Resource Futures, the independent environmental consultancy based in Bristol, has been recognised as one the best firms in the world for sustainable business practices.
The employee-owned consultancy’s ethical stance, which prioritises people, communities and the planet, gained it B Corp certification five years ago. 
Now it has been named a Best for the World B Corp company in recognition of its exemplary performance beyond commercial metrics.
The B Corp movement encourages companies to take an ethical approach to business to make a positive difference in the world.
Resource Futures, which works with clients in the waste and resources sectors, has committed to this through its articles of association where it is mission-locked to legally prioritise environmental and social impact and to include stakeholder consideration in its decision-making.
Its latest recognition, earned for its best practices in governance for its overall mission, ethics, accountability, and transparency, ranks it among the top 5% of all B Corps in its size group worldwide.
The Best for the World scheme is administered by B Lab, the global non-profit network that certifies and mobilises Certified B Corporations, and showcases businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.
Today there are more than 4,000 Certified B Corporations across 77 countries and 153 industries. Bristol has become a key hub for the movement with 14 B Corp businesses in the city ranging from PR firms Greenhouse and Wild West to ethical tea brand Pukka Herbs and financial planning firm Paradigm Norton. The Bristol/Bath region is now second only to London for accreditation.
Resource Futures CEO Sam Reeve said: “We are truly honoured to be recognised by B Lab for our efforts in engaging our employees, board members and the community in our mission to support people and organisations locally, nationally, globally, in making the most of material resources.
“Since we founded the business in 2006 this inclusivity and accountability has been reflected in our corporate governing structure.
“Being a Certified B Corp is an important part of our identity at Resource Futures and we use this framework as an important way to continuously question our impact and push for best practice to help tackle the climate and ecological emergencies.
“Because we truly believe in the B Corp movement, we are also supporting others in their own B Corp journey. By working together, we truly believe we can accelerate the much-needed change in our society.”
Resource Futures first B Corp Certification in 2016 gave it a score of 104.2. It has since re-accredited with an increased impact score of 117.6 – one of the highest given to a UK sustainability consultancy.
To achieve the B Corp Certification, a company must achieve a score of at least 80 points.
B Lab uses the B Impact Assessment to evaluate how a company’s operations and business model positively impact its workers, community, environment and customers.
B Lab Global executive director Juan Pablo Larenas said: “Best for the World is a special program for the B Corp community, and we were thrilled to resume it after pausing the program in 2020 due to Covid-19.
“This year’s Best for the World companies are operating at the very top of their class, excelling in creating positive impact for their stakeholders, including their workers, communities, customers and the environment.
“We’re proud of the community of stakeholder-driven businesses we’ve cultivated over the last 15 years; together we’re marching toward our collective vision of an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economic system for all people and the planet.”
More than 800 B Corps from 50-plus countries were named in the 2021 Best for the World lists, including 4G Capital, KeepCup, Natura, The Big Issue Group, TOMS, Too Good To Go and Patagonia.
