DBR is committed to the highest quality of work using the best materials available. We recognize the need to regularly revise our procedures and practices to keep up to date with changing technology and developments in the building conservation field.

At DBR we champion the adaptive reuse and sustainable development of historic buildings. Every day, we at DBR see first-hand how historic buildings must adapt and transform to cope with their changing environment and climate. Alongside our sustainable development mission for built heritage, we aim to reduce our carbon emissions, to change our daily practices where possible to become more sustainable, and empower and educate along the way. When procuring endangered materials - such as timber and stone - we follow stringent procurement policies that align with current climate and governmental environmental regulations. Only timber and wood-derived products originating from an independently verifiable Legal and Sustainable source (which can include from a licensed Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) partner) will be demanded for use on every project – appropriate documentation will be required to prove it. DBR is committed to reducing the impact of our work on the environment. We adopt a responsible policy on the safe disposal of any hazardous waste, the recycling of materials and the reduction of waste.

We are proud to announce that we are working with Planet Mark to measure our carbon footprint and have a positive impact on planet and society. Through the Planet Mark Business Certification, we will be measuring and reducing our carbon footprint to ensure that we are embedding sustainability into our business practices. Committing to achieving Planet Mark Business Certification demonstrates our dedication to sustainability. We are excited to start reducing our carbon emissions to help create a planet that is fit for us and future generations. With the support of the entire business, we’re working to do more good. We encourage you to get in touch if you would like further details on our journey.

Please see our full Carbon Reduction Plan under our "News" tab.

DBR has an excellent health and safety record and we recognise that the welfare of our employees and the public is central to the success and reputation of our business. DBR is committed to safety training of all our employees including asbestos awareness, manual handling and working at height. All of DBR’s directors, project managers and site managers are SMSTS trained (Site Management Safety Training Scheme), a qualification recognised by the UK Health & Safety Executive. During the Coronavirus pandemic DBR has implemented guidelines and procedures to safeguard our employees.

To coincide with National Apprenticeship Week, DBR is announcing a 3-year partnership with the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST), to support an annual scholarship to enable an individual to further their craft skills in the conservation of our built heritage. DBR has committed funding until 2025 as part of our Year of the Master Craftsperson campaign, and in memory of our Chairman George Henderson. Adrian Attwood, DBR Executive Director explains “This is an important development in our commitment to provide opportunities for the next generation of skilled craftspeople and, as a Royal Warrant-holding company, QEST was our ideal partner, as a charity of the Royal Warrant Holders Association, upholding the values of quality and excellence. We are extremely proud of our highly skilled craftspeople and this annual DBR scholarship will ensure our legacy to continue to support the future development of crafts skills in the UK” Deborah Pocock, CEO QEST said “DBR’s commitment to developing and sustaining craft skills makes them an ideal partner for QEST. We must all be concerned about passing on skills to the next generation and ensuring that we have appropriately trained individuals to conserve our built environment. We are grateful to DBR for enabling this annual scholarship.