B Corp THE SKATEROOM

“Since the beginning, we, at THE SKATEROOM, believe that the idea of doing business in a way that isn’t harmful to the world is no longer enough. The only way moving forward for modern companies should be to have a positive impact.”

Charles-Antoine Bodson – Founder and CEO


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-VFZUFJwt4

Certified B Corporations are leading a global movement to redefine success in business. By voluntarily meeting higher standards of transparency, accountability, and performance, Certified B Corps are distinguishing themselves in a cluttered marketplace by offering a positive vision of a better way to do business. Certified B Corps are competing to be not just ‘The Best in the World’, but ‘The Best for the World’.

The “B” stands for “Benefit” Corporation and denotes that a business has committed itself to a defined set of non-traditional business practices that benefit employees, customers, and the broader community by creating a positive impact on society and the environment. B Corps differ from traditional corporations in purpose, accountability, and transparency.

A rigorous certification process with an acceptance rate lower than 4%

The B Corp certification is a long, challenging, validated and recognized process delivered by the independent organization, B Lab. To become a certified B Corp, companies must first answer a 200-question survey which covers 5 key aspects of a company’s social impact (governance, environment, customers, employees, and community), and receive a minimum score of 80 points. To date, there have been more than 80,000 applicants in the world, though only 2800 of these, from 60 different countries, have succeeded. In other words, the acceptance rate is lower than 4% with the average application sitting at 55 points! The certification covers a 3-year period after which a renewal is required.

B Corp Certification, a consolidation of our historical commitment!

Since the very beginning, THE SKATEROOM has devoted particular care to its social impact. Founded in 2014 by Charles-Antoine Bodson, the company’s operations revolved around an economic model that promoted non-financial objectives, namely social and environmental goals, with a significant part of its turnover – up to 30% – being allocated to finance educational projects throughout the world.

Since 2016, THE SKATEROOM is CO2 neutral, chooses to source its skateboard wood from certified sustainable forests, and uses water-based ink for its prints. Further to the cause, numerous additional measures have been undertaken to continuously improve the working environment, environmental impact, and the company’s governance. However, many challenges still remain. Most notably, THE SKATEROOM has resolved to eliminate all use of plastic from its artwork packaging within the next few months.

As the first company within the arts to join the movement, and the 9th within Belgium, THE SKATEROOM is proud to be a part of this inspiring community of 2800 like-minded B Corp businesses.

THE SKATEROOM received a company score of 97.4 points. The team has committed to improving that result by 5% per year for the next 3 years. Decided collegially, a group bonus would be allocated should the objective be reached successfully.

THE SKATEROOM shares the belief that the human conscience is evolving to a point where concepts such as engaged consumption and responsible product manufacturing will soon become a norm. Our philosophy has been the same since day one, which is why becoming a certified B Corporation was not a question, but the logical next step in our evolution.

 

“B Corporations are a way to transcend the contradictions between the ineffective parts of the social sector and myopic capitalism.”

– New York Times