What is a B Corp?
B Corps, or Benefit Corporations, are businesses that balance financial success with a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. They are evaluated against five pillars of sustainability; Governance, Workers, Community, Environment and Customers.
To become B Corp certified, a company must undergo a rigorous assessment that examines its business practices, governance structure, and overall impact. This assessment covers a wide range of criteria, such as environmental sustainability, worker treatment, community engagement, and transparency. B Corps are expected to meet high standards in these areas to demonstrate their dedication to a triple bottom line—people, planet, and profit.
Once certified, B Corps are obligated to consider the impact of their decisions not only on economics but also on the broader community and the environment. This is to create a departure from the traditional focus solely on maximising financial profit.
B Corps are part of a global movement of businesses striving to use their influence to create positive change in the world. By blending profit-making with a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, B Corps aim to redefine success in business and inspire a more ethical and inclusive approach to commerce.
Why did Swoop become a B Corp?
At Swoop, our journey has always been about more than just travel; it's about making a positive impact on the world we explore.
By becoming a certified B Corp we made a deliberate choice to integrate ethical and sustainable practices into our core identity, fostering positive impacts that extend beyond profit margins. This helps to ensure the longevity of these beautiful destinations.
We believe in the power of travel to enrich lives, but also recognize the responsibility we bear towards the planet. As a B Corp, we're committed to minimising our environmental footprint, promoting eco-friendly practices, and supporting initiatives that contribute to the well-being of the places we explore.
We also wanted to acknowledge that travel is not just about the landscape; it's about the people. Being a B Corp means actively engaging with local communities. From supporting local businesses to championing cultural preservation, we strive to ensure that our presence enhances the places we visit.
Being a B Corp also gives us the opportunity to create a positive impact beyond our businesses. With our certification we've joined a global network of businesses driving positive change. This community allows us to share best practices, learn from others, and collectively amplify our impact.
Swoop's journey to B Corp status
As a small company, the road to B Corp certification was no easy feat, but it epitomises our unwavering dedication to making a lasting positive impact. Becoming B Corp certified is hard. So hard, in fact, that most businesses the size of Swoop don’t achieve certification.
Transparency is a key principle behind B Corp and it’s important to us as well. We know it’s important for us to share some of the challenges we’ve overcome so that others can learn from our experience.
We began our B Corp journey in 2019 and persevered through a global pandemic to create a business that we’re proud of. The global pandemic tested our resolve, introducing unprecedented challenges to an already demanding B Corp assessment. As travel came to a standstill, we navigated uncertainty with resilience.
Coming out of the pandemic we were more determined than ever to create a more sustainable business and B Corp certification is an important step towards this.
Alex says
Swoop becoming B Corp certified is such a wonderful statement of our commitment to protecting both the destinations we work with and the planet as a whole. I've always felt Swoop can be a force for good, that B Corp badge means others think so too.
Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Antarctica
How does this affect you?
B Corp is of assurance, assurance that we are meeting high standards of performance, accountability, and transparency. It is an assurance that your travel choices contribute to a more sustainable future.
When becoming a B Corp, we’ve prioritised these three things to provide you with a sustainable, life changing, adventure.
Responsible Tourism:
From minimising our ecological footprint to supporting local communities, every adventure with us is designed to leave a positive mark on the destinations we visit.
Environmental Stewardship:
We're dedicated to protecting the planet. By adhering to rigorous sustainability standards, we strive to preserve the natural wonders that make each journey memorable.
Community Engagement:
Our journey is intertwined with the communities we encounter. We actively engage with local initiatives, supporting economic development and cultural preservation. Together, we build bridges that connect travellers and communities for mutual benefit.
Global Citizenship:
We believe in business as a force for good, and our B Corp status reflects our dedication to making a positive impact on both the communities we touch and the wider world. By travelling with Swoop you join a community of sustainable businesses and like minded individuals. You can help us to create a global movement towards a more sustainable future.
Our B Corp certification is a promise to our travellers that your adventures contribute to a more sustainable future for all.
