At 5D Net Zero, we aree proud to have recently achieved our B Corp Certification. It shows that we have well and truly begun our journey to net zero.
A Certified B Corporation is a company that has voluntarily met the highest standards for social and environmental performance. These standards are intentionally set high and are meant to recognise leading companies. The standards are developed independently and cover a company’s impact in key areas, including Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers.
Here at 5D Net Zero we know this will take time and effort but changing our behaviours is fundamental to reaching our ultimate goal of becoming net zero by 2030. Achieving B Corp status is a step in the right direction as it has tested and checked how we operate our business and will help us to identify where we can improve.
We believe business can, and should, be a force for good. As we celebrate B Corp Month, we reaffirm our company values of going further than profit, and looking out for all our stakeholders, including our planet.
Being part of the B Corp community is incredibly exciting as we are a part of a global community of like-minded businesses committed to driving meaningful change.
But our journey doesn’t end with certification. It’s just the beginning. We are continually seeking ways to raise the bar, innovate, and inspire others to join us in creating a more sustainable and just future for all.
Driving forward
At 5D Net Zero, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, we look to embed it in every part of our business. We also recognise that true progress requires continuous effort and a commitment to improvement. We can reflect on our progress by looking at five core areas of our business: governance; workers; community; environment and customers.
Governance: Protecting Our Mission and Values
Rigorous governance is essential to our ways of working. We look to hold ourselves to the highest standards, to ensure best practices so that we can provide the best possible service to our customers. Whether ensuring consistency of service to our clients through our ISO 14065 processes, providing accurate Carbon Footprints by using the GHG Protocol methodology, or ensuring transparent reporting through the PPN 06/21 framework, our governance is key.
As a team, we are dedicated to continuous development and education. That’s why we embrace initiatives like B Corp, which not only supports our team’s growth but also fosters collaboration and learning. By keeping ahead of the latest trends and best practices, we ensure that our ideas remain fresh and relevant, driving positive change within our organisation and beyond.
Moreover, our commitment to governance extends beyond mere compliance — it’s about embracing a holistic approach to business. We work towards the triple bottom line, where economic performance is intertwined with social investment and environmental stewardship. By balancing profitability with purpose, we strive to create value not just for our staff and our shareholders but for society at large.
Workers: Investing in Our Greatest Asset
Ensuring that everyone has a voice is paramount to the way that we work. Diversity ensures fresh and exciting ideas – and we are all about that. To enable this, our SCEW (Staff Committee for Environment and Well-being) team drives this. Firm favourites of our team must be the monthly breakfast, where workers can show off their culinary delights, or our Wednesday Walks, which includes walking up the Wey & Arun canal.
Staff wellbeing is so important – hybrid working, private healthcare and regular social gatherings are just a few of the things we offer to achieve this. This helps create a space which incubates innovation and idea-sharing.
Reaffirming our values of continuous development, career development is critical to us. Regularly taking part in courses, such as literacy training, again helps us to keep up to date with the latest trends and be able to communicate clearly with our stakeholders.
Community: Engaging and Impacting Locally
At 5D Net Zero, we’re not just about business – we’re about building connections and making a difference. That’s why we are actively involved in our community, whether its school or university students in Guildford, or the local businesses in the Surrey Hills. This includes things from educating the younger generation by bringing on local school interns, community clear-ups where we get our hands dirty, and getting involved with local businesses part of the Surrey Hills Enterprises.
Environment:
Being a net zero consultancy, preserving the environment and reducing our impact is central to how we work. We understand the urgency of reaching net-zero targets, implementing tangible initiatives, and reducing emissions. It’s not just about talk; it’s about taking action and leading by example. That’s why we ensure that our internal processes are aligned with our values of environmental sustainability. From optimising energy usage to minimizing waste, we’re dedicated to reducing our carbon footprint every step of the way. By doing this, we can confidently advise our customers on the best way forward.
However, as a company, we recognise that environmental stewardship strives further than carbon. Education and fostering a profound connection with nature are essential elements of our approach. Internally, our team recently took part in a tree planting day (a regular favourite). Albeit fun, it allowed the team to understand renewable energy resources, engage and enjoy the beautiful world around us and reflect on the importance of building a resilient future.
Customers: Putting Their Needs First
We pride ourselves at 5D Net Zero on being a people-led consultancy, putting our customers first and making sure they receive the best quality service and putting them on an achievable path to Net Zero. If you are looking for advice on your carbon footprint, and how to reduce it and communicate successfully to your stakeholders – we can help.
We understand that the world of sustainability and carbon management can sometimes feel like wading through a sea of jargon. That’s why we have made it our mission to break down the barriers. We’re here to demystify terms like Carbon Management and greenwashing, making the process accessible and affordable for everyone. We can’t talk about sustainability if we don’t understand it.
In fact, we’re excited to announce our newest initiative: “Say it Straight Mondays.” Every Monday, we’ll be dissecting the complexities of sustainability jargon, making sure you’re armed with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions. No more confusion, no more guesswork – just clear, straightforward explanations every Monday.
Celebrate with us
Please join us in celebrating B Corp Month – let’s unite our efforts, inspire each other, and collaborate to create a more equitable, environmentally just and exciting world. We can make a profound and lasting difference for generations to come.
