What Being a B Corp Means for Candlefox: More Than Just a Certification

We are proud to announce that Candlefox is now B Corp Certified! More and more businesses are becoming B Corp certified and committing to high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. But what does it mean for Candlefox?

By taking the forward-thinking decision to become B Corp Certified, we pledge to our providers, learners and employees that we are committed to creating positive change through sustainable and ethical business practices.

In today’s business landscape, companies have the power to positively impact society far beyond their profits. This is where B Corps come in. B Corps are businesses that voluntarily meet a higher standard of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.They are certified by B Lab, a non-profit organisation that evaluates companies based on their impact on stakeholders, including employees, customers, and the environment.

B Corps are committed to using their business as a force for good and strive to create a more sustainable and equitable world. By becoming a B Corp, companies differentiate themselves from their competitors, by attracting purpose-driven customers and employees, and can create a connection with a global community of like-minded business leaders.

In short, B Corps are redefining success in business by putting people and the planet first.

Candlefox embarked on the journey of B Corp certification with two fundamental objectives in mind:

1. To contribute to a healthier and more sustainable planet.

2. to prioritise the highest level of satisfaction and well-being among our employees.

We don’t just talk about these values, they are deeply ingrained in our strategic decisions and day-to-day operations. By upholding ethical practices throughout our business, from operations management to employee relations and customer engagement, we ensure that we have a positive and tangible impact on the world and people around us. 

We understand that the prosperity of our network, including our valued providers and learners, is intrinsically linked to our ability to ethically market our services. Our B Corp status serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to these principles, enabling us to envision and create a brighter, more responsible future for all stakeholders.

At Candlefox, we have set ambitious B Corp goals to reflect our dedication to being leaders in sustainable and ethical business within the education sector. These goals are not just aspirations, they are concrete benchmarks we are striving to meet to generate real impact and foster measurable growth and improvement. Below is an outline of our key initiatives that will guide our actions and accountability as a B Corp.

Energy and climate goals

1. Reduce emissions by 25% per FTE by FY24 against our FY22 baseline.
2. Commit to purchasing 100% renewable energy or certified GreenPower for the residual electricity used in the Candlefox HQ by the end of FY24.
3. Purchase high-quality verified carbon offsets to cover 100% of our annual emissions. 
4. Reduce absolute emissions by 50% by 2030 and 90% by 2040 against our FY22 baseline in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Corporate Net Zero Standard.
5. Reduce energy usage by 5% per FTE by FY24 against our FY22 baseline.

Water and waste goals

1. Achieve a 5% reduction in water usage by FY24 against our FY22 baseline.
2. Achieve a 20% reduction of waste sent to landfill by FY24 against our FY22 baseline.

Social goals

1. Maintain a minimum 80% employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS).
2. Increase external professional development participation against FY22 baseline.
3. Prioritise ethical marketing practices in all marketing and advertising activities.
4. Ensure data security breaches remain at 0 cases.
5. Achieve B Corp certification by FY24.
6. Maintain % of female managers.
7. Improve % of age diversity and representation from other minority groups in our workforce.

As a certified B Corp, we are deeply committed to embedding our ethical marketing policy into every aspect of our operations. Our unwavering dedication to ethical marketing is rooted in our core principles of honesty, integrity, and respect for our users, partners, and the wider community. We firmly believe that upholding rigorous ethical standards in our marketing and advertising initiatives is paramount to nurturing trust and fostering enduring relationships.

Our comprehensive ethical marketing policy encompasses the following key areas:

1. Adhering to our core ethical principles across all marketing activities, including transparency, honesty, protecting the vulnerable, and user-centricity.
2. Ensuring data privacy and security.
3. Continuously seeking feedback and striving for improvement.
4. Responsible communication regarding the environment, social impact, and governance (ESG).
5. Promoting inclusive marketing practices.

We are proud to champion ethical marketing practices, as they serve as the cornerstone of our commitment to making a positive impact on society and the environment.

Since Candlefox becoming B Corp Certified just a couple of months ago, we’ve been actively developing and implementing a wide range of initiatives designed to meet, and where possible, exceed, our B Corp commitments.

1. Implementing an improved cardboard recycling solution.
2. Switching to 100% renewable energy sources for office operations.
3. Encouraging a paperless office culture through digital documentation and communication.
4. Providing incentives for employees to use public transportation, cycle, or walk.

Candlefox’s journey to B Corp certification is a representation of our dedication to not just be a leader in the educational services sector, but to also act as a champion for sustainability and ethical business practices. Through the achievement of our B Corp goals and the ongoing roll-out of impactful initiatives, we look forward to continuously contributing to building an inclusive, sustainable future.