How B Corp Certification is Shaping the Future of Workplace Design: Key Insights

As the world shifts towards sustainability and greater social responsibility, the B Corp certification has emerged as a transformative force across industries. This certification not only focuses on environmental sustainability but also incorporates social and governance elements, evaluating companies on how well they meet high standards in all these areas. Unlike other certifications such as BREEAM and WELL, which mainly address specific aspects of building sustainability or occupant wellness, B Corp assesses a company’s entire operations and its impact on society and the environment. 

360 Workplace, a B Corp-certified company, has witnessed firsthand the influence this certification has on our work, organisational practices, and business relationships. Here are the key insights shared during a recent roundtable discussion with company leaders Brompton, Deloitte, Millwood Servicing, Cycle UK, Gleeds and FutureShift: 

B Corp: A Holistic Approach to ESG 

Guenaelle Watson, Managing Director of 360 Workplace, clarified that while B Corp certification is gaining significant momentum, it is not a new concept. Unlike certifications like BREEAM, which focus solely on building sustainability, or WELL, which primarily addresses health and wellness within the built environment, B Corp evaluates the entire organisation. This includes practices related to environmental impact, governance, employee welfare, and community engagement. B Corp certification is applicable to organisations of all types - whether physical or virtual - and creates a comprehensive framework for businesses to evaluate and improve their operations. 

For 360 Workplace, being B Corp certified has been a journey of continuous improvement, where we focus on not only reducing our carbon footprint but also ensuring we operate responsibly and equitably at every level of the business. 

The Growing Influence of B Corp 

One significant shift brought by B Corp certification is the growing expectation that companies will meet these sustainability and social responsibility standards. As more businesses adopt B Corp principles, there is a rallying effect, particularly within sectors like design agencies. In cities like London and Bristol, where many design agencies are now B Corp-certified, the certification has become a necessity.  

Guenaelle Watson emphasised that B Corp certification has helped 360 Workplace stay ahead in terms of client acquisition, recruitment, and employee retention. By aligning our operations with B Corp values, we not only attract like-minded clients but also foster a workplace culture that resonates with top talent who want to work for a purpose-driven organisation. B Corp certification has allowed us to demonstrate their commitment to social and environmental values, making us more attractive to both clients and employees. 

Procurement and Social Value: The New Public Sector Standard 

Millwood Servicing shared an important development within the public sector that is accelerating the adoption of social value criteria in procurement processes. As the Procurement Act passed last month, public sector procurement now requires a minimum of 10% social value to be considered. However, certain organisations are raising the bar, with Millwood Servicing ltd stating that they require a minimum of 30% social value to even consider a bid. 

This shift is transforming how public contracts are awarded, emphasising the importance of sustainability and social impact in the decision-making process. The Millwood Servicing ltd shared an example where a recent public sector tender that prioritised quality over cost, with 65% of the bid's value focused on quality factors, including social value, and only 35% based on price. This trend signals a broader shift where companies with strong ESG commitments are seen as more competitive. 

The Role of Suppliers 

An important aspect of the B Corp certification process is ensuring that a company’s supply chain aligns with its sustainability goals. As we know, ensuring supplier compliance can be a complex task, especially when working with long-standing suppliers who may not meet sustainability criteria. The challenges are even more obvious when dealing with certifications like WELL or BREEAM, where supplier compliance is crucial but can be difficult to enforce. 

In contrast, B Corp certification promotes a broader, ongoing dialogue with suppliers about their sustainability practices. This leads to more accountability across the entire supply chain and helps organisations ensure we are working with partners who share their commitment to environmental responsibility, fair labour practices, and social value. As Deloitte noted, B Corp certification encourages important conversations that might otherwise be overlooked, helping businesses and suppliers alike reflect on their impact and improvement areas. 

The Business Case for B Corp 

A key question raised during the roundtable was how companies can communicate the ROI of B Corp certification to their boards, especially when dealing with more financially driven stakeholders. Guenaelle Watson explained that for 360 Workplace, the decision to pursue B Corp certification was driven by long-term business goals: improved recruitment, client retention, and the reputation boost from being a recognised leader in sustainability and social responsibility.  

In a financial context, B Corp certification provides value beyond just the brand appeal. It offers a framework for continuous improvement, accountability, and better relationships with clients, which can translate into increased customer loyalty, long-term contracts, and access to new markets. While there may not be a clear immediate ROI in terms of direct financial return, the reputation boost and differentiation from competitors who are not B Corp-certified can provide significant long-term benefits. 

Continuous Improvement: The B Corp Journey 

Unlike other certifications that may only require periodic renewals, B Corp emphasises continuous improvement. Companies are required to recertify every three years and must demonstrate annual progress in areas such as employee welfare, environmental sustainability, and community impact. This is accomplished by publishing an annual B Corp report. This ensures that certified companies do not become complacent after achieving certification but are continually striving to do better and make a positive impact. 

The process of self-assessment, reflection, and improvement is integral to the B Corp journey, ensuring that companies stay committed to their values while striving for better performance. As Brompton pointed out, this ongoing evaluation is what sets B Corp apart - companies can’t just “get the badge and relax.” Instead, they must consistently improve their practices and policies, ensuring they meet evolving expectations for social responsibility and environmental sustainability. 

360 Workplace’s Commitment to B Corp Values 

At 360 Workplace, B Corp values are not just about internal practices - they are about creating positive impact within the wider community. We have embraced several initiatives to further our commitment to social responsibility and environmental sustainability. 

The conversation around B Corp certification is evolving, with increasing recognition of its role in driving sustainability and social value. As the public sector places more emphasis on social value in procurement, and as private companies align their business practices with B Corp values, the future of business will increasingly be defined by transparency, accountability, and social responsibility. For 360 Workplace, the goal is to continue evolving and improving, setting an example for other organisations looking to make a difference in both the business world and society at large. 

For more information about 360 Workplace’s commitment to sustainability and our B Corp certification, chat to our team.