Giving Back

Local Experts Supporting Global Concerns

In addition to the important causes that Sotheby’s International Realty offices support in their local communities, Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. supports Conservation International, a global organization working to address key issues like climate change, vanishing species, threatened cultures and endangered environments. In short, Conservation International’s mission is to conserve the Earth’s living heritage — our global biodiversity — and to demonstrate that human societies are able to live harmoniously with nature.

Specifically, agents affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty and offices participate in Conservation International’s “Protect an Acre” program, and Sotheby’s International Realty donations have already started protecting precious rainforest acres and the species they contain. Through the ongoing commitment of agents and staff, we’re working to protect thousands more.

Thanks to the work and science of Conservation International, we understand that rainforests, while far away, still play a meaningful role in our local communities. The burning and clearing of these rich ecosystems emits at least 20% of the greenhouse gases that cause climate change — more than cars, trucks and airplanes combined. Conservation International has determined that protecting acres of rainforest through sustainable conservation is a relatively quick and cost-effective way to reduce climate change, and a sensible way for organizations like ours to help.

Visit Conservation International’s Web site to learn more about their work, and what you can do to help.

In addition to supporting Conservation International’s mission through company and agent donations, we’re committed to evaluating company practices, and working with agents and staff to decrease energy use and reduce waste. This will take time and always be a work in progress, but every small step an office makes will hopefully lead to bigger steps and ultimately more meaningful change.

Here are some of the initial actions we’re taking as an organization:

• Increasingly replacing bulk printed pieces with print-on-demand and email-able alternatives.
• Using a printer with the Chain of Custody certifications required to ensure that the papers used come from forests that meet international standards for responsible management. Along with that, using soy-based inks and no petroleum varnishes, and printing on stocks that are FSC Certified and contain 20–100% postconsumer waste fiber.
• Providing all agents and staff with re-useable shopping bags made of 100% recycled materials.

Visit us periodically to see additional steps that we’re taking in the local offices as we strive to continually reduce the carbon footprint of our operations.