engagement with sustainability actions. This employee-built green space clearly demonstrates how corporate campuses can serve as meaningful platforms that connect environmental stewardship, employee well-being, and social responsibility.