We’ve always been purpose-driven…
And so becoming a B Corp seemed like a logical step for Codex.
- Gold standard of international sustainability certification.
- Holistic assessment across environment, governance, community, workers and customers.
- Global community of diverse organisations across industries.
Yet our journey to becoming a B Corp was still one of challenges, consistent reflection, and continuous re-evaluation of our commitment to our core values and sustainability initiatives.
The very concept of a ‘B Corp’ resonates strongly with our founders, leadership team and business as a whole. Since our inception, Codex has been dedicated to having a positive impact – on our people, clients and community. Our mission has always been to blend profit with purpose to the benefit of all, so when we discovered that a certification and community existed to embody, facilitate and promote that – we were hooked.
Why B Corp?
Codex decided to pursue becoming a B Corp because we believe in the power of business as a force for good, and recognise the global demand for a better future for all. The B Corp certification aligns perfectly with each of our foundational values: Empathy, Sustainability and Authenticity.
Empathy is our compass. We lead with empathy in every situation, as it is only through deeply understanding the needs and challenges of our clients that we are able to have meaningful impactful not just for their business, but for the communities within which they operate. The B Corp framework comprehensively supports social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency – all of which are rooted in empathy.
Our commitment to Sustainability goes far beyond environmental and social awareness. From our inception, sustainability has been a central focus and key priority. Becoming a B Corp ensures that sustainability is embedded into core operations and governance, meaning that every action taken contributes to overall positive impact.
To us, Authenticity means that we act with the courage of our convictions. It is essential that our people feel empowered to be their best selves, supported by our values and each other. By empowering our team to embrace their unique backgrounds and perspectives, we create a more innovative and effective organisation. The B Impact Assessment by B Lab assesses social performance across diversity, equity and inclusion, looking both internally at our workers, and externally at our clients and providers.
Successful certification reflects the collaborative environment at Codex where diverse ideas flourish, not only enhancing our internal culture but also ensuring that we are making thoughtful and impactful decisions in our client and community engagements.
Beyond the value alignment, we recognised the brand impact associated with certification, with the rising awareness of B Corps, and the inherent trust that comes with it.
More than just a certification, becoming a B Corp was a clear path to amplify our impact – leveraging both the customer trust and brand awareness, and the global purpose-driven community, to both broaden and deepen our impact on our people, clients and community.
Public Demand for Change
B Corp Brand Awareness
People are expecting more from businesses and they’re using certifications to inform choices about which businesses they buy from and work for, according ro our research. More than half of those who’ve heard of B Corps report strong trust in the certification, and 58% believe it is either ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ rigorous.
In 2023, B Lab fielded brand awareness studies in four markets: Australia & Aotearoa New Zealand; Europe; the UK; and US & Canada. Data shows that 1 in 4 respondents have heard of B Corp. Awareness is generally higher amongst younger consumers and in markets where B Corp Certification has been available for a longer time, reaching as high as half (50%) of Americans ages 18-24 and 35% of all UK consumers.
Source: B Corp
%
of consumers say they use certifications to make decisions
%
of people surveyed globally have heard of B Corps
%
have ‘a lot’ or ‘very high’ trust in B Corp Certification
Room for improvement
The comprehensive nature of the certification process means that one of the main outcomes is greater clarity around your strengths and weaknesses as a purpose-driven organisation.
Areas for improvement first became evident throughout our internal assessment. As a data-focussed consultancy, we had to drink our own medicine – and better track and record data across our services, staff, clients and sustainability initiatives.
As a young organisation we were lacking some key governance processes and mechanisms, so the assessment drove our operational maturity.
As a growing organisation, the assessment challenged even our own understanding of being values-driven, as we wrestled with controversial industries and the complexities of decision-making.
What became clear through the verification and certification process was that there’s no set path for a purpose-driven organisation, we’re all on our own individual journey. There’s less ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, and more ‘better’ or ‘worse’. There’s an infinite number of ways that we can have a profound positive impact – it’s about finding what works for you, your business, and your community.
What it means to us to be certified
Officially joining the global movement of business for the benefit of all is an incredibly satisfying moment for Codex.
More than just a badge of honour, becoming a B Corp is a testament to our unwavering commitment to our values, people, clients and community. It signifies that we are part of a global movement of companies that are redefining success in business. Certification validates our efforts to prioritise social and environmental impact, and holds us accountable for the future, inspiring us (and hopefully others) to continuously improve and innovate.
What it means to our people
For our team, Codex’s B Corp certification is a source of immense pride. It reflects our collective dedication to creating positive impact and reinforces the sense of purpose that drives us every day. Becoming a certified B Corp is both an exciting reinforcement that Codex is living its mission, and a reflection of our ongoing commitment to high standards of social and environmental sustainability.
“We discuss our values at the earliest opportunity as we engage prospective clients and candidates alike because alignment with these values is critical to establishing long-term relationships with all the people with whom we work. As an authentic measure of a commitment to sustainability, becoming a B Corp, and ensuring we maintain our accreditation, demonstrates how important it is for Codex to operate as a genuine for-purpose, for-profit organisation.”
“When we ask our employees what they love about working at Codex or why they chose to join us, the most common response is our culture and values. Becoming a B Corp company shows that our values are more than just buzzwords. We are dedicated to operating in alignment with them. We hire great talent, trust them, and support sustainable working arrangements while exceeding our clients’ needs. We also work with value aligned organisations, giving our team the reassurance that their work has a positive impact. These commitments set us apart from larger competitors and help us hire the best in their fields.”
“I care deeply about the environment, so it’s really important to me that Codex makes sustainability a priority. As a migrant worker, it’s also incredibly important to me that Codex supports flexible working arrangements and other forms of personal and professional support. To me, gaining B Corp certification means that these values and priorities aren’t going anywhere – even as we scale and grow – and that makes me feel happy and secure in my position. Congratulations on the certification, Codex!”
What now?
Achieving B Corp certification is a significant milestone for Codex, but it is really just the beginning of our journey. As we move forward, our commitment to the principles of B Corp will remain at the forefront of our operations and growth.
Deepening Engagement with the B Corp Community
We will actively participate in the global B Corp community, sharing best practices, collaborating on initiatives, and learning from other certified businesses to enhance our impact.
Expanding Sustainability Initiatives
We will further integrate sustainable practices into every aspect of our business, from regenerative environmental impact to promoting circular economy principles in our operations and supply chain.
Community Engagement
We will continue our involvement with our local communities, supporting initiatives and organisations that align with our values and mission, and that of the B Corp movement.
By committing to these steps, we ensure that our B Corp certification is not just a one-time achievement but an ongoing journey of positive impact and continuous growth… and we look forward to recertifying in 2027…
Almost as much as we look forward to seeing where the B Corp community is by then! Together, we will keep pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a responsible and impactful business for the benefit of all.