As a young person, the impending threat of climate change has always been the cause of worries, so much so that psychologists have coined the term ‘climate anxiety’. According to psychologists the cure for this problem is action.
The responsibility of climate action has constantly been placed on the shoulders of individuals. I have tried reusable bags, composting, thrift shopping, taking shorter showers, even veganism - though it feels like nothing I do makes much difference. Many of my generation suffer from a sense of hopelessness, as these individual actions feel inadequate, when everyday, the climate crisis worsens.
To respond to this emergency, we need larger and widespread support. That’s why, when I learnt of the B Corp (Benefit Corporation) movement, I was hopeful.
The B Corp movement aims to inspire those in business to balance profit against the impact of business on people and the planet. It recognises the unique and powerful role of business in bringing about social change and underscores the responsibility of companies in taking climate action.
This movement is gaining momentum as there are now over 3,500 B Corps globally, and there is currently an 8 month wait-list for Australian companies looking to gain certification.
The climate emergency cannot be solved by individuals and government alone - so this consciousness of the environment, which is inherent in this new wave of business, is exactly what our planet needs.
What is a B Corp?
Certified B Corps are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community members, and the environment. Becoming a B Corp is a commitment to balance purpose and profit. These businesses seek to conduct business ‘as if people and place mattered’.
To become certified B Corps, businesses must be independently verified by the not-for-profit, B Lab. They are assessed on five specific impact areas; community, environment, workers, governance and customers. For businesses, certification is a trust mark, ensuring they meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance.
As the B Corp community grows, there are more opportunities for businesses to connect and collaborate to affect, such as the B Corp Climate Collective.
B Corp Climate Collective
Accelerating climate change poses an overwhelming threat to our planet and its inhabitants. The B Corp Climate Collective is a group of Certified B Corps, working together to take action on the climate emergency.
The collective recognises their powerful position, as purpose-driven businesses to take bold and urgent action against this ecological emergency. They seek to use their voices for advocacy, collaboration and corporate action to reduce emissions.
The collective believes that it is imperative to demonstrate leadership in bringing about meaningful climate action. The scientific community has estimated that a 1.5°C increase in average global temperatures is the ‘safe’ limit for our planet and that we will reach this limit as early as 2030.
In December 2019, over 500 certified B Corps declared a climate emergency, as part of their commitment to a net zero future by 2030. Hundreds have joined them since, promising to take the steps required to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Climate Collective seeks to transform the global culture of business, by placing consideration on people and the planet, rather than the single-minded pursuit of profit. The American outdoor clothing company, Patagonia has been at the forefront of this charge.
Patagonia
Patagonia is known as an industry leader in environmental advocacy and sustainability, and was certified as a B Corp in 2011. Their business strongly reflects their 4 core values:
Build the best product
Cause no unnecessary harm
Use business to protect nature
Not bound by convention
Since 1985, Patagonia has pledged 1% of sales to the preservation and conservation of our natural environment. In 2002, the founder, Yvon Chouinard co-founded a non-for-profit, 1% for the Planet, to encourage other businesses to do the same. 1% for the Planet has created a global alliance of businesses that are concerned with the environmental impacts of business and understand the urgent need for environmental protection.
In 2019, Patagonia announced that it would focus its new partnerships with other B Corps and would no longer work with companies that harm the environment. The company has also joined other B Corps in their commitment to net zero by 2030.
Patagonia’s environmental actions establish the company as a leader in climate action and sustainability. The company’s success demonstrates that consumers value companies that consider social, environmental and financial impact. To create real and lasting outcomes, businesses must follow Patagonia’s lead and actively work to affect positive change.
We are amidst a climate crisis and the demand for socially responsible business is growing. To solve this crisis, it is crucial that businesses recognise their impact on the community and the environment. For me, becoming a B Corp is the first step in business becoming part of the solution. The B Corp movement offers a beacon of hope to my generation, as it addresses the fear and anxiety caused by the climate emergency. This growing movement highlights the necessity for climate action and encourages B Corps to use business as a force for good. If we are going to save our planet, businesses must change their ways and join the charge for climate action.
If you are a business owner or an employee who wants to make a difference and become a certified B-Corp, you can begin by visiting the B Impact Assessment or contacting Social Change HQ who will guide you through the process.
Get in touch here.