We Did It! ADAPTOVATE is Now B Corp Certified – It wasn’t easy, and we’re committed to doing even more

B Lab is the nonprofit network transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet.

Anyone who has been through the rigorous and lengthy assessment process will tell you that it is like navigating a complex maze—challenging at every turn, but ultimately rewarding when you find your way to the finish line. It is a meaningful milestone on our journey toward better environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. This certification, awarded after 10 months of thorough and often challenging assessments, is a significant step forward, but we recognise it’s just the beginning of our efforts to work as a responsible global company.

Why B Corp Certification?

At ADAPTOVATE, we sought B Corp certification to ensure that our practices across our 10 global locations align with our values and help all those we affect. We chose this path because we believe that meaningful change requires accountability and a commitment to continuous improvement. But certification alone isn’t a finish line; it’s an invitation to hold ourselves to higher standards, something we are committed to refining over time.

A Collaborative and Challenging Process

Achieving B Corp status is not a simple task, and we want to acknowledge the tremendous amount of time and effort invested by our team members across all locations. From compiling documentation to aligning our practices with B Corp’s rigorous standards, many ADAPTOVATE employees played an essential role. Their dedication and collective effort were instrumental in helping us meet the certification’s demanding requirements, which assess our impact on 5 areas—governance, workers, customers, community, and the environment.

Throughout this process, we encountered numerous challenges, including grappling with issues that have no easy solutions. For example, as a global consultancy, our carbon footprint is heavily influenced by the necessity of air travel—a current and significant contributor to our emissions. We face a conundrum here, as this necessity directly conflicts with our aspiration to reduce our environmental impact. Addressing this will take time and effort, as well as advances in sustainable travel options.

Striving for Authentic Impact

We recognise the debate surrounding B Corp certification and the concerns some have raised regarding "greenwashing" in the corporate world, as noted in the recent BBC article on B Corp certification. These are valid concerns, and we are committed to ensuring that our actions go beyond certification badges. Our certification reflects a desire for positive impact—not a flawless record. We know there is room for growth, and we are eager to continually evaluate our practices and improve.

Looking Ahead

This certification is not the end of our ESG journey but rather a point along the way. We will continue to learn, adapt, and involve our team members and partners to meet and exceed these standards. Together, we aim to make a genuine, measurable difference in our global community and set a standard that aligns our business with a sustainable, ethical future.

Supporting Others on the Path to B Corp Certification

Our experience in achieving B Corp certification has given us valuable insights, and we’re here to support others who might be on a similar journey. B Corp certification is rigorous and often complex, but with commitment and a collaborative approach, the process can lead to meaningful change. We’re eager to share what we’ve learned with other organisations, particularly the importance of alignment across teams, clear governance, and an authentic approach to change. For us, it’s about building a community that prioritises purpose alongside profit, and we’re hopeful that by working together, we can all contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Before embarking on your ESG transformation journey, reflect on the following strategies to ensure your efforts lead to genuine impact and lasting sustainability. Drawing from extensive experience in guiding organizations through successful ESG initiatives, these best practices can help you steer clear of greenwashing and foster meaningful change:

• Set Clear, Measurable Goals:

Set up specific B Corp / ESG objectives with quantifiable targets to track progress effectively. For example, Unilever committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2039, which has driven significant reductions in their carbon footprint and inspired industry-wide sustainability efforts.

• Engage Stakeholders Early and Often:

Involve employees, customers, suppliers, and investors in your ESG initiatives to ensure broad support and diverse perspectives. Patagonia excels in this by actively engaging its community in environmental causes, leading to increased brand loyalty and a 30% boost in sales over the past five years.

• Integrate ESG into Core Business Operations:

Embed ESG principles into every aspect of your business, from supply chain management to product development. Microsoft has integrated sustainability into its core strategy, aiming to be carbon negative by 2030, which has streamlined operations and attracted eco-conscious investors.

• Measure and Report Transparently:

Use standardised reporting frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) to show your ESG performance transparently. According to a 2023 MSCI report, companies with transparent ESG reporting experience a 5% higher investor confidence and a 10% increase in market valuation.

If you would like to talk to us about your endeavour towards B Corp certification, please reach out.