Red Orange Studio was built on a foundation of using business as a force for good. And we’re excited to formalize that effort through our B Corp certification journey.
B Corp certification, which is administered through B Lab, a global nonprofit organization, is a designation for businesses that meet high standards for social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. We have considered B Corp certification several times over the years but decided to move forward in 2024 so that we could quantify our social impact and provide some structure for our team to create and execute purpose-driven initiatives.
Our B Corp Application Process
Applying to become a certified B Corporation has been a transformative (and rigorous!) experience for us. We worked with Impact Growth Partners to assist us with the B Impact Assessment (BIA) and supporting documentation. The purpose of the BIA is to measure a company’s performance across various categories, including governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. It covers areas such as energy use, waste management, employee benefits, and community engagement. To achieve certification, a company must score a minimum of 80 out of 200 points. Red Orange scored 120, and we’re currently in the review and verification process with the B Impact Assessment Team and anticipate approval as an official B Corp in 2025.
B Corps must meet specific legal requirements to ensure that their social and environmental goals are legally protected. For our company, this involved amending our governing documents to reflect a commitment to balancing profit and purpose.
Through the B Corp process, we’ve already identified areas for improvement and established several new policies including a formal charitable giving policy and a diverse supplier base policy. The certification process has not only validated our efforts but also provided a structured framework for continuous improvement.
How we Measure Social Impact
Like any business, we monitor key metrics each week at Red Orange. Four of these numbers are fairly standard business metrics related to revenue, profit, efficiency and customer satisfaction. However, three are centered around social impact and corporate social responsibility: percentage of nonprofit work, charitable giving and volunteer hours.
This is because we, along with so many other companies, recognize that intentional social impact is not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage – and an essential element in employee satisfaction.
In the marketing and creative industry, brand perception is key. Clients increasingly want partners who align with their values and make a positive impact. By showcasing our social impact initiatives and our B Corp certification, we’re not only differentiating ourselves in a competitive market but also building deeper, more meaningful relationships with our clients and stakeholders.
Research shows a clear link between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and business success. Companies with strong CSR programs tend to see greater customer loyalty and employee satisfaction, which often leads to revenue growth. Plus, businesses known for their social impact have a better chance of attracting top talent and earning customer trust.
At Red Orange Studio, integrating social impact into our strategy has fueled our growth. By aligning our values with our operations, we’re enhancing both our business and the world around us. As more companies embrace this approach, the future of business will belong to those who successfully harmonize purpose with profit.
You do good things. We are inspired by that.