Blackpool energy consultancy joins socially responsible business scheme

Octego of Whitehills, which has rebranded as Optimised Energy following a merger, has announced its certification as a registered B Corporation (B Corp).

B Corp Certification is a selective status and a growing global movement of socially and environmentally responsible businesses, driven by purpose beyond profit.

Companies must document their positive impact to quality and undergo verification every three years to maintain their Certification.

Optimised Energy has been certified by B Lab (the not-for-profit organisation behind the B Corp movement) as having met rigorous social and environmental standards which represent its commitment to goals outside of shareholder profit.

The B Corp certification covers five key impact areas of governance, workers, community, environment and customers.

Firms must reach a benchmark of more than 80 and provide evidence of socially and environmentally responsible practices - including energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity and corporate transparency. To complete the certification, Optimised Energy will legally embed their commitment to purpose beyond profit in their company articles.

Optimised Energy which has offices in Blackpool, Bristol, Kent and Leicestershire is now part of a community of over 3,200 businesses globally who have certified as B Corps, including well-known brands like The Guardian, innocent, Patagonia, Pukka Herbs, Abel & Cole and The Body Shop.

Recent attention on the energy industry makes Optimised Energy’s B Corp certification a notable step, and signals a shift towards greater accountability and transparency in the sector.

Kate Sandle, Director of Programmes and Engagement of B Lab UK said: , “We are delighted to welcome Optimised Energy to the B Corp community. This is a movement of companies who are committed to changing how business operates, who believe business really can be a force for good. We know that Optimised Energy are going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward”.

James Wood, managing director of Optimised Energy said: “Optimised Energy has always been about much more than just profit. We take our commitments to our clients, our employees and the world around us very seriously as we strive to balance environmental and economic sustainability in

everything that we do. We are proud to have a team whose values naturally align with the B Corp principles, and we are delighted to be joining the B Corp community.”

Earlier this year the firm signed up to the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals and has supported the Samaritans' Pay for A Day scheme. Teams from the workforce have taken part in beach cleans.