B Corp certification, for many companies, represents much more than a title to supervise. It is a way of being, thinking and functioning. This is the case of Alvéole, an SME in Quebec which develops beekeeping in urban areas, and which attracts new employees thanks to its practices.
Alvéole has existed since 2013. Five years later, in 2018, the company obtained its B Corp certification, attesting to its dedication to sustainable and socially responsible business practices.
“It’s part of our identity,” says Étienne Lapierre, co-founder of Alvéole, in an interview. We adhere 100% to the B Corp system, that’s how we hire people, how we promote the brand. »
Last year, the SME hired a full-time advisor in environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. He is responsible for supporting the implementation of B Corp objectives through a manager training improvement program, purchasing from local suppliers and a recovery program for end-of-life beekeeping products and components, For example.
“We have always wanted to demonstrate that a private company can have an environmental and social orientation. It directly aligns with our values,” thinks Mr. Lapierre, whose company installs bees on the roofs of buildings in urban areas – in seven different countries.
To be certified, an interested SME must respond to a form of 300 questions on the management and impact of its decisions regarding five criteria: governance, customers, suppliers, community and environment.
The entire process, which can take up to six months, also requires the company to pay a fee for its certification, which will depend on its income.
“Once we issue the certification, we must demonstrate that there is continuous improvement,” adds Étienne Lapierre.
Alvéole is precisely a good example of this. Its B Corp score, which was at least 80 in 2018, is now 111.8 points, “an excellent score of which we were extremely proud,” continues Mr. Lapierre. On the other hand, we have to improve, keep this standard. That’s what makes it extremely exciting.”
For comparison, the median for regular companies is 50.9 points. This is a little less than half of Alvéole’s score, which sees several positive impacts from certification.
“It increases the attractiveness for our teams. We value and believe in B Corp. It also allows us to demonstrate to our clients that we have extremely strict standards internally and for which we have an action plan that allows us to always improve. And that allows us to choose to work with suppliers who are also B Corp, so that the supply chain respects standards. »
“And I think that influences our customers. It’s like a cycle, the more we see, the more it makes other companies want to do it. »
