Ethical property overseas? Circle Earth comes up with a refreshing approach

"You don't have to be an eco-warrior or live in a mud hut to be eco-friendly. That's one of the strongest lessons we've all learned from Anita Roddick. At Circle Earth, we're just as pragmatic. We offer overseas properties and support services for people who live in the real world, who have a need for property abroad and who have genuine concerns about protecting the environment. They might be relocating, investing for their pension, setting up an overseas base for their salesforce, or simply buying holiday property to use and to let. Where we're different from other companies is that we are totally committed to an ethical approach."

Listening to Rachael Cartmell, managing director of Circle Earth at her home in the North West, it was easy to see her personal environmental credentials. The house ticks all the right boxes, right down to a wind turbine that is being installed as we speak. But, as a property agent, how can her company seriously claim to have a green agenda? "First of all, we do what every organisation should be doing - such as working as a paperless company wherever possible. We also offset all CO2 from any flights made by clients to view properties, as well as any flights which are made by the company. We are a zero carbon footprint organisation."

"Encouraging eco-friendly developers is part of our mission," explains Rachael. "So not only do we offer clients amazing investment opportunities in areas of outstanding natural beauty - often with guaranteed rentals - but we go to great lengths to select properties that honestly fit within a commitment to the environment."

She also explains that being an ethical company is more than just addressing green issues, "We understand how lonely it can be making a major decision such as buying property overseas. We work in partnership with our clients, helping them to really work out their needs, to understand all the pros and the possible pitfalls.