STRONGER THROUGH PURPOSE – THE B CORP FACTOR

As part of our ongoing commitment to harness our expertise in landscape architecture for the greater good, we are delighted to unveil that Macfarlane + Associates is now officially certified as a B Corporation. This certification embodies our core values and commitment to sustainability and to creating positive impacts for all our stakeholders – our clients, employees, communities, and the environment. Together for good.

What is B Corp?
B Corp certification is globally recognised as a mark of businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. It’s granted to companies that rigorously measure and improve their impact across areas such as employee welfare, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

What motivated us to pursue B Corp?
We were driven by our belief that landscape architecture should be a force for good – socially, environmentally, and economically. By becoming part of the B Corp community, we align ourselves with a global movement that prioritises long-term societal and environmental well-being over short-term gains. Joining the B Corp network, not only enhanced our own performance but also forged valuable partnerships and provided insights. Through participation in B Corp working groups, sharing best practices, and collaborating on solutions to pressing global challenges, we’re positioned to grow as a true catalyst for change.

What was the certification process like?
The journey involved completing the comprehensive B Impact Assessment (BIA) developed by B Lab, the certifying organisation. This assessment evaluated our performance in key areas such as governance, worker’s rights, community impact, and environmental responsibility. It also recognises our approach to client partnerships, design narratives, material choices, social cohesion, and numerous other criteria. As part of this process, we amended our company’s Articles of Association to legally embed our commitment to social and environmental sustainability into the core of our business practices.

What does it mean to be a B Corp?
Social and environmental considerations will play a vital role in every aspect of our decision-making. For our clients, this means partnering with a company dedicated to reducing carbon footprints, minimising waste, and integrating the highest forms of sustainability into our designs. Internally, it fosters a closer engagement with our team, promotes an inclusive work environment, and helps attract talent that aligns with our values. As part of our commitment, we’ve introduced new initiatives such as a Staff Volunteering Policy and formalised our charitable giving practices, with a system that allows employees to help select the charities we support.

Changes we have made
A crucial component was the development of a tailored ESG strategy (Environmental, Social, Governance), with specific actions and KPIs focused on governance, people, and the planet. This ESG strategy has become integral to our business, influencing everything from employee onboarding to project delivery.

We’ve also implemented operational changes to minimise our environmental impact, such as enhancing waste reduction practices, increasing energy efficiency, and launching initiatives to lower our collective carbon footprint. These efforts are just the beginning, and we remain committed to continuously innovating and improving.

Looking Ahead
Our certification as a B Corp marks not the end of a journey, but the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Moving forward, we aim to deepen our impact by integrating sustainable practices at every level of our business, engaging with fellow B Corps to share knowledge and resources, and remaining at the forefront of responsible, ethical landscape architecture.

By aligning ourselves with the broader B Corp movement, we are committed to using our business as a force for good -creating beautiful, sustainable spaces that benefit both people and the planet.