Reflecting on B Corp Month
As B Corp month draws to a close, we have been reflecting on our B Corp status and B Lab’s responsibility to uphold their promise to “make business a force for good.”
In late Summer last year, alongside Clean Creatives and other global agencies, GOOD asked for B Lab to take a hard line on those who work with fossil fuel clients.
7 months on, nothing has happened.
Whilst B Lab have accepted the formal compliant – specifically against Havas winning the Shell account – and are looking into this, there is no decision date specified. This incredibly slow process is frustrating for many reasons, the key issue is that climate change is now progressing faster than the speed at which B Lab are working. B Corp accredited agencies are working with fossil fuel clients, and fossil fuel companies greenwashing continues to cause harm.
A good example of this is the “climate tech” startup launched by Shell, reported in The Guardian & co-authored by Drilled.
Whilst on the surface it seems to be working towards “net-zero” or “clean-energy” future, the analysis by Drilled and the Guardian appears to focus on improving oil and gas outcomes.
At the same time, Havas is putting itself forward for a major PR contract with Shell – as reported by DeSmog.
That Havas, and assumedly other B Corp agencies, can continue to be considered for these major contracts whilst maintaining their B Corp status fundamentally undermines the purpose of the accreditation.
We wholeheartedly believe B Lab’s intention is right, and we went through the process of becoming a B Corp because we believe it to be a force for good. However, the hypocrisy and slow pace around this decision undermines its value. It highlights that its internal systems and processes are not fit for Purpose.
We are calling on B Lab to make a decision and uphold their commitment to “make business a force for good.”
Posted by Lucy Martin
