--- title: "Alstom Foundation completes first step in Bizkaia inclusive reforestation and circular economy; 503 students engaged in 23 workshops" sdDatePublished: "2026-07-28T11:20:00Z" source: "https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2026/7/alstom-foundation-completes-first-step-its-inclusive-reforestation-and-circular-economy-project-bizkaia" topics: - name: "environment" identifier: "medtop:06000000" - name: "sustainability" identifier: "medtop:20001374" - name: "education" identifier: "medtop:05000000" - name: "social services" identifier: "medtop:20000820" - name: "business enterprise" identifier: "medtop:20000349" - name: "business service" identifier: "medtop:20001371" - name: "manufacturing and engineering" identifier: "medtop:20000294" locations: - "Bizkaia" - "Basque Country" --- Alstom Foundation completes first step in Bizkaia inclusive reforestation and circular economy; 503 students engaged in 23 workshops Alstom Foundation completes the first step of its inclusive reforestation and circular economy project in Bizkaia | Alstom Alstom Foundation completes the first step of its inclusive reforestation and circular economy project in Bizkaia Facebook (Open in a new tab) Twitter (Open in a new tab) Alstom's site in Trápaga, Viscay. Copyright: ALSTOM SA 2026 The initiative has already engaged 503 students through 23 workshops on biodiversity, composting and the circular economy The project includes the planting of 500 native trees and the recruitment of individuals at risk of social exclusion as environmental educators Alstom’s Trápaga site has contributed reused materials for the creation of school gardens 28 July 2026 – Alstom Foundation and the Lanean Foundation have completed the first step of the Inclusive Reforestation and Circular Economy project, an initiative that combines environmental education, ecosystem restoration and social inclusion in Bizkaia. The first stage of the project, focused on raising environmental awareness among students, engaged 503 pupils from Calasanz School and San Francisco Javier Ikastetxea in Santurtzi. A total of 23 workshops on biodiversity, composting and the circular economy were organised. Through a mix of classroom learning and hands-on activities, students explored biodiversity, waste management and the principles of the circular economy. As part of the programme, three vermicomposting units were installed: two at the participating schools and one at Alstom's Trápaga site. These systems transform organic waste into natural compost using worms, helping to reduce waste and make better use of resources. The project has also given a second life to materials from the Trápaga facility. By reusing 10 cubic metres of recovered timber (around 7.3 tonnes), two school gardens have been created. The timber representing 1,522.85 linear metres of suitable recycled wood will also be used to manufacture protective tree guards for a reforestation campaign that will take place during the next stage of the project. The next step will focus on the planting of 500 native trees in the municipality of Trápaga, including beech, oak, chestnut, wild pear, ash and poplar species. The initiative will bring together Alstom volunteers and members of the local community, strengthening their shared commitment to protecting and preserving the natural environment. Planting activities will take place between January and March 2027, following recommendations from forestry specialists at the Provincial Council of Bizkaia to ensure the best possible conditions for the trees to establish and thrive. Beyond its environmental and educational benefits, the project also has a strong social component. It will create training and employment opportunities for two people at risk of social exclusion, who will work as environmental educators. This will support their entry into the labour market while enabling them to play an active role in awareness-raising activities and in monitoring the reforestation programme. A project driven by Alstom employees The initiative has been made possible through the support of the Alstom Foundation, which each year invites employees around the world to propose community projects that can receive financial and logistical support. The last Foundation Board held in September 2025 reviewed 264 project proposals. Through initiatives such as this one, the Alstom Foundation reinforces its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection, creating a positive impact in the communities where the Alstom Group operates. Alstom in the Basque Country With nearly a century of history in the Basque Country, Alstom has become one of the region's leading industrial and technology companies. From its Trápaga facility in Bizkaia, which specialises in railway traction systems, the company develops cutting-edge solutions for national and international projects. Today, its technologies are installed on more than 2,000 trains worldwide. In addition to supporting sustainable mobility through projects such as the signalling and traction systems for Bilbao Metro, Alstom contributes significantly to the regional economy through a network of more than 110 local suppliers and annual procurement spending of over €70 million. The company's commitment to the Basque Country also extends beyond its industrial activities, with initiatives focused on sustainability, education, diversity and the promotion of STEM careers. Established in 2007, the Alstom Foundation supports and funds projects which serve to improve living conditions in, and economic prospects of, communities located near Alstom’s facilities and sites around the world. All projects are supported by Alstom employees who team up with non-profit expert partners, focusing on four axes: access to mobility, environmental protection, access to energy and water, and socioeconomic development. More information can be found on the Alstom Foundation's website . 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