Next week, corporate sustainability leaders from across the region will gather at Watson-Marlow’s Devens campus for the launch of the Green Team Roundtable, a new initiative of the Devens Eco-Efficiency Center and the Devens Enterprise Commission (DEC). Set for June 11, the event invites businesses to share ideas, learn from one another, and take action toward building a more biodiverse and sustainable community.
This Roundtable isn’t just a one-off gathering—it’s part of a broader strategy under Devens Forward, the community’s climate and sustainability action plan. By creating space for collaboration, the DEC is encouraging nature-based solutions that support resilient infrastructure, climate adaptation, and healthy ecosystems—all of which align with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Green Team will be an ongoing partnership between the DEC, Eco Efficiency Center, and local businesses to continue working towards Devens Forward climate and sustainability goals.
Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions (WMFTS), a UK-based global manufacturer, is leading by example. With a commitment to enhancing biodiversity on every one of its campuses worldwide, the company worked with Massachusetts-based experts to plant native species when their Devens facility was built. In 2024, employees even rolled up their sleeves to help plant a pocket forest in Ayer, a community-led reforestation project led by the DEC.
Watson-Marlow's group of sustainability volunteers, led by EHS and Facilities, brings the company’s sustainability values to life on the ground. Their efforts reflect a deep-seated company goal: to make a positive impact on society. That goal is backed by major corporate commitments to become carbon neutral by 2040 and to embed sustainability into operations at all levels (learn more here and here).
This Roundtable was sparked by a surge of interest from local businesses looking for ways to meet their internal sustainability goals, especially around biodiversity. It’s a smart move for the region: nature-based solutions like pollinator meadows, tree plantings, and sustainable landscaping are cost-effective, climate-resilient investments that boost the local economy while shrinking environmental impacts.
“Make the world a better place for future generations,” said one Watson-Marlow team member when asked why they value this work. That spirit is exactly what the Green Team Roundtable hopes to grow.