Sustainability is far more than just a buzzword for our team. We want to be measured: Raidboxes is now not only certified according to the standards of the Economy for the Common Good (2020), but also as a Benefit Corporation (2023). We spoke to our colleague Julian Beyer about what this means in concrete terms and how other companies can become B Corps. He is responsible for sustainability and the common good at Raidboxes.

Julian, what is a Benefit Corporation and why has Raidboxes been certified accordingly?

Certification as a Benefit Corporation is a distinction for companies that have achieved a certain minimum level of social and ecological standards. From the very beginning, it was important to us at Raidboxes to create a company that focuses on social impact in addition to the usual financial constraints.

This means that we try to create added value for all stakeholders in our daily work in order to move away from a pure capital orientation towards a focus on the common good. We therefore drew up a common good balance sheet back in 2020.

However, as we like to constantly scrutinize ourselves from different angles and benefit from different influences, we have also decided to embark on the long road to becoming a Benefit Corporation.

The social impact

Many companies advertise sustainability. They are often accused of "greenwashing". What can a B Corp certification achieve here in your view?

Today, the term sustainability is used in an inflationary and often incorrect way. Fundamentally, it must be said that sustainability - as defined in the Brundtland Report - not only includes an ecological level, but clearly also a social level. This means that sustainability is not just about saving a little CO² or using recyclable packaging, but requires a holistic understanding.

Our great challenge (on a large and small scale) is to meet the needs of today's generations in such a way that future generations can also meet their needs. And it is precisely here, in this holistic way of thinking, that B Corp comes into play.

Everything is scrutinized, from the company's purpose to its dealings with all stakeholders and its ecological impact, and suitable suggestions for improvement are always made.

Due to the requirement to achieve a minimum level, this certificate is highly recommended for companies to review and improve their own actual impact. Away from greenwashing and towards actual sustainability.

What changes do you hope to see in Raidboxes as a result of the certification?

Fundamentally, I hope that the work and improvements within the company are seen, used and recognized, so that employee satisfaction and identification with Raidboxes continues to increase.

A high level of employee satisfaction and communication about our work in this area will give us a competitive advantage. Especially as many companies are now facing the ESRS(European Sustainability Reporting Standards) and we are well prepared for this with our accumulated expertise.

Cost of certification as a benefit corporation

How much effort was involved in achieving Benefit Corporation status? And which roles at Raidboxes were involved?

The project took around two years in total, which included repeated waiting periods while we waited for the expert assigned to us to review the project.

The biggest effort in this process is the amendment of the articles of association and the required sustainability reporting if none has yet been prepared. However, the amendment to the articles of association is an essential part of B Corp certification and thus also legally steers the company towards a social and sustainable future.

In addition to the management and the Sustainability role, the Administration, Marketing and People teams were mainly involved in the process. However, this depends entirely on which topics you focus on as a company.

What were the biggest challenges in the process?

Changing the articles of association as part of the certification as a benefit corporation was the biggest challenge. This was mainly due to the fact that we had to convince the shareholders in a lengthy process.

I would put sustainability reporting in second place, as it can be a major project in its own right depending on the initial situation and scope. The adaptation and introduction of certain policies, on the other hand, was more of a small part and usually went relatively quickly.

Feasibility in the company

What advice can you give other companies on how best to prepare for certification as a Benefit Corporation?

Fortunately, this is quite simple, as B Corp is naturally interested in many companies seeking this certification. First you take the test, which means you go through the questions and answer them in a way that suits your company.

At the same time, you should already be looking at how you can substantiate the information. Logically, the focus is then on achieving the 80 points. This involves analyzing the greatest potential and feasibility in the company, followed by step-by-step implementation.

B Corp always gives you concrete steps to take. Of course, it also makes sense to deal with third-party providers, for example for the carbon footprint or for analyzing suppliers.

You are responsible for sustainability at Raidboxes. What does your everyday life look like in this role? What specific things can you do?

In line with our understanding of sustainability, I am able to contribute to all kinds of topics here at Raidboxes. For example, I was able to offer a workshop for our corporate vision or work on the topic of diversity within the company.

My role also resulted in a kindergarten subsidy and a retreat for breastfeeding mothers. Of course, I am also responsible for environmental sustainability and prepare our reports in this area (GWÖ, B-Corp, CO² balance etc.).

My day-to-day work is very fulfilling, as I get to work a lot on topics that offer added value to the people in and around the company. Nevertheless, my everyday life is also a little lonely, which is a fundamental challenge of "remote first" companies, but also has to do with my special role, in which there is no routine working day with other employees.

Diversity as a factor

What have you personally learned from the Benefit Corporation certification? How has it changed your behavior at work?

The certification has focused my fundamental understanding of my role even more on the social sphere. Specifically, I have developed a new perspective on the topics of diversity and health in the corporate context.

I have also learned that it pays to have staying power with such extensive projects. And that it is absolutely essential to have at least one operational employee who is dedicated to this topic and drives it forward. 

As a company, it is important to be aware that the Benefit Corporation has its own set of values, which can be very helpful in many areas, but may not always be in line with the company's values. This can lead to tensions arising in day-to-day business. Between what is in the interests of B Corp and what is in the interests of individual departments or the company.

However, this ensures that as a company you come closer and closer to your own understanding of sustainability. I believe that this entrepreneurial learning is the biggest bonus that the B Corp certification brings.

Raidboxes is also GWÖ-balanced. What are the main differences?

I think the biggest difference between the ECG and Benefit Corporation is that the B Corp is more tailored to corporate feasibility, whereas the ECG is more idealistic.

We have noticed this in particular with regard to the weighting of the topic of suppliers. For us as a service company, suppliers do not play a major role. B Corp does justice to this by being able to achieve the 80 points without analyzing the suppliers in great depth. In the case of GWÖ, a non-existent supplier analysis carries negative points, regardless of the relevance of this topic.