We are pleased to confirm that DOC Cleaning has achieved Planet Mark Certified – Business for the reporting period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. This is the seventh year in succession that we have been awarded the certification, reflecting our long-standing commitment to sustainability, accountability, and creating positive impact.

Planet Mark has become a trusted partner within our Beyond Cleaning strategy, helping us measure our performance, set clear objectives and ensure that sustainability runs through every part of our operations.

Measuring our carbon footprint

Accurately measuring emissions is the foundation for reducing them. This year our measured carbon footprint was 83.2 tCO₂e, equating to 1.4 tCO₂e per employee. These figures were calculated in line with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and cover Scope 1 emissions (mobile fuels), Scope 2 emissions (electricity), and Scope 3 emissions such as business travel, fuel-related activities and waste.

While certification demonstrates clear progress, it has also highlighted areas that require continued attention. As our business grows, we know it is important to remain mindful of how expansion can influence our environmental impact.

Transparency is central to our approach. Achieving certification is not the end of the journey but part of a continuous cycle of measurement and improvement. Looking ahead, we will use these insights to guide our priorities and ensure our carbon management remains a consistent focus.

Breakdown of key emissions

• Scope 1: 55% of emissions came from mobile fuels

• Scope 2: Electricity represented 5% of our footprint, showing a small decrease year on year

• Scope 3: Business travel accounted for 22% and fuel-related activities 17%

 

Delivering measurable social value

Alongside carbon measurement, Planet Mark assesses the wider contribution organisations make to society. This is calculated using the National TOMs framework, which provides a consistent standard for reporting.

For the reporting period, DOC Cleaning generated a total social value of £5,148,392. This figure reflects our investment in people, communities, procurement and the environment. It demonstrates that sustainability extends beyond emissions and includes the social and economic value we create.

Investment in our people – £257,977

• 96 hours of employment for disadvantaged groups, including ex-offenders

• 12 full-time equivalent disabled employees supported

• 32 weeks of accredited training across BTEC, City & Guilds, NVQ and HNC qualifications

• 24 weeks of apprenticeship training

• 77.5 hours of equality, diversity, and inclusion training

• £2,650 invested in initiatives to reduce the gender pay gap

Supporting communities – £28,852

• 173 hours of volunteering to support local causes

• Career mentoring, CV guidance and initiatives for vulnerable groups

Charitable donations – £4,679

• Contributions to charities and community projects across the UK

Responsible procurement – £2,151

• Spend directed to voluntary, community, and social enterprises within our supply chain

Environmental impact – £4,854,733

• 4,506 tonnes of CO₂e savings on contracts through decarbonisation projects

• 65,465 miles driven in low or no emission vehicles

• 3.3 tonnes of paper towels recycled rather than sent to landfill

• £36,828 invested in biodiversity projects, including AquAid’s Elephant Pump and Planteria’s planting programmes

• 214kg of plastics eliminated through sustainable product choices

 

A long-term partnership with Planet Mark

Planet Mark certification provides a clear framework for accountability and improvement. Each year we work with their team to review our performance, expand the boundaries of our reporting, and ensure data accuracy. The methodology is aligned with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and evidence is verified against our internal reporting.

Seven years of partnership has embedded this process into our culture. Certification underpins our Beyond Cleaning strategy, ensuring that sustainability remains central to our role as a responsible employer and service provider.

Shaping the future

Our latest results give us much to celebrate, particularly our strong social value contribution, but they also highlight areas where further progress is needed. Growth in contracts has inevitably increased our carbon footprint, reminding us of the importance of active monitoring and targeted interventions.

In the year ahead, we will:

• Review our data in detail to ensure accuracy and clarity

• Target specific areas of increase such as business travel and fuel consumption

• Continue to invest in apprenticeships, training, and wellbeing initiatives for staff

• Expand our partnerships with organisations that deliver environmental and community benefits

By maintaining focus on both carbon reduction and social value, we will continue to deliver measurable progress in line with our responsibilities to clients, employees, and the wider community.

Get in touch

We are proud of our achievements to date, particularly the £5.1 million in social value generated this year, and we remain determined to keep building a cleaner, greener and fairer future. Together with Planet Mark, our colleagues and our partners, we are truly going ‘Beyond Cleaning’ to make a difference.

To find out more about our ESG strategy or how we can support your business in reaching its sustainability objectives, get in touch with our Head of ESG, Jeff Silver, at Jeff.Silver@doccleaning.com.