Pioneering organizations dedicated to social impact align to scale initiatives, serving as a force for good.

For three decades, Net Impact has been influential in leveraging the power of business, academia, and emerging leaders to build a more just and sustainable world. Founded on the idea that business can be a force for good, we have built a global community of effective drivers of economic, social, and environmental change through collective and individual actions and through their chosen careers.  

Net Impact and GOOD Worldwide are thrilled to announce a Social Impact Alliance, leading to collective endeavors, including the launch of GOOD Institute, to scale impact initiatives, engage the next generation of leaders, and serve as a force for good for leading businesses.

This powerful alignment brings together a combination of resources and reach that enable a stronger, more sustainable solutions-based organizational structure that meets the diverse needs of current and future partners, underwriters and members.  And because yesterday’s approaches don’t meet today’s social impact needs, GOOD Institute is a response to this current demand for efficiencies and growth opportunities, creating increased social impact and change for decades to come. Net Impact will continue to work with next-gen leaders around the world to empower social change within GOOD Institute.

The world can’t wait...so neither will we!

Read the full press release detailing the strategic alliance between Net Impact and GOOD Worldwide, the launch of GOOD Institute, and the 2021 GOOD Institute Impact Survey to learn more. 

When we think about the climate crisis, global warming comes to mind. Just the thought of it is sobering, but the truth is that the climate crisis involves more than this - it has intrinsic roots in society's marginalization of minority communities. In order to build a more just and sustainable world, we must shift priorities to create more inclusive climate action and:

• Acknowledge the boundaries of planetary resources.
• Harness our interconnectedness to uplift our economic systems.
• Work hand in hand with humanity and the environment.

This will lay the groundwork to approach the problem holistically, encompassing justice, equity, inclusion and diversity (JEDI), in order to affect change.

What is inclusive climate action?

Inclusive climate action is an innovative and systemic approach to address the global climate crisis with JEDI as a priority. It can be done by:

• Reducing the effects of climate change on the most marginalized communities.
• Ensuring the benefits and burdens of climate action are distributed equitably.

This is an approach that will provide economic, environmental and social benefits for all.

Why is inclusive climate action important?

Climate change harms not only the environment but also the most vulnerable members of society. These marginalized people take the brunt of the problems of climate change, which are largely created by the privileged members of society. For example, in the US people of color are disproportionately affected by air pollution compared to white people.

This is why inclusive climate action is so imperative. It is a roadmap for addressing the environmental crisis and its looming effects on vulnerable groups and the economy. The Inclusive Climate Action (ICA) program provides cities with the tools to take action. It provides a platform that will:

• Enhance thought leadership of mayors.
• Improve best practice exchange between cities.
• Assist cities with ambitious climate action plans.
• Provide ground-breaking research.

What are the benefits of inclusive climate action?

When we as a society recognize how the environment and humanity are intertwined, both can begin to improve. The benefits of inclusive climate action are far-reaching:

• Environmental action.
   

1. Clean air and water.
2. Sustainable agriculture and forestry.
3. Climate change mitigation.

• Social equity.
   

1. Improved health and wellbeing.
2. Gender equity.
3. Reduced inequalities.
    

• Economic opportunity.
   

1. Corporate social responsibility.
2. Improved working conditions.
3. Entrepreneurship and new jobs.

These benefits are not hypothetical either. There is an effort within the US to take action now. This year, US President Joe Biden proposed a $2 trillion plan for the US to be at net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, in addition to the following actions:

• Create one million new jobs to rebuild the country's infrastructure.
• Create one million new jobs developing electric vehicles.
• Generate hundreds of thousands of jobs in climate-smart agriculture.
• Ensure environmental justice.
• Improve the lives of those impacted by climate change.

Best practices for inclusive climate action for businesses, governments, and communities

As more people and businesses recognize their responsibility to the environment and to their fellow community members, they are starting to affect change. The C40 Cities report highlights a few of the ways that communities and governments are starting to make a difference:

• Cape Town’s commitment to energy-efficient homes.
• New York City’s Cool Neighborhoods project to address urban heat.
• Barcelona’s plan for environmental justice.
• Los Angeles’ BlueLA project for sharing electric cars in low-income neighborhoods.

Together, businesses, governments, and communities can also:

• Lessen their dependence on fossil fuels.
• Embrace sustainable energy solutions such as wind and solar.
• Protect rainforests through sustainable practices.
• Move to electric vehicles.
• Develop a smart grid.
• Be more conscious of how they use energy.
• Work with local non-governmental organizations.
• Protect those who are directly impacted by inequitable climate practices.
• Don't ignore the science of facts.

Learn More

Net Impact is committed to building a more just and sustainable future for all and not just the select few. To share in our mission, check out our Regenerative Economy series.

As an organization founded on the principle of sustainability, it’s no surprise that climate change is top of mind for the Net Impact community. For the past five years, climate change has consistently ranked in the top three issues that our members care about, among Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Responsibility, and ranked as the number one topic that our Chapters want exclusive programming around. In fact, 56% of Net Impact Chapters have put on their own Chapter-based engagements on climate change just in the last year, higher than any other issue area in our community-- and that’s during a global pandemic. 

After another record-setting year for climate change (2020 tied with 2016 as the hottest year on record), Net Impact is fervently leaning into our mission to inspire, equip, and activate emerging leaders to tackle the toughest social and environmental issues. To do this, we’ve partnered with Climate Interactive and MIT’s Sustainability Initiative, both long-time thought leaders in the climate policy space, to launch our inaugural cohort of Net Impact Climate Ambassadors. The Ambassadors come from a total of 10 different countries, 5 different continents, span a variety of educational and social backgrounds, and come from both in and out of our Chapter Network. What unites them is their steadfast commitment to participate in the climate movement, learn deeply about climate system dynamics and the highest-leverage climate solutions, and the commitment of centering all of the above in environmental justice. Through an 8-week online training course, our Climate Ambassadors will learn to use data and Climate Interactive’s tools to model scenarios that mitigate the worst impacts of climate change. They will then be trained to use their new skills to facilitate educational workshops in their workplaces, college campuses, and communities.

Meet Members of the Inaugural Cohort 

We’re excited to highlight three members of our inaugural Climate Ambassadors cohort who will play a crucial role in advocating for climate action.    

Frank Nguyen, San Francisco Professional Chapter 

After working as a consultant and manager at Mastercard for the last four years, Frank transitioned full-time to the climate movement at the non-profit Climate Leadership Initiative. In this role, he works to guide new donors to impactful solutions at scale. Through the Climate Ambassador Course with Climate Interactive, he’s focusing on building his communication skills for a general audience and using the Climate Interactive platform to kickstart conversations about climate solutions with his peers and local community. 

Sukriti Boparai, York University Graduate Chapter, Canada 

As an undergraduate in Business and Accounting in India, Sukriti started her career working in the energy and mining sector. After having the opportunity to work on the company’s CSR initiatives, she pivoted her career to tackle the socioeconomic and environmental impacts that the energy sector helps produce. While her MBA program has given her a robust understanding of the issues from a management and strategic perspective, she’s excited to use the Climate Interactive platform to understand the issues from a science-backed, systems-oriented perspective for actionable solutions. 

Samel Tetteh, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Chapter, Ghana 

Samel is the Vice President of Membership of his Net Impact Chapter at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Samel hopes that the Climate Ambassador certification will provide him with the skills to influence his local community to build climate resilience within the energy sector.

Learn More

To learn more about our Climate Ambassador program, check out our website. To hear about what Net Impact is doing to promote the allyship between people and industry to preserve the planet, be a part of our Regenerative Economy series.

United Nations Day celebrates the anniversary of the establishment of the UN Charter, which came into force on October 24, 1945. It serves as an instrument of international law and, therefore, all UN Member States must follow it. It affords the UN the opportunity to take action on many different issues because of its unique internal character and the powers that are contained with the wording of the Charter. Since 1945, it has served as and provided guidance for the work and mission of the UN.

Celebrating United Nations Day

Sunday, October 24th, 2021, will mark the anniversary of United Nations Day. This day is set aside for all around the globe to reflect upon its 76 years of:

• History.
• Struggle.
• Accomplishment.
• Impact the UN has had across the world.

It was first observed on October 24th, 1948. In 1971, the UN General Assembly recommended that all Member States observe this day as a national holiday. People around the globe now celebrate by:

• Having concerts.
• Flying the UN flags on buildings of significance.
• Holding debates regarding the relevance of the UN’s work in modern times.
• Holding proclamations by heads of state and other leaders.

The UN and sustainability

In 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by all United Nations Member States. At the core of the agenda are the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs), which serve as an urgent call to action for countries, developed and/or developing, to join in a global partnership to address critical social and environmental problems. Among others, here are some of the key SDGs:

• No poverty
• Zero hunger
• Good health and well-being
• Quality education
• Gender equality
• Affordable and clean energy
• Sustainable cities and communities
• Peace, justice and strong institution

The 17 SDGs represent common goals for all countries and stakeholders to strive for, tirelessly working towards a better tomorrow full of equity, prosperity and a cleaner environment for all. The ultimate goal is for the plan to be universally adopted through collaboration.

The effect on businesses

Since 2015, companies have slowly embraced the SDGs. A recent report in S&P Global indicates that:

• 250 of the largest global companies in 2018 mentioned SDGs in their reporting.
• By 2019, 62% of those companies had made a commitment to SDGs.

These businesses are looking to the SDGs as guidance on equity and sustainability, as it encompasses a global objective of communal and environmental betterment. Companies can look to these 17 goals to help them prioritize initiatives that align with their audience's values.

Additionally, as reported in Forbes Magazine, over 50% of companies in the US have increased their commitment to renewable energy. Why? Their customers are demanding that they prioritize sustainability as part of their business plans. People are becoming more aware of their impact on the environment, and they will only show loyalty to those businesses that share the same values as they do.
 

Thus, of those surveyed, 72% of businesses are making their renewable energy initiatives known publicly. They are realizing that they can reduce resource consumption, build customer loyalty and tie energy objectives into employee goals for a multi-faceted improvement to their business model all while making a positive impact on the social and environmental aspects of their community.

“The SDGs provide [a] historic opportunity to unite all global stakeholders to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and protect our planet.” United Nations, Global Compact

How can you get involved?

Net Impact programs offer ways for you and your Chapter Community to get actively involved in the UN's 17 SDGs. Through this process, in collaboration with others, you can take powerful and impactful steps in creating a more just and sustainable world:

1. The Regenerative Economy series: Participate in dialogues with experts in Social Impact and Sustainability to help build a Regenerative Economy that supports people and the planet.

• All 17 goals!

2. Net Impact Climate Ambassador Certification: Become certified as a climate ambassador.

• Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation
• Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
• Goal 13: Climate action

3. Future of Energy Challenge: Access a solutions and accelerator program that is focused on clean energy.

• Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
• Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
• Goal 13: Climate action
   

4. Up to Us Competition: Receive education and resources about critical fiscal and economic issues in order to help build a sustainable fiscal future.

• Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth

Learn more about how you can be a driver of change and get involved!

It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of climate activist, sustainability leader, social entrepreneur, and friend and collaborator of Net Impact, Dakota Stormer, this September at the age of 25.

Dakota was an unwavering optimist and a committed advocate, dedicated to the preservation of the planet. Whether it was organizing his fellow classmates around climate change as an elementary school student, or developing impactful sustainability initiatives at major corporations, or founding his own company, The Footprint App., Inc that works to reduce the corporate carbon footprint, Dakota accomplished in his short time what so many of us can only hope to strive for: a life dedicated to the service of uplifting others and projecting the planet for future generations. 

Dakota’s achievements are too many to count, but among the few of his many accomplishments, he received a Forbes 30 under 30 award, a Texas Environmental Excellence Award, and was a fellow at Greentown Labs, a climatetech accelerator. He also ran for public office in his hometown of Houston and became a member of the Climate Reality Leadership Corps, founded by former vice-president Al Gore.    

Through his passion and hard work, Dakota helped drive cultural change at every organization he was a part of and always strove to push his colleagues to think and dream bigger on what impact they could make. His work with Net Impact was no exception. As a member of the Shell Oil Company team and a leader of their internal sustainability efforts, he contributed to the collaborative work with Net Impact on the Future of Energy Challenge, a program that brings business and emerging innovation leaders together to imagine a more sustainable, equitable energy future. Dakota’s persistence and enthusiasm for shifting us quickly towards mass climate sustainability was an inspiration,” said Megan Shea, Chief Programmatic and Strategic Partnerships Office at Net Impact. “We are deeply saddened by his passing, and are grateful for the mentorship he provided to the Net Impact community.” 

We offer our heartfelt condolences to Dakota’s family and friends. Though Dakota’s tenacious and empathetic spirit will be greatly missed, we, at Net Impact, will continue to celebrate and be inspired by his life and carry on in his mission. You can learn more about Dakota and contribute to the scholarship fund dedicated to his legacy, by clicking here.

How to Build a Social Impact Career You Are Passionate About

How often have you found yourself saying, I wish I could find a job where I can truly make a difference in the world? Fear not - you aren't alone. In the past, we have generally associated social impact career paths with public service or nonprofit jobs. However, these days there are many different avenues to build a career with impact.

Today, social impact careers have taken on a new and exciting outlook. More and more companies are starting to realize the importance of incorporating social responsibility within their own business models. Indeed, businesses big and small are prioritizing corporate citizenship, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability. The big picture now is about blending social and environmental goals directly into business models, which, in turn, trickle down to:

• Employees.
• Suppliers.
• Consumers.
• Local communities.

What do social impact career paths look like?

The doors have swung wide open for those who are seeking a career where they can make a difference. No longer do you have to hunt for a company with a social and environmental consciousness within their business structures. Doing what you love and having the opportunity to make a difference in the world, regardless of the business, is very much a reality.

And the exciting news is that the jobs are vast and exciting. You can pursue social impact in these verticals and more:

1. Charities/nonprofits
2. Entrepreneurship and social enterprise
3. Government and public services
4. Human rights and public interest law
5. International development
6. International organizations
7. Medicine
8. Psychology
9. Sustainability and the environment
10. Teaching
11. Think tanks

What kind of experience is required?

Having a passion for what you do is key in social impact career paths, as it is with anything. Just because your resume may not clearly show that you have the expertise or experience, that doesn’t mean that there aren't opportunities out there for you today. There are, and you can start now.

How to begin your social impact career

Here are a few tips to help you get involved with social impact:

Identify the skills you need to develop

Research open positions at your ideal organizations.

1. Explore job descriptions and find overlapping skills requirements.
2. Look to successful people in social impact.
3. Follow relevant professional associations and influencers.

Build the right skills and experiences with hands-on learning

1. Take certification courses or online classes - Online classes are a great opportunity to expand your knowledge, learn new skills, and become a more well-rounded social impact professional.
2. Participate in skills-based volunteering - Good causes are one of the best ways to gain real-world experience.
3. Engage in board service- Consider serving on a non-profit board to hone your skills and knowledge of how organizations work from the inside.
4. Take on a stretch project in your current role - Explore opportunities within your current company to expand your skills.
5. Train others- You will be surprised at how much you can learn by teaching others.

Taking action now

In March of 2021, Net Impact hosted a half-day conference, Good Work: Designing a Career for a Just and Sustainable World, which provided a roadmap for attendees to explore social impact in depth and gain insight from industry leaders. You can access free recordings of the following fireside chats to start you on your path to a social impact career you're passionate about:

• Impacting Change at Work: How You Can Make a Difference
• A Day in the Life: The Work “Flow” of Social Impact Professionals
• Communicating the Path to Net Zero
• Creating Impact and Influence: The Future of Learning and Work
• Coming Out of Your Plastic Shell
• Interactive Career Workshop

Learn More

Net Impact is committed to supporting its community on the path to building careers in social impact. To learn more about how you can help drive businesses to create social and environmental change and build a career that matters, check out Net Impact’s Regenerative Economy Series.

The International Day of Democracy gives people around the globe the opportunity to pause and reflect on the state of democracy worldwide, as well as the inclusion and equality ideas that it was built on. It is not an easy road, as it requires full participation by:

• The international community.
• Governing bodies.
• Civil society.
• Individuals.

Only through the awareness of and cooperation between these parties can democracy become as inclusive as it should be.

The history of the International Day of Democracy

On November 8, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution declaring that September 15th of each year be formally recognized as the International Day of Democracy. The UN urged individuals and organizations alike to commemorate the day. Member nations were called upon to share their experiences of promoting democracy. In all, 46 national parliaments celebrated the inaugural event in 2008, marking the anniversary of the first International Conference of New Restored Democracies.

Each year, the UN develops a new theme for the day. Past themes have included:

• Strengthening Voices for Democracy.
• Engaging Youth on Democracy.
• Inclusion and Participation as Foundations of Democracy.
• COVID-19: A Spotlight on Democracy.

Why does the International Day of Democracy resonate today?

The core values of democracy resonate more so today than they did back in 1776 when our forefathers created the Declaration of Independence.

Essential elements of democracy include:

• Freedom.
• Respect for human rights.
• The principle of holding periodic and genuine elections.

These elements have been playing out for months (almost years) since the controversial 2020 presidential election. Voting results and discrepancies were challenged in the key battleground states of Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona and Georgia.

More recently, on January 6, 2021, supporters of former president Donald Trump, violently attacked the US Capitol in an attempt to disrupt the electoral vote count. And most recently, Texas lawmakers are attempting to further restrict voting by mail and totally outlaw voting initiatives, which would directly impact voters of color.

During a July 2021 address in Philadelphia, President Biden described what is happening across the US as an “unfolding assault” and that American democracy is facing its greatest threat since the Civil War.

To combat this ever-present menace, lawmakers have introduced the For the People Act, which would guarantee:

• Voters receive a mail-in ballot if they so choose.
• 15 days of early voting prior to a federal election.
• Paper ballots.
• Standards for voting machines.

In the wake of past social unrests and in the midst of new ones, democracy and its core values are more important now than ever as minorities and underrepresented communities continue to fight for equity and justice.

Why are civic engagement, voting and democracy crucial to societies across the globe?

Civic engagement

Civic participation not only impacts individuals but also societies as a whole. In fact, with higher levels of civil participation comes:

• A greater sense of community.
• Lower levels of crime.
• Healthier and happier citizens.
• Lower rates of disease, mental illness and suicide.

When people come together to address a public concern, each party becomes more aware of and empathetic to others' situations and perspectives, thus creating a more understanding and unified group that fights together for equity for all.

Indeed, the scientific evidence supports the claim that civic engagement is not only good for individuals but also for society. The task now is determining how to use this evidence to achieve more engagement and the benefits that will follow.

Voting

As we celebrate the International Day of Democracy, you may wonder: Why does my vote matter? In the 2000 presidential election, Al Gore, by the thinnest of margins, lost the Electoral College vote to George W. Bush. It all came down to a recount in Florida in which Bush won by .009% of the votes cast.

In another example, Hillary Clinton won the popular vote in 2016 by nearly 3 million votes but lost the electoral vote. In four key swing states - Florida, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan - Trump won by 1.2% or less in each.

And in 2020, over 158 million Americans voted, with Biden winning the popular vote by 4.4%. However, in three battleground states, which put Biden over the top, the margin was much closer:

• Wisconsin - .6%
• Arizona - .3%
• Georgia - .2%

All of this is to say that even though your vote may not directly elect the next president, senator, congressman, governor or mayor, it will combine with others, potentially creating the tipping point for an election. Executing your right to vote is one of the key freedoms that can truly be a game-changer for societies around the globe.

Democracy

The words from Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, “and that government of the people, by the people, for the people,” are as true today as they were then. Democracy has played a vital role in the development of civilizations around the world. And it has served a crucial step in:

• Achieving equality.
• Decreasing conflict.
• Increasing civic engagement.

To ensure that the world keeps building off the progressive steps already made, people today must work towards liberal democracy, rather than illiberal, to safeguard the fundamental rights and values that democracy was forged by. In its purest form, liberal democracy ensures nothing (no ethnic, geographic, class or business interest) controls or abuses others.

As the world continues to face unjust systems and hardships, take a moment to reset on the International Day of Democracy and think critically. By exercising your right to vote, participating in civic causes and living by the true values of democracy, you can inspire others to be a force for positive change and advocate for inclusion and equity for all.

How can you participate and advocate for a just society?

Net Impact prides itself in its ongoing efforts to provide guidance for young adults to become more involved with their communities and take advantage of their right to vote. With the proper tools, a civically engaged person is better equipped to take action and develop collaborative efforts within the community to bring about positive change. On the Up to Us site, you can find countless examples of civic engagement. Armed with that knowledge, you can make a true difference.

Net Impact is a global community of students and professionals dedicated to being the drivers of economic, social and environmental change. Its mission is to inspirit and equip emerging leaders to build a more just and sustainable world.

To become a driver of change, join your local chapter.

The business community is no stranger to corporate social justice and reform. For years, some major American companies have worked to make social issues a priority of their impact. The same has been true in other regions of the world. In fact, there is evidence that promoting community interests is good for business as well.

But in the last decade, racial injustices against the backdrop of the pandemic and climate-related disasters, have changed the playing field. Companies are under intense moral pressure to call out injustice, stand up for their beliefs and use their brand power to effect change. The old model of social responsibility is no longer enough.

Thankfully, the business community is stepping up to the challenge. They are more aware of social justice reform than ever before. This is because consumers are pushing companies to accept social well-being as an urgent need, not just something good for their brands or bottom lines.

They are being asked to be ethical, transparent, and accountable to shareholders, employees, and the community at large. By participating rather than standing by, companies can be important agents of change.

Corporate social justice matters

Social justice is comprised of goals including:

• Fair access to resources (regardless of race, gender, age, class, or religion).
• Equity.
• Participation (in the political and social networks).
• Respect for human rights.

Over the past five years, these values have been visibly put to the test. Voting rights, racial injustice, police brutality, trade issues, immigration, child poverty, homelessness and pandemic-related inequality are high-profile issues demanding answers.

Advocacy, education, activism, and civic engagement can help lay the groundwork for meaningful reform. But more needs to be done.

A consumer revolution

Consumers are driving a marketplace revolution. They prefer that product decisions align with their values and support just causes. In fact, 78% of consumers want companies to address social justice issues. And a majority of millennials are using their buying power to move the needle. The result is that major brands are under pressure to fall in line.

In turn, CEOs are committing to invest in employees and local communities. Their efforts are echoed in a bold vision statement by the Business Roundtable. The aim is to focus corporate responsibility on societal issues that matter.

The private sector has an important role to play in effective civic engagement. In fact, when businesses share this vision, they tend to make fair decisions, help remove barriers and broaden opportunities for all. As they say, when the tide comes in, all boats rise. Everyone wins.

The stakes are high

Corporate social justice has become a touchstone of company commitment. Companies that stood on the sidelines after the racial injustice protests in the summer of 2020 faced a public opinion backlash and the threat of boycotts. The same was true after the unfair voting rights legislation in North Carolina and Georgia. Companies that dragged their feet were criticized, while organizations that reacted decisively by hitting the state's bottom line were praised for their efforts. 

More broadly, companies like Ben & Jerry's, with its record of social responsibility, took a public stand on a host of issues, including: systemic racism, white supremacy, climate change, refugees and transgender rights. Similarly, in 2018, Levi Strauss & Co. advocated (and continues to advocate) for protections for undocumented immigrants and refugees, as well as for broader voting rights. That year, Levi's profits were up 14% over the prior year, generating $5.6 billion in revenue.

Making a difference

It is clear that business innovation can not only benefit a company’s bottom line but also open up possibilities for the greater good. To support social justice, company brands and messaging must be sensitive to burning concerns. We urgently need corporate initiatives that address:

• Inclusion and diversity.
• Racial justice and voting rights.
• Healthcare solutions.
• The environment.
• Equal access to education.
• Sustainable supply chains.

These social justice challenges call for fresh approaches and solutions.  There is still so much work to be done, but by working together, business leaders, governments, and the communities they serve can chart a new course for our economy.

Learn more about how you can help drive businesses to create social and environmental change by participating in Net Impact's Regenerative Economy series.

So Your Stakeholders Want You to Be a Purpose-Driven Retailer? 

The concept of a purpose-driven business is not new, but in recent years the demands for retailers to make this shift are growing louder. A 2020 Deloitte publication, “Leading with Purpose”, reports that 75% of millennials would take a pay cut to work at an environmentally responsible company and 73% are willing to pay a premium for sustainable goods. Engaging platforms, like Remake, provide consumers with a way to re-evaluate who they are buying products from and scrutinize retailer business practices. With the recent election of President Joe Biden and the introduction of SASB and TCFD reporting requirements at financial institutions like Blackrock, transparency into and verification of retailer impact claims are expected to increase as well. 

So how do retailers navigate adhering to these increasing expectations? Enter B Corp Certification. Retailers are recognizing that they can utilize the certification as a potential guide to grow and communicate their purpose-driven brand so that consumers, government agencies, and financial institutions alike can recognize and trust in their work. In fact, ten out of the ten retailers interviewed for this article are actively exploring B Corp Certification or recertification. 

Where the B Corp Movement Meets the Purpose-Driven Road 

Since the first 82 companies were certified as B Corps in 2007, the number of companies certified by B Lab has grown exponentially. Between 2016 and 2020, over 1000 companies biannually have become B Corporation Certified and there are now over 3500 certified companies, across a range of industries, in over 70 countries. 

B Lab touts six values that come with certification on their website: 

● Build Relationships 

● Attract Talent 

● Lead a Movement 

● Improve Impact 

● Amplify Voice 

● Protect Your Mission 

Based on our ten retailer interviews, five of these values were affirmed (“Protect Your Mission” was not reported as a primary or secondary reason to pursue certification) and two additional values were uncovered: “Engage Consumers” and “Get Credit for Best Practices”. Some of the B Lab-affirmed values were blended together through the way brands discussed them such as “Lead a Movement” / “Amplify Voice” and “Improve Impact” / “Hold Accountable”. 

“Lead a Movement/Amplify Voice” was consistently articulated by most retailers as an initial reason to pursue certification, with “Improve Impact/Hold Accountable” and “Engage Consumers” emerging as value categories growing in prioritization. This shift can be attributed to the change in expectations for brands to be purpose driven and transparent. One retailer suggested that you are not really a ‘leader’, you are more of a ‘follower’ if you pursue certification now. Similar points made by other brands indicate the value of “Lead a Movement''

is blending with “Amplify Voice'' as the opportunity for leadership shifts to more of a collective leadership effort. The certification is accelerating a collaborative form of capitalism, in which pre-competitive collaboration is harnessed to pursue a triple bottom line, rather than the individualistic and profit-driven form of capitalism of the past five decades. 

So while achieving B Corp Certification may not make you a pioneer, it is still perceived by those pursuing it as a proactive tool to both align with consumers’ values and prepare for future rigorous reporting standards. The rigor of the certification’s B Impact Assessment and overall application process was emphasized by all six of the retailers that have achieved B Corp Certification and made the process more lengthy than many anticipated. Despite this, all six B Corps recognized the assessment itself as a tool they strategically leverage to evaluate and motivate investments in social, environmental, and governance practices. Beyond this internal benefit, all brands actively exploring the certification suggested they hoped to achieve external facing value through using the certification to concisely communicate commitment to a greater purpose, beyond profit. 

B Corp Certification is Not Just a Tool for Brands, but Their Customers and Investors, Too. 

Retailers are challenged to concisely and clearly communicate to consumers that they are an authentic, purpose-driven brand. At the same time, consumers and investors are challenged to interpret brand messages and validate their authenticity. Many are skeptical of company claims based on a history of greenwashing, in particular within the retail industry. 

The B Corp logo has not had a historical impact on influencing consumers, but some think that awareness is growing. When Athleta was certified in 2018, they affixed the B Corp logo to their store windows and equipped their retail store staff to educate consumers unfamiliar on the meaning behind the logo. Just this year, in 2021, Allbirds placed a full page ad in The New York Times and positioned the B Corp logo alongside their brand name, in equal size to its own logo. So, as retailers look for more ways to communicate their efforts to drive positive impact and investment drives awareness in the logo, its value as a concise and effective communication tool could grow. 

So You Want to Be a B Corp? Be Prepared to Invest Time and Money. 

When most companies consider pursuing B Corp Certification, they often focus solely on the assessment. Although a significant amount of time to fill out the assessment and acquire documentation should be expected, additional human and financial capital may be necessary after and even during the application process itself. Some companies find they need to identify and invest in enhancing internal practices that could increase the likelihood of passing the assessment during the application phase. Others have made the decision to invest supplemental time and financial resources after achieving certification, investing in educating their consumers and other stakeholders to recognize the meaning behind B Corp Certification. 

Executive sponsorship also plays a major role in investments, as it empowers and motivates departments to prioritize preparing documentation to complete the assessment and incorporating short and long term strategies. (All five certified B Corps had executive sponsorship when they applied.)

The most frequently cited challenge that companies face is B Corps’ legal requirement. Some retailers have been forced to delay pursuit of the certification due to it, while one retailer¹ reported that they opted out of pursuing recertification because they did not want to pursue the updated legal requirements. 

Despite these reported investment expectations and challenges, all ten retailers affirmed their interest in pursuing B Corp Certification or recertifying. 

The road to becoming a purpose-driven company is not simple and neither is pursuing B Corp Certification. That said, whether a company achieves certification or not, the process can generate real value and provide strategic direction to mobilize internal employees. As one retailer stated, “You get what you put into it.” 

Amy Schatz is a graduate student at the University of Michigan, pursuing a dual Master’s in Business Administration and Master’s in Environment and Sustainability through the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise (anticipated graduation December 2022). Prior to starting graduate school this past Fall 2020, Amy was a Senior Consultant at Triage Consulting Group (2017-2020). Her coursework and leadership roles with the Retail and Luxury Goods and Ross Net Impact Clubs have led her to focus on the intersection of social and environmental impacts within the retail industry. Through conversations and small projects with leaders in the retail industry, Amy is driven to explore how businesses can be used as a force for good.

Annie Zaro is a graduate student at the University of Michigan, pursuing a dual Master’s in Business Administration and Master’s in Environment and Sustainability through the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise (anticipated graduation December 2022). Since starting her dual degree program, she has served as a Director of Professional Development in the University of Michigan Ross Net Impact chapter between 2020-2021 and continues to be an active member. She spent 3.5 years in healthcare consulting at Huron Consulting Group and 3.5 years in strategic sourcing at Stitch Fix prior to returning to school in the fall of 2020. Annie is passionate about transforming the retail industry into a more socially responsible and climate positive industry. 

***Between January and April 2021, we researched the history of B Lab (the nonprofit behind B Corp Certification), read published case studies and thought pieces about B Corp Certification, spoke with a B Lab Community Leader, and interviewed ten retailers (5 currently certified B Corps, including Allbirds, The Renewal Workshop, and Eileen Fisher, 1 formerly certified B Corp, and 4 non-certified B Corps). Through this research, we discovered a range of values that lead retailers perceive as reasons to pursue B Corp Certification and ultimately realize through application for and achievement of certification. 

We would also like to thank Kevin Thompson, Jerry Davis, and Christina Brown for their advice and guidance with our work. 

¹ This retailer declined an interview due to time constraints, but communicated via email about their decision to not pursue recertification.

Net Impact is excited to announce that Zim Maggot Producers from Great Zimbabwe University in Masvingo has won the 2021 Food Solutions Challenge. In partnership with Bayer, World Business Council for Development, and Coca-Cola, the Challenge, now in its fifth year, invites participants from around the globe to reimagine unsustainable systems and create innovative solutions to the critical issues in food and agriculture that we face as a global population.

This year’s participating teams were asked to focus on how we can strengthen smallholder farming resilience. In June, five semi-finalists teams were selected to participate in an eight-week accelerator run by Eidos Global’s Social Innovation Warehouse, where they gained the connections, mentorship, and tools needed to successfully develop their solution into a scalable enterprise. The challenge culminated in a pitch event where the teams were able to share their solutions with a panel of expert judges and compete for $5,000 to fund further development of their idea.  

The Zim Maggot Producers team, led by Moja Shephered, Josphat Nyika, Rudo Chikwanha, and Chivuzhe Modern, were selected as the winners for their creative and innovative approach to lowering the cost of food production and increasing food availability by making stock feeds cheaper for smallholder farmers.  As part of their solution, the Zim Maggot Producers team pitched a “trash for cash” model, where rotting and decaying produce is collected and used to feed black soldier fly larva. In this new approach, the larva, which can be used as a protein, is then harvested and used as stock feed for poultry and pigs. The result is a more sustainable, economically-accessible way to empower smallholder farmers, enable self-sufficiency, and increase food production.  

Following their win, we had the chance to talk with the team about their winning idea:  

Congratulations on winning the 2021 Food Solutions Challenge. Tell us about how it feels to have won the competition?

Our team is more than excited! We nearly failed to proceed with the competition due to the ill health of one of our team members, and later on, we faced network challenges at our farm. We thought the best we could do was complete the challenge, without any hope of winning. We do not have enough words to express our excitement; we feel honored and humbly receive the honor and recognition.

How do you hope your winning idea will create impact?

The idea of turning trash into cash using the black soldier fly larva will positively impact the lives of small scale farmers through the provision of alternative cheap and organic stock feed. This innovation addresses a number of SDG goals. We intend to reach out to 10,000 small scale poultry farmers by the end of December 2021, as we are going to use the prize money to scale up our operations and increase our capacity.

What is next for you and your team?

Having won this challenge, we are now improving our production capacity and efficiency. Being accepted to participate in the Food Solutions Challenge also made some organizations and individuals more confident in us and our idea and increased their interest in partnering with us. Therefore, we are going to continue building strong networks with organizations until we have realized food security for our rural populations.

Learn More

To learn more about the Food Solutions Challenge and how you can participate, click here.