Celebrated annually on 22 April, Earth Day offers a stark reminder of our planet’s natural beauty, and the help it needs to thrive. With buildings accounting for a significant proportion of greenhouse gas emissions, we know our industry plays a critical role in promoting sustainable development.
Plus, with greener practices becoming increasingly important for eco-conscious consumers, stakeholders, and industry talent — as well as playing a key role in meeting regulatory compliance requirements — we know our own operations need continued focus too.
Here, we take a closer look at the global event, and share the various initiatives we implemented at Holmfirth estate agent Applegate Properties to help augment our impact…
The origins of Earth Day
This global awareness campaign can be traced back to the 1960s, when the United States experienced a growing concern over the impact of industrial development on our planet.
A series of environmental disasters, including the 1969 oil spill off the coast of California, led to a heightened awareness of the need for greater protection. First observed in 1970, Earth Day was created as a way to bring attention to these environmental issues and inspire sustainable practices — with people across various continents coming together to support this global cause.
To gather greater momentum, there’s never been a more pressing time for individuals, businesses, and organisations to reflect on their own environmental impact, and take any step they can to reduce carbon footprints.
Environmental initiatives that help bolster Applegate Properties’ impact
While some firms may feel that their impact on the environment is negligible, every action taken can have a ripple effect on the planet. This impact is further magnified when viewed collectively with the actions of other organisations too.
Acknowledging our own role in driving sustainability forward, Applegate Properties has a growing number of efforts that exist to help reduce our impact, and create a ripple effect of positive change. These include:
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For every house sale or let, we donate to the Amazon Rainforest Conservancy — a Canadian charity, whose aim is to protect threatened tropical rainforest habitats in the Peruvian Amazon to conserve and restore the biodiversity of species and ecosystems for the benefit of future generations.
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Only using recycled paper products at our Holmfirth HQ — including toilet roll and hand towels, among other items.
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Drinking sustainable coffee without the pods. Although capsules produce less greenhouse gas emissions during manufacturing processes than filtered coffee, according to The Guardian, they still make up about 576,000 metric tons of waste.
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Using aquatic-approved, UK cleaning products only — independently validated as effective against viral and bacterial diseases affecting freshwater fish.
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Aiming to use renewable energy providers for our premises and properties where possible, as well as investing to improve energy efficiency — in order to minimise the impact of not only our own operations, but those of our clients too.
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A goal to purchase one acre of rainforest within the same conservancy and fully reforest it each year — planting new trees to combat the issue of deforestation.
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Rather than printing — producing unnecessary waste and utilising toxic ink chemicals — we email documents wherever possible.
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As much as we can, we shop locally for our supplies — reducing transportation mileage that would be used to travel elsewhere.
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Grouping appointments by postcode to reduce emissions.
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Drinking from Applegate’s own stainless steel water bottles, which are 100% recyclable.
If you want to learn more about Applegate Properties and how we’re constantly making changes to improve our impact, please get in touch.
