Sustainability

At DowlingDodd Chartered Surveyors, we recognise that our business activities have an impact on the environment and that we have a responsibility to minimise that impact wherever practical.

In 2026, we completed our first formal carbon footprint assessment, establishing a 2025 baseline of 20.87 tonnes of CO₂e across our operations. This has enabled us to identify the areas where we can make the greatest difference and develop a clear plan for reducing our environmental impact.

We are committed to reducing our emissions by at least 50% by 2030, with the ambition of achieving Net Zero by 2050 or sooner. Sustainability is an ongoing journey, and we will continue to review our practices, monitor our progress and seek opportunities to improve.

For those interested in learning more about our approach, our Carbon Footprint Assessment and Carbon Reduction Plan are available below.

Supporting Our Local Environment

We believe that caring for the environment extends beyond our own operations. Each year, we support environmental initiatives within our local community that are helping to protect and enhance Cornwall’s natural environment.

We are proud to support:

• Plant One Cornwall
• Kernow Conservation

Reducing Our Environmental Impact

Across our day-to-day operations, we have introduced a range of measures designed to reduce waste, conserve resources and improve efficiency.

These include:

• Operating an approximately 90% paperless office, with the remaining paper requirements met using recycled paper wherever possible.
• Sending reports and documents electronically as our default approach, while continuing to provide hard copies where clients require them.
• Using secure electronic signature systems to minimise printing and postage.
• Recycling glass, plastic, cardboard, paper, food waste and redundant technology.
• Using rechargeable batteries in place of disposable alternatives.
• Choosing refillable products, including handwash, toilet cleaner and washing-up liquid.
• Using reusable hand towels rather than disposable paper towels.
• Sourcing toilet tissue and kitchen roll from sustainable suppliers, including Naked Paper.
• Switching off computers and office equipment when not in use.
• Managing heating responsibly, including the installation of energy-efficient heating systems and ensuring energy is not used unnecessarily.
• Planning appointments geographically wherever possible to reduce unnecessary travel and mileage.
• Supporting flexible and home working arrangements where operationally appropriate.

Responsible Communication and Technology

Digital technology enables us to work more efficiently while reducing unnecessary resource use.

We therefore aim to:

• Communicate electronically wherever practical.
• Store and manage information using cloud-based systems to reduce paper consumption and postage.
• Regularly review and securely delete data in accordance with our legal obligations and retention policies.
• Continue to assess emerging technologies and working practices that can support further reductions in our environmental impact.

Working with Like-Minded Suppliers

We recognise that sustainability extends throughout our supply chain.

Where practical, we seek to work with local suppliers and businesses that share our commitment to responsible environmental practices. As our sustainability programme develops, we will continue to consider environmental credentials as part of our purchasing and supplier decisions.

Looking Ahead

Our carbon footprint assessment identified that the greatest opportunities for further reductions lie within our business travel, procurement and supply chain activities.

We are committed to reviewing our progress annually, implementing practical improvements, and ensuring that sustainability remains embedded within the way we operate as a business.

Small changes, consistently applied, can collectively make a meaningful difference.