Cornish Architectural Firm Sets High Standards in B Corp Movement

In a notable advancement for the architecture industry, the Cornish architectural practice Poynton Bradbury Wynter Cole (PBWC) has proudly become a certified B Corporation, joining an elite group committed to demonstrating the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility.

With its headquarters nestled in St Ives, PBWC has not only shown its dedication to ethical business practices but also secured an impressive overall impact score of 120.3. This remarkable achievement positions the firm as the fifth highest scoring employee-owned architecture firm throughout the UK in terms of its B Corp impact score.

The rigorous B Corp certification process assesses companies on their social and environmental impact, alongside the quality of their services. Chris Turner, a director at PBWC, shared the challenges and the meticulous eight-month journey the team embarked upon to achieve certification. The process involved a detailed points-based assessment and verification across five critical categories: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers.

Photo:PBWC director Chris Turner

Founded in 1973, PBWC has a rich history of dedication to social value and environmentally responsive design. Originating from the community architecture movement, the firm’s transition to an employee-owned structure in 2019 marked a significant step in reinforcing its commitment to making a positive impact on its employees, clients, and the communities it serves. The B Corp certification further embodies this ethos, ensuring PBWC continues to strive for excellence in environmental and social responsibilities.

Chris emphasises the importance of the certification as a milestone in the firm’s journey towards continuous improvement, focusing on people and the environment. The certification serves as a tool for accountability, encouraging transparency, and fostering trust within the architecture industry. It addresses a critical gap where some firms may excel in project sustainability and social value but falter in staff treatment and well-being.

PBWC prides itself on its dedication to staff health and well-being, implementing policies that support work-life balance and accommodate diverse team needs. The firm views its B Corp certification as a commitment to being a change agent within the industry, challenging norms and setting new standards.

The necessity for such a certification arises in an era where greenwashing has become increasingly prevalent across industries. PBWC aims to offer a reliable benchmark for clients, suppliers, and communities to gauge the firm’s dedication to social and environmental performance. The firm is set to undergo recertification every three years, ensuring its practices remain transparent and accountable as it maintains its status as a certified B Corporation.

PBWC’s efforts are documented and available for public viewing on the B Lab website, showcasing their B Corp profile and performance data, further solidifying their position as a leading force for good in the architectural sector.