For us at Encore, to be the world’s most loved travel partner, we must commit to loving the world right back. That is why, this summer, Encore Travel has committed to joining the likes of Patagonia to work towards achieving the coveted B Corporation certification. We’re proud to be starting that journey and we’re very excited about working towards our goal of becoming a B Corp.
What is the B Corp Certification?
Certified B Corporations are businesses (B Corps for short) that meet the highest standards of transparency, legal accountability, and social and environmental performance to balance profit and purpose. The B Corp Certification is a growing global movement of companies that are using business as a force for good and are driving a global cultural shift that seeks to redefine business success in order to build a more sustainable and inclusive economy. Basically, B Corp for business is what LEED is for buildings or Fair Trade is for food.
Globally, it is being recognized that non-profits and governments alone are unable to solve some of society’s most challenging and pressing issues. B Corps are stepping up to harness the power of business to use profits and growth to work towards restoring our environment, building stronger communities, reducing poverty, and creating high quality purpose-driven job opportunities.
How did B Corp begin?
The B Corp Certification arose in 2006 by the previous owners of the basketball shoe company you may (or may not) remember, AND1.
Known for their office basketball courts, donations to urban education, and on-site yoga classes, the owners of AND1 built a socially-responsible company before the concept was widely understood. In 2005, they sold their business and the owners set out to decide on their next move with the ultimate goal of “doing the most good, for as many people, for as long as possible.”
They considered their options… build a new company? Build a social investment fund? But, after speaking with hundreds of business owners, thought leaders, and investors they realized what was needed : The socially and environmentally-responsible business sector needed credible standards to set companies apart in a market where many businesses were claiming that they were “good” and a legal framework which would help companies to grow without losing sight of their mission and values.
So, in 2006, the owners cofounded B Lab, a non-profit organization dedicated to using the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. The B Corp Certification was born and has since certified 2,900 companies and become a reputable and well-respected certification globally.
Who is B Corp Certified?
Of the 2,900 companies that are B Corp Certified worldwide, 230 are based out of Canada and you may be familiar with some of them: Bullfrog Power, Beau’s Brewery, Optel Group, Danone, and Business Development Bank of Canada. A few others based outside of Canada that you may recognize include Patagonia, Etsy, and Ben & Jerry’s.
From Beer Breweries and Ice-cream Churners to Environmental Consultancies and Banks, B Corp businesses vary in their size and location and operate in a wide range of industry sectors. Despite their differences, they all have one unifying goal: to build an inclusive and sustainable economy that works for everyone.
The B Corp movement is being recognized as the early stages of one of the most important trends of our lifetime. Encore Travel is very excited to be on board and reaching for new heights. The goal is to not just be the best in the world, but the best FOR the world!
