B CORP | 5 MINUTE READ
BRIDGING ELEGANCE AND ETHICS: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ACCOUTER’S B CORP™ CERTIFICATION
Earlier this year, Accouter were proud to announce our B Corp™ certification. Although the discourse of sustainability within the interior design industry has risen significantly in recent years, the definition of a B Corp™ and how it re-directs a luxury studio may not be so clear. In this article, we explain the significance of this certification.
WHAT DOES B CORP™ CERTIFIED MEAN?
B Corps™ are defined as businesses that want to achieve more than just making a profit. Their company goals and values are committed to creating a positive impact on their employees, communities, clients and suppliers throughout their strategic decisions and operations.
As a B Corp™, Accouter takes a holistic approach, understanding that the overall design and specification process itself is not the only way for us to be responsible and considerate. Sustainable milestones, as well as our Manifesto, gives our environmental ambitions credibility, and therefore proves our mission to be both purposeful and achievable. However, our B Corp™ design practice also must pay as much attention to our Social responsibilities and Corporate governance. This certification ticks every box in relation to a full ESG strategy.
In 2023, we were proud to become a part of Britain's first B Corp™ certified interior design collective.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR ACCOUTER’S PROCESS & CLIENTELE?
“Both on the run up to and after achieving our certification, our process here at Accouter has gradually shifted.
We are constantly working on strategies and educating our supply chains to allow for our clients to purchase fully responsible and traceable product, in environmentally friendly packaging.
The key changes we have incorporated at our studio include finding local suppliers in the areas which we are designing interiors for, instead of further national or international suppliers. Not only is this supporting local businesses, but it also helps to protect our planet.
Another change to our process, is that we work with a trusted select group of craftsmen and artisans here in the UK, saving unnecessary emissions, meaning that we are being mindful of our carbon footprint.
Additionally, we are working towards incorporating antique, heirloom treasures within our designs, which have the opportunity to be recycled and gifted to generations to come. Ultimately, Accouter are now designing sustainably, with longevity in mind for both our clients and studio itself...”
-Lucy Day-Shanks, Accouter Group Director
AS PART OF BRITAIN’S FIRST B CORP™ CERTIFIED INTERIOR DESIGN COLLECTIVE, WE HAVE MADE 5 PROMISES:
We commit to proving to you that we can make a positive impact on the world by acting and evolving as a responsible company.
We promise to direct our efforts on measures that deliver the biggest impacts, aiming to continuously review and improve AGC’s environmental performance.
We pledge to play our part in building an industry that is filled with, and supports talent from all backgrounds, abilities, ages and identities.
We believe in the power of kindness, and pledge to use the powers of our business to create a positive impact on society. We support the Red Cross and charities that mean the most to our people.
We understand that being a ‘Force for Good’ is a journey without a destination and we are committed to continuously improve and evolve our business for good. For more information regarding our B Corp journey please click here.
OUR WALPOLE ASSOCIATION
As a part of Accouter Group of Companies , we announced in 2021 our membership with Walpole alongside leading British brands such as Burberry, Fortnum & Mason and Claridges. As part of the AGC design collective, Accouter are thrilled to be part of such a prestigious membership.
Walpole’s mission is to promote and enhance the British luxury sector across the globe, and it has helped to reinforce AGC’s luxury brand positioning, but also supports our B Corp™ journey. As a member of Walpole, we attend sustainability round tables to both inspire and be inspired by these leading luxury brands with the aim to collaboratively improve Environmental, Social and Governance goals. As a result, AGC has created a Sustainability Manifesto in-line with Walpole's to further create consistency, and pioneer new benchmarks in the luxury industry as a whole.
“Through our Sustainability Manifesto, we aim to support Walpole in their quest to transform the British luxury sector into a world leader in sustainability. Our manifesto is formal statement setting our goals and ambitions across AGC’s 4 pillars of sustainability and it recognises the importance of reducing our impact on the environment within a socially conscious and well governed company. This never-ending journey will assist in defining luxury's next generation"
-Stella Gittins, Co-Founder and Group Director
You can read more about Walpole's sustainability ambitions here.
At Accouter, the studio strives for the impossible: to exceed the expectations of the trendsetters, tastemakers and industry leaders who set the benchmark for luxury living. Their vision is to be a must have signature for every luxury interior worldwide.
For more information about how Accouter can assist you with your next project get in touch with the award-winning team, here.