For Earth Day 2020 we are taking a look at the positive contribution our switch to digital processes has had on the environment. We have been running digital processes for completing forms, tenant applications, client contracts, tenancy agreements and much more across the business for the past 5-6 years. This has not only made a positive impact on the environment year on year, but also means the recent changes to how we work around Covid-19 are largely unchanged. 

Their calculations for environmental savings are based on an estimate of the number of pieces of paper saved by looking at three factors:

1. Number of documents sent,

2. Number of pages per document

3. Number of recipients per document.

Some environmental impact estimates were made using the Environmental Paper Network Paper Calculator. 

When many agents have shut their doors, our teams are already equipped to work remotely, issue documents for signature and store them on our cloud based system enabling the majority of our business process to continue as normal. 

For lettings, we are still able to let properties via virtual viewings, issue new tenancy applications, conduct identity verification using video calls, send new contracts for signature and ensure contracts due for renewal are signed before they expire. We are completing property valuations using our NEW Social Distancing Valuation Tool, which enables the client to upload photos and provide more detailed information about the property than the typical instant online versions. 

For sales, we are still receiving enquiries from vendors keen to continue to with their moving plans when lockdown restrictions are lifted. As with lettings, we are completing property valuations using our NEW Social Distancing Valuation Tool, which enables the client to upload photos and provide more detailed information about the property than the typical instant online versions. A marketing report is then issued by one of Sandersons experienced listers within 24-48 hours. The sales agreement* with us can be completed via our digital signing system mentioned above so we are ready to launch and start marketing as soon as we are permitted to do so. In some recent cases, we have already started marketing with external images only and promoting the properties to customers on our existing database looking to move.

What can you do to reduce the amount of printing?

Be smart about your paper use: Use recycled or forest-certified paper. Before printing, ask yourself whether it's really necessary. If you print, use two sides, reduce margins and font size. When you're discarding paper, recycle. For personal use, look at products like Adobe and for business try Docusign as we have done.