In February this year, ISEP member, Bennetts Associates achieved B Corp® certification, becoming the highest scoring UK architectural practice and joining the global network of companies committed to the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.
What is a B Corp?
Certified B Corporations are leaders in the global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. Unlike other certifications for businesses, B Corp enables the measurement of a company’s entire social and environmental impact. The B in B Corp stands for benefit, and refers to businesses that benefit the community, the workers and the environment.
To gain B Corp certification, the ‘B Impact Assessment’ tool is used to evaluate how a company’s business model impacts five categories: workers, community, environment, customers and governance. B Corp Certification not only evaluates a product or service, but also the material positive impact of the company behind it. Being a B Corp should help develop a framework for continued improvement.
The median score for ordinary businesses who complete the assessment is 50.9. To achieve B Corp certification, the company must score at least 80 points, Bennetts Associates achieved a score of 121.5 which is exceptional and the highest of any architectural practice in the UK. Their overall profile in the B-Corp directory can be seen here.
There are now over 4,700 B Corps, with 670 in the UK – it’s great to see Bennetts Associates join this growing community particularly in the Built Environment sector.