Could we be any greener?
We are taking our first step to achieving net zero emissions by setting out Our Green Agenda, with the aim to becoming net zero by 2030
1) One Tree Planted for Each & Every Valuation
To help us offset our carbon footprint, Robert Leech has partnered with One Tree Planted and we pledge to plant a tree for every sales & lettings valuation we carry out until 24th December 2022 and from then on we pledge to plant a tree for every sale. As a potential client or a vendor you can choose where to plant your tree from from countries around the world including the UK. Since 2014, One Tree Planted have planted over 40 million trees in more than 47 countries across the globe. In 2021, they more than doubled their impact from 2020 – with 23.5 million trees! We couldn’t be more excited to be part of this global phenomenon.
2) Bee Friendly with Robert Leech
Since May 2021 we have given out, for free, over 2000 bee friendly wild flower seed packets, equating to more than 10,000 plants. These have been distributed to 15 local primary schools as well as the general public via coffee shops and local events.
3) Reducing our Energy Usage
Robert Leech have three offices across Surrey and a significant contribution to our overall carbon footprint comes from the energy demands of light and heat. We have already put in measures to reduce the amount of electricity and gas we use in each office; turning down the heating, fitting light sensors to reduce usage and installing electrical car charge points at offices were possible.
We are investigating the use of greener forms of transport and introducing more sustainable business practises, such as reducing the amount of paper and plastic we use and working with our suppliers to become more environmentally conscious.
4 )We’ll be Travelling Less
Our three offices arrange around 3000 viewing appointments every year so travel to and from properties is one of the largest contributors to our carbon footprint, as our staff accompany prospective buyers and tenants on every viewing.
Recognising this is the area where we are making a big impact, we will be literally taking the first steps by making sure we walk to viewings where ever possible! Diary management will also play a big part: We will create block viewings of properties and also making sure we group viewings by location so we do not waste fuel travelling to and from the office. If applicable, we can also offer virtual viewings, especially if it is a first time viewing and the applicant lives out of the area and has a significant way to travel. This will help us reduce the amount of mileage to and from properties and therefore minimise fuel consumption associated with every property sale and let, whilst still being able to accompany buyers and tenants around a property either physically or online.
Why is Reducing Our Carbon Footprint Important?
Over the past two decades the effects of climate change have accelerated. Considerable evidence exists proving climate change has been exacerbated by human activity. Changes in our post-industrial lifestyles have altered the chemical composition of the atmosphere, generating a build-up of greenhouse gases – primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide levels – raising the average global temperature.
The consequences are already evident and will continue to worsen unless significant action is taken and quickly. Sea level will continue to rise and local climate conditions to be altered, causing an increase in extreme weather events, affecting forests, crop yields, and water supplies. This can lead to homelessness, famine and conflict as resources become scarcer.
It is vital that all individuals, businesses, organisations and governments work towards the common goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.