FIXING THE FUTURE
Sustainable home improvements.The problem with sustainability
Sustainability can be a difficult and complex topic to fully understand and address. It involves considering the environmental, social, and economic impacts of our actions and finding ways to balance them in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Reaching Net Zero
In the context of emissions and climate change, Net Zero means taking positive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible (ideally at or below 10% of baseline), and using strategies such as reforestation to offset the residual, unavoidable emissions.
Making a difference
Even though it’s not always easy to know the most sustainable options or to make the necessary changes in our daily lives, it’s important to try. Every small effort we make towards sustainability helps to create a better future for ourselves and the planet. Governmental and corporate changes play a huge role in determining the trajectory of our climate journey. Nonetheless, 99% of the businesses registered in the UK are SMEs (small- and medium-sized enterprises), so we must not underestimate the power of businesses like mine to effect real change.
Working with Ecologi
Getting Surrey Hills Handyman to Net Zero will not happen overnight. We have begun the journey by making changes within the business (outlined below), and will continue to work on it. Rather than wait until that process is finished, we’ve decided to start offsetting our emissions now by partnering with Ecologi, a social enterprise whose mission is to reduce 55% of the world’s emissions by 2040 through collective action. Via Ecologi, Surrey Hills Handyman is funding reforestation (20 trees per month) and carbon reduction projects (renewable energy, capture technologies), which reduce CO₂ by 18 tonnes per year.
The emphasis on collective action is important: Ecologi provides a straightforward, certified way for businesses and individuals to make their small contribution part of something much, much larger. You can read more about Ecologi’s impact here.
Changing our business
At Surrey Hills Handyman, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and improving sustainability across the business wherever possible. From using energy-efficient tools and materials, to properly disposing of waste, we strive to minimise the impact of our work on the planet, both locally and globally.
It’s an ongoing process. There’s always more to be done and we welcome suggestions and feedback on our sustainability practices, whether you are a client, a fellow business owner, or simply a thoughtful citizen.
Wherever you might be on your sustainability journey, if you choose Surrey Hills Handyman you can rest assured that your home repairs and improvements will be completed with the environment in mind.
If you have any suggestions about how we can improve the sustainability of Surrey Hills Handyman, – or if you’re a supplier or business owner who’d like to start a conversation and share ideas – please drop me an email at will@surreyhillshandyman.com.
So far…
- For every customer invoice paid, Surrey Hills Handyman will pay for 4 trees to be planted (in addition to the 20 per month already being funded through our partnership with Ecologi).
- Wherever possible, we avoid adhesives, sealants, fillers and caulks supplied in single-use HDPE plastic cartridges. Instead, we’re using the ECO-PAC system from Hippo; aluminium foil ‘sausages’ which are inserted into a reusable barrel gun and comprise less than 1% plastic. Moreover, a plastic cartridge occupies exactly the same amount of space before being filled with product as it does all the way through to dispensing that same product and becoming waste material. By contrast, up to a quarter of a million Hippo ECO-PACs can arrive at production on just a single foil roll. This makes them far more efficient on their way into production resulting in lower upstream carbon emissions.
- Surplus or unwanted tools, screws and fixings will be donated to Tools With A Mission, a UK-based charity that refurbishes unwanted tools and supplies and sorts them into trade toolkits. These are then sent to skills centres in Africa to help people generate their own income and create their own businesses. They send about 225 tonnes of tools each year!
- The office side of the business is entirely paper-free: communication, quotes, invoices, and payments take place online, securely and efficiently using Jobber software.
- Wherever possible, all new paint will be purchased from COAT, a climate-positive company based in Surrey, who have brought a radical and refreshing approach to paint. COAT supplies consumers and businesses with high-quality, 100%-solvent-free paint, in tasteful, modern shades, all manufactured in the UK. Their paint is made to order, for zero waste, and the packaging is recycled and recyclable.
- We’ve switched from bleached and dyed ‘blue roll’ to BoxRoll, an eco-friendly paper towel made from 100% recycled UK post-consumer waste paper, and supplied in plastic-free packaging (available from Rural Trading).
- The glamorous HQ of Surrey Hills Handyman is a shed in Surrey. By replacing the fluorescent tube light with an OSRAM LED Substitube, electricity usage for lighting has been reduced by 70%.
Next steps…
We need to do a lot more to minimise the impact of our business on the environment and, ultimately, achieve Net Zero. If you or someone you know might be able to help or share some wisdom, please do drop me a line at will@surreyhillshandyman.com.
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Why Use Surrey Hills Handyman?
- Trying to balance your family and/or career alongside maintaining a comfortable and beautiful home?
- Overwhelmed by your home maintenance to-do list?
- Short on time and energy to take care of those little jobs that just keep bugging you?
If so, you’ve found the right place! Whether you need a picture put on the wall, some flat pack furniture assembled, or just various repairs done around the house – hiring a professional handyman is a cost-effective way of creating and maintaining your home just the way you want it. This allows you to relax and enjoy your home, rather than being frustrated by it.
Still Not Sure?
- Have you ever imagined what it would be like to have a handyman you could trust?
- Somebody that cared about your home as much as you do?
- Somebody that you could have in your home – even when you weren’t there – that you knew had your best interests in mind?
When you work with me, that’s what you get. My aim is to free up your time and attention so you can focus on more important things.
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This Is How I Will Save You Time and Eliminate Stress
Before The Job
- Offering free estimates, in person, via email or over the phone as appropriate
- Giving an honest appraisal of the job, advice if you want it, and a transparent estimate of costs
- Working flexible hours round your schedule and commitments, not mine
- Communicating openly and promptly, so you know where you stand
During The Job
- Showing up exactly when I say I will
- Bringing the right tools to get the job done, quickly, correctly, and efficiently
- Priding myself on accuracy, neatness, and attention-to-detail
- Maintaining an impeccable workspace
- Being polite and unobtrusive, and treating your home as if it was my own
- Providing peace of mind, with full public and product liability insurance
After The Job
- Explaining and demonstrating precisely what work has been done
- Tidying up afterwards, leaving you to enjoy your home as you want it to be
- Offering convenient invoicing and receipts via email, with payment via online bank transfer or other methods to suit you
Satisfaction Guaranteed
And of course, I have a 100% satisfaction guarantee: You don’t pay a penny until you’re completely satisfied with my services.
Get in touch today for a FREE estimate – and say goodbye to home maintenance worries for good.