Last year, Carolina Solar Services (CSS) became designated as a Certified B Corp. But what does that mean and why does it matter?
A Certified B Corp is a for-profit company that has been “certified” by B Lab, a non-profit organization that measures a company against a rigorous standard of social and environmental performance. More simply, a Certified B Corporation must look at their “triple bottom line” – people, planet, and profit (the three Ps).
A company must diligently examine the following factors:
- Governance: Practices/policies around the company’s mission, ethics, accountability, and transparency;
- Workers: Practices/policies around team members’ financial, physical, professional, and social well-being;
- Community: Practices/policies around community service, local impact, and charitable givin
- Environment: Practices/policies around environmental impact and stewardship
- Customers: Practices/policies around improving customer experiences and creating value for consumers
At its core, the “B” in Certified B Corps stands for Benefit for all – changing the economic system to positively impact stakeholders – everything from workers, communities, customers, and the planet.
So what has CSS done to be certified as a B Corp? Several things. First, early in 2022, Chief Executive Officer, Zack Hobbs provided an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) for CSS’ more than 50 employees. Our employees are now co-owners in Carolina Solar Services! Second, CSS installed solar on the rooftop of its corporate headquarters. Adding rooftop solar offers energy savings and most importantly, a reduction in carbon emissions.
Next, CSS formed a cross-department Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) group that meets internally and partners with Amicus O&M Cooperative to work on education, accountability, and community outreach. Finally, CSS has a 100 percent service guarantee for its work and a code of ethics in its governance structure. CSS joins thousands of other companies who have made the move to become a Certified B Corp. As B Corporations and leaders, we believe:
- That we must be the change we seek in the world;
- That all business out to be conducted as if people and placer mattered;
- That, through their products, practices, and profiles, businesses should aspire to do no more and benefit all; and,
- To do so requires that we act with the understanding that we are each dependent upon another and thus responsible for each other and future generations.
We look forward to keeping you apprised of our continued journey.