AEW Architects has started the year as it means to go on, with news that it is now B Corp Certified. Manchester-based, AEW bring the total number of UK-based, architecture and design practices with Certification to 16, joining other leaders in the global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy.
B Corporations are companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. There are just over 5,900 B Corps globally, with 1,460 of these based in the UK.
To become a B Corp, AEW undertook a rigorous review process that was assessed by B Lab. Applicants are required to achieve at least 80 points out of 200 across five assessment categories (Governance, Workers, Community, Environment and Customers). AEW scored well above average across all categories and achieved an overall score of 95.3, placing it 8th in their industry.
Andrew Rainford, Managing Director of AEW, said: “The B Corp Certification required a real team effort over the past year and it’s great to see that hard work pay off. With so few UK-based, B Corps in the ‘Architecture design and planning’ industry, we’re delighted to now be counted amongst this leading group.”
AEW’s Sustainability Manager, Peter Bartley, who led the process added: “The certification is testament to our commitment to positively impact all stakeholders — workers, communities, customers, and our planet – and ensure a benefit for all. As we work towards recertification in 3 years, being a B Corp will provide us with a framework for continuous improvement to further enhance our environmental and social performance.”
B Corp Certification is just the latest step AEW has taken towards ensuring the highest standards of sustainability across the practice and its operations. In 2020, the practice signed up to Architects Declare and in 2021 they joined the UN Race to Zero – committing to a long-term net zero goal of 2040. They also established their Sustainability Team to oversee corporate sustainability and launch their environmental assessment service offer to integrate sustainable design into their projects.
