Axter achieves B Corp certification: A milestone in our commitment to people, planet, and profit

We have been certified by B Lab UK, the not-for-profit behind the B Corp movement, as having met rigorous social and environmental standards.

Independent verification of our sustainability credentials

"Becoming a B Corp helps Axter embody our core values of service, collaboration, respect and integrity," says Phillip Wilcox-Moore, Managing Director of Axter.

"B Corp's holistic approach to sustainability covers social responsibility, governance, and environmental impact, with a respected and rigorous assessment process.

"This certification integrates these principles into every aspect of our business, helping build credibility and trust by providing independent verification of our commitments," adds Phillip.

Leading with purpose

Achieving B Corp certification sets Axter apart in an increasingly competitive construction industry. Customers today are more discerning than ever, seeking out companies that share their values. By being B Corp certified, we provide a clear message that we are serious about our role in building a sustainable future.

Trust is the foundation of any successful business relationship, and B Corp certification serves as a powerful tool in building and maintaining that trust. For our customers, it provides independent verification that Axter is genuinely committed to its social and environmental promises.

B Corp certification also boosts our ability to attract and retain the best talent in the industry; employees are increasingly looking to work for companies that are purpose-driven and that contribute positively to society and the environment.

“B Corp is a powerful differentiator in the market, providing proof of concept for our ethical and moral values,” shares Phillip.

“Becoming a B Corp shows our commitment to generating profit from quality products, systems, and services and investing it responsibly to benefit society and ensure our team is fairly and truly valued.”

What it takes to become a B Corp

Becoming a Certified B Corporation is one of the most comprehensive and rewarding processes a business can undertake. The B Corp certification evaluates the entirety of a company’s operations, focusing on five key impact areas: Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers.

To achieve this certification, companies must score over 80 on the B Impact Assessment, demonstrating responsible practices in areas like energy use, waste management, worker compensation, diversity, and corporate transparency. You can find Axter’s public profile with our assessment and score here.

It is also an ongoing process – and Axter, like every B Corp, will have to recertify every three years against B Lab’s evolving standards and increase our score as we progress to becoming more inclusive, equitable and regenerative.

Driving change in the roofing industry

The construction sector is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions globally, but the industry is going through a major shift; we want to be at the forefront of that change.

“The climate crisis is undeniable,” says Phillip. “Companies of every size and sector must lead by example and play their part in becoming more sustainable.”

"B Corp certification can drive meaningful carbon reduction in the construction sector by encouraging companies to adopt sustainable practices, improve resource efficiency, and reduce waste,” adds Phillip.

“Welcoming Axter to the B Corp community is an exciting moment because they have an opportunity to lead the way within the construction industry,” says Chris Turner, Executive Director of B Lab UK, the not-for-profit behind the B Corp movement.

“We and the rest of the B Corp community are really pleased to support Axter in paving the way for a new way of doing things and driving the conversation forward. Axter will be an inspiration to others and really help spread the idea that we can redefine success in business to be as much about people and planet as it is about profit”.  

Our assessment journey

Our journey began with a deep dive into the B Impact Assessment in October 2022. Partnering with Cyd Connects, a sustainability consultancy helping businesses understand their social and environmental impact to become a force for good, we evaluated our practices against B Corp’s robust framework. This partnership has been instrumental in guiding us through the complexities of the assessment.

“Cyd Connects helps us to measure, create and meet our sustainability goals,” says Maisie Kelly, Sustainability Communications Manager at Axter. “We have partnered with them to create a rigorous sustainability pathway that ensures we meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. They also highlighted to us how critical businesses are in accelerating the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals.”

Learn more about the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals by clicking here.

“Axter came to Cyd Connects at the beginning of their sustainability journey. We partnered with Axter to help them audit their business using the B Corp B Impact Assessment and set a social and environmental impact strategy to drive real change for the future," says Jennifer McGarrigle, Co-Founder & CEO at Cyd Connects.

Achieving B Corp certification is one aspect of our broader sustainability pathway, which includes receiving accreditation as a Silver Carbon Literate Organisation; read more here.

Call to action: Join the movement for positive change

This certification is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, and we are excited to continue leading by example to inspire others in the flat roofing design and construction sector, as well as our local community.

We encourage our peers in the construction industry to consider B Corp certification as a powerful framework for embedding sustainability into their operations. Together, we are building a more inclusive and sustainable economy that works for everyone, leaving a positive legacy for future generations.