Agencies Gaining Insights from Havas New York's B Corporation Accreditation
Havas New York Achieves B Corp Certification, Embracing Environmental Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Havas New York, a leading technology and advertising agency, has made a significant stride in its commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility by achieving B Corp certification. The announcement was made following a fireside chat at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where CEO Laura Maness was a guest.
The discussion during the fireside chat was focused on environmental initiatives and supply chain responsibilities, aligning with Havas New York's recent focus on these areas. Despite the unexpected topic, Maness expressed feeling more excited about the changes she was implementing at Havas New York after the certification.
The process of becoming B Corp certified took two years for Havas New York, joining a growing list of environmentally-conscious brands such as Allbirds, Ben & Jerry's, and Patagonia. The certification, however, was not mentioned during the fireside chat.
B Corp certification is a rigorous process that evaluates a company's impact on its workers, customers, community, environment, and governance. It signifies a company's commitment to using business as a force for good.
The achievement by Havas New York is a testament to the agency's dedication to responsible business practices. However, it's important to note that the broader Havas group's association with Shell, a company with a controversial environmental record, led to the revocation of Havas New York's B Corp certification in 2024. This decision by B Lab, the certifying body, highlighted the challenges in maintaining rigorous environmental and social standards across conglomerates.
Despite this setback, Havas New York's certification underscores the importance of environmental sustainability and social responsibility in the corporate world. It also reflects the growing trend of businesses, even those traditionally focused on technology and advertising, adopting B Corp principles.
References: [1] "Havas New York Loses B Corp Certification Over Shell Ties." Adweek, 1 Jan. 2024, www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/havas-new-york-loses-b-corp-certification-over-shell-ties/ [1] "What is B Corp Certification?" B Lab, www.bcorporation.net/what-is-b-corporation/ [1] "Havas New York Achieves B Corp Certification." PR Newswire, 1 Jan. 2023, www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/havas-new-york-achieves-b-corp-certification-301614463.html
- Havas New York's dedication to environmental sustainability extends beyond advertising and technology, as they have implemented changes that reduce their environmental footprint and promote responsible business practices, such as adopting principles from environmental science.
- Recognizing the importance of economic growth and social responsibility, Havas New York's focus on financial management and business strategies ensures they maintain their commitment to the community, even as they continue to expand their operations in various sectors, including science and technology.
