Reflecting on our journey to use design as a force for good

We have always believed that design has the power to impact the world positively, and becoming a B Corp-certified design studio was a natural step towards achieving that goal for us. As March is B Corp Month, what better occasion than this to look back on and share our experience towards getting “B certified”?

For those unfamiliar with it, B Corp Month is an annual campaign promoted by B Lab that celebrates Certified B Corporations (B Corps) worldwide. And B Lab “is the nonprofit network transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet. A leader in economic systems change, our global network creates standards, policies, tools, and programs for business, and we certify companies — known as B Corps — who are leading the way”.

What does becoming a B Corp really mean?

Becoming a B Corp business is about more than just getting certified. For us, it was about taking a hard look at everything we do at the studio and identifying areas where we could improve. We had to be transparent about our impact and commit to ongoing improvements in all aspects of our business. For example, we know that sustainable design is one area where we excel and we have always believed that good design should be beautiful and responsible. So, we worked to minimise our environmental impact using sustainable materials and practices as much as possible.

The B Corp certification process also highlighted areas where we could improve. For example, we realised we must be more intentional about our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Joining the B Corp community has opened the doors of our business and helped us connect with like-minded people who share our values. We are now part of a powerful network of new hires, suppliers, potential fundraisers, and clients who care about making a positive impact. We are proud to stand alongside leading B Corp businesses like Patagonia, BodyShop, and Clipper, who inspire us to be even better.

How can one become a B Corp?

To obtain the B Corp certification, we have voluntarily gone through a rigorous process to assess whether we meet the highest social and environmental performance standards. B Lab evaluates how businesses create value for non-shareholder stakeholders such as employees, end-users, and the environment.

When we undertook the process, to receive the B Corp certificate, one had to answer an extensive questionnaire and achieve a minimum of 80 points out of 200. The rigorous assessment makes it all the more meaningful (and credible). It evaluates a company’s social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency - looking at everything from governance and employee practices to ecological impact and community involvement. We are proud to say that we scored an impressive 108.5 points, which placed us in the top 10% of B Corp businesses globally.

But, of course, we are not content to rest on our laurels. Being a B Corp means constantly improving and striving for more.

Not just another badge of honour

Our commitment to creating a better world through design continued when we received our certification. Being a B Corp means constantly challenging ourselves to be better.

Every three years, we will need to be reassessed (and it is an unwritten challenge within the B Corp community to aim for more points with every recertification). This ongoing evaluation and improvement process is crucial to leading a business that genuinely impacts the world. We are excited to take on that and keep improving. Right now, we are focusing on staying a sustainable business and building an even better foundation for our upcoming recertification assessment. As we prepare for it, we explore ways to reduce our environmental impact, promote diversity and inclusion in our workplace, and give back to our community. But also a big part of our focus will be to objectively measure our impact both as a business and of the services we provide.

Wrapping it up

Becoming a B Corp business has been an enriching experience for us. It has allowed us to show the world what our company stands for and be part of a movement changing how business is done. We have connected with other like-minded businesses and individuals committed to using business as a force for good, and we have learned from their experiences and insights.

Our B-certification shows that we can redefine success in business to be as much about people and the planet as it is about profit. We are proud to be part of this community working towards a better world and an equitable future for all.

Becoming a B Corp is truly enriching and fulfilling, but it was not without its challenges. While the journey can be tricky sometimes, the rewards are worth it. We would love to help others on their own B Corp journey. If you have any questions or want to learn more about our experience or how we made our way through the certification process, we are happy to share our insights.

In the meantime, take a peek at our portfolio for projects that reflect and showcase B Corp values.

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