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March is “B Corp Month” – a celebration and awareness drive of the certified B Corporations (B Corps) and their contributions to a more ethical and environmentally friendly corporate environment.
Having recently acquired a B Corp Certification, Clade Engineering – the UK’s leading manufacturer of commercial heat pumps – takes stock of the progress B Corps have made in reshaping what it means to be a successful company.
What is a B Corp?
Initiated by the nonprofit organisation B Lab, the B Corp movement was founded on the belief that businesses should operate as a force for good, balancing profit with purpose. The first 82 Certified B Corps were certified in 2007, but since then, the increasing number of certified B Corps in the UK—more than 1,500 at present—indicates an ongoing change towards socially and environmentally responsible corporate operations.
B Corps are distinguished by their adherence to rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Businesses can only receive certification once they score 80 or above on the B Impact Assessment – a “test”, of sorts, which looks at how a company’s actions and practices affect workers, communities, the environment, and customers.
The certification assesses the company’s social and environmental impact, in addition to the quality of its products or services. The goal, overall, is to make performance data publicly available and to reform corporate governance so that all stakeholders are considered.
A Growing Community
Enterprises in the UK are starting to see the advantages of B Corps accreditation, and businesses from all corners of the economy are part of this community, proving the potential for advancement in corporate social responsibility and environmental protection across the board. The variety of businesses represented in the UK’s B Corp community, from larger corporations like Ella’s Kitchen and Innocent Drinks to more intimate ones with less than 10 employees, demonstrates the inclusivity of this movement. It’s not a “members club” for the rich and powerful, but rather an all-inclusive movement for the greater good.
Why Certification Matters
Sustainability and ethical business practices are becoming more mainstream, and the growth of B Corps in the UK is a reflection of that. Businesses can find a clear way to assess and improve their impact on the world around them with B Corp accreditation, and as a result, companies are more likely to think about their social and environmental impacts in addition to their bottom line when making decisions.
More than this, becoming a B Corp gives companies a leg up in a competitive market by showing that they care about sustainability and ethics, which attracts customers, investors, and workers. This is of utmost importance, now more than ever, due to the rising public and stakeholder demand for ethical company operations.
As an annual reminder of both the accomplishments and the challenges, B Corp Month is a great time to reflect on the past year. This year, B Corp Month focuses on companies showcasing their collaborative progress towards a common goal, with the goal of inspiring a worldwide movement of individuals to leave a lasting mark on the world by challenging the status quo. The purpose of the celebration goes beyond simply recognising individual accomplishments, also serving to reinforce the collective aim of creating systemic change.
What Lies Ahead
With a growing desire among companies to connect profit with purpose, the B Corp movement is gaining traction in the UK. British companies can set an example as B Lab updates its criteria to address the increasing demand for systemic change in reaction to climate change and social injustices. Ensuring that the new B Corp certification criteria are relevant, ambitious, and feasible for impact-driven enterprises is an important goal of the continuing consultation for these standards.
A shared dream of a more sustainable future is evident in the growth of the network, and the dedication to raising the bar for all members. There will be a new standard for corporate success as more and more companies in the United Kingdom become involved in this movement, which will lead to a more just, inclusive, and regenerative economy. This trend demonstrates that companies can have a positive influence when employees work together, stay dedicated, and think beyond the box.
B Corp accreditation isn’t just a badge of honour. It signifies a dedication to an alternative business model. Being a part of this global network gives UK businesses a chance to stand out, showing that they are committed to more than simply making money; they want to make a difference.
