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Rosie Ngugi
Sep 54 min read

There’s no equity on a burning planet – why we became a Certified B Corporation®

Let me take you back to our 2022 away day – a moment I won’t soon forget. I was nervously excited, preparing to talk about something I was and am deeply passionate about: the intersection of diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and sustainability. Little did I know just how many others cared about it too.


Colleagues shared their experiences of witnessing the devastating impacts of the nature-climate crises in their countries of ethnic origin (mainly located in the Global South), and expressed fears about the futures their children would inherit.


Ultimately, we collectively asked ourselves: how do we navigate this intersection in a meaningful way?


We found our answer by becoming a Certified B Corporation®, that question led us on a journey that spanned 200+ hours (and continues far beyond certification).


Why B Corp™? Simply put, it just makes sense.


At our core, we believe that all systems of oppression are connected. The same structures that perpetuate inequality in our societies are also responsible for environmental degradation and the climate emergency. This isn’t just a theoretical connection – it’s a lived reality for many.


As a DEI consultancy, we’re committed to driving systemic change and fostering an equitable and sustainable future. This is woven into the very fabric of our operations and decision-making.


The data speaks for itself


The climate crisis is not just an environmental issue; it’s a human issue. And like any human issue, it’s plagued by inequity. The most vulnerable communities – those that contribute least to the problem – are the ones that bear the brunt of the climate crisis.


Small Island Developing States (SIDS), for example, face existential threats due to rising sea levels. People of colour are disproportionately affected by climate migration, urban heating, and compounding healthcare inequities. Meanwhile, Indigenous peoples, who protect 80% of the Earth’s biodiversity, are often excluded from global decision-making platforms.


Despite these realities, the sustainability space remains starkly unrepresentative. Only 4.8% of environmental professionals identify as Black, Asian, or minority ethnic (BAME). This means that solutions are not taking intersectionality into account – a few examples include size-exclusive sustainable fashion, inaccessible non-plastic straws, and expensive and inaccessible renewable energy options.


Media coverage, too, tends to focus on White climate activists like David Attenborough and Greta Thunberg, while side lining voices from entire continents (see: the cropping of Vanessa Nakate in news media).


These dynamics underscore why we centre our thinking on climate justice – it’s the key lever of change in our efforts to merge sustainability with DEI.


So it’s clear – the climate crisis will be a defining moment for humanity, yet, the opportunities to address it are far from equitable.


A year of transformation


Research shows that businesses with diverse and representative workforces are more likely to commit to reducing carbon emissions and to innovate in ways that create meaningful change. Moreover, 65% of multigenerational workers prefer to work for companies with strong environmental policies, and the majority would reject job offers from employers who do not support inclusion.


Our journey to becoming a B Corp™ was a year of transformation and improvement. We took important steps to align our business practices with our thinking:


  • Legal foundation: We amended our Articles of Association (AOAs) at Companies House, embedding our commitment to social and environmental impact into the very foundation of our business.


  • Client work: We disclosed all client work in climate-conflicting industries. This transparency ensures that we hold ourselves accountable and that every piece of work we undertake contributes positively to our mission.


  • Carbon emissions: We implemented an emissions monitoring and reporting tool called Ecologi, which also helps us track progress with the MRS Climate Pledge. We also integrated sustainability measures into our new business qualification process, ensuring that every project we take on aligns with our commitment to the planet.


  • Internal policies: We revamped our internal policies, from our code of conduct to ethical marketing practices, to supporting breast/chest feeding employees and setting new guidelines for corporate travel. Each policy was designed with both equity and sustainability in mind.


Moving forward


The links between DEI and sustainability are increasingly clear – and increasingly urgent.


Our commitment to climate justice is not just about checking a box; it’s about leveraging our influence as a business to create a more equitable and sustainable world. By addressing the intersection of DEI and sustainability, we can contribute towards a future where both people and the planet can thrive.


Becoming a Certified B Corporation® was just the beginning. It’s a declaration of our values and a roadmap for our actions. And as we continue this journey, we remain committed to being a force for good, because there truly is no equity on a dying planet.


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As we’ve progressed in understanding of these issues, we’ve turned to some useful resources that we wanted to share:





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