Extra, extra, read all about it – we’ve done something we think is pretty dang cool. We’re excited to announce that after three fantastic years in business, we’ve achieved Certified B Corporation status!

Read on below to learn more about what a B Corp is and what it means for a company like ours to make the commitment to the work of a Certified B Corporation.

What is a B Corp?

We’ve got the quickest B Corporation definition: put simply,  it affirms that a business has voluntarily met the highest standards for social and environmental performance.

Here’s the longer explanation: the “B” in B Corporation (or B Corp, as it more commonly goes by) stands for benefit. It’s not just a feel-good statement, it’s a pretty big deal. B Corps are certified by B Lab, a nonprofit organization founded in 2006. They created the organization in the hopes of transforming the global economy to benefit people, communities, and the planet. The B Corp certification means that a company voluntarily meets certain standards of transparency, accountability, sustainability, and performance, as defined by the organizing body. Beyond that, companies that have achieved a Certified B Corp status aim to create value for more than their shareholders; they are also accountable to other important stakeholders, like their employees, communities, customers, suppliers, and the environment.

B Corps are globally recognized (there are over 8,600 B Corps worldwide), and must recertify every three years to hold their status, meaning they’re continuing this work beyond their certification date. This is a powerful enforcing mechanism that ensures that B Corps maintain the high standards set by the certification.

We’ll be in good company among the other members, which include Ben & Jerry’s, Patagonia, and Allbirds. These companies are known for being straightforward and clear about their commitment to the work of bettering people, communities, and the planet – similar to companies that meet ESG investment standards.

Q&A: Why pursue a B Corp certification?

We’ve been working since day one to #ElectrifyEverything, and this certification is a testament to the dedication of our team and our mission to combat climate change, one heat pump installation at a time. As part of our B Corp certification, we’re required to uphold the values of sustainability alongside transparency, accountability, and performance in all of the work that we do. And it’s not just a one-and-done certification – we are required to uphold this to continue holding the title.

We interviewed our co-founder, DR Richardson, about his perspective on this exciting milestone:

Q: What does this certification mean to you and the broader work of Elephant Energy?

A: Earning the B Corp certification is a huge milestone for us. It’s a testament to our amazing team – and validation of our approach to using our strength for good. It also signifies that our commitment to sustainability and best-in-class business practices extends beyond our core product offering. 

Q: More tactically, how will the certification impact Elephant’s day-to-day work?

A: This certification verifies that Elephant Energy operates with social responsibility in mind, considering the impact of our business on our employees, communities, and the environment. This focus on a triple bottom line – profit, people, and planet – further positions Elephant Energy as a leader in the climate-tech and electrification industry. Said another way, how many home services businesses do you know are actually B Corps?  

Q: Why was earning this certification a priority for the Elephant Energy team?

A: Since our founding, we’ve been mission-driven to make as the biggest positive impact on the world that we can. While reducing carbon emissions is our “why”, how we conduct business and treat stakeholders is also hugely important — and the B Corp certification is a testament to the way that we approach that.

DR is right – we’re proud to share our B Corp Certification with the world as our public commitment to do good for people, communities, and the planet alongside doing well for our shareholders.

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Eager to make more climate-friendly choices? Check out our tool, Your Electrification Roadmap®. A few simple questions will get you a personalized plan for a sustainable home. Together, we can make choices that truly make a difference.

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