Taking steps for the planet and for ourselves

In September, we launched a step challenge in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of staying active for mental and physical well-being. Partnering with Treekly, this 30-day challenge encouraged employees across our Africa, APAC and Europe regions to walk for a cause. For every 5,000 steps taken, a tree would be planted to support reforestation and sustainability efforts.

The response was impressive, with 554 people across 62 teams participating , collectively logging a massive 79.4 million steps (that's over 60,000 km, or 1.5 times around the Earth). Together, our teams contributed 9,957 mangroves to Kenya’s Mteza Creek Reforestation Project. This effort covers 1 hectare, creates 100 workdays for local communities, and will capture 3,087 tonnes of CO₂ by 2050 — equivalent to 2,756 flights from London to New York, 8,857 cars off the road for a month, or 964,584 quarter-pounder burgers.

Why mangroves?

Climate

Mangroves are a 'super tree', capturing and storing CO₂ in their root systems for decades. Every tree planted helps rebalance the Earth's atmosphere and combat climate change.

Community

The tree-planting programmes contribute to community development, providing meaningful, fairly paid work that helps support sustainable livelihoods.

Biodiversity

Mangrove forests are critical habitats for hundreds of species. Through reforestation, they're restoring biodiversity and bringing vital habitats back to life.

How it worked

• Team spirit – Our people joined by office, discipline, or network, adding a competitive, community-driven element to the challenge.
• Easy participation – Steps were tracked via popular apps, making it accessible for all.
• Shared goals – Participants turned individual wellness journeys into collective environmental action.

This challenge reflects SLR’s commitment to sustainability, uniting us to support both environmental resilience and mental health awareness. Thank you to everyone who participated in making a real impact for our planet and our communities.