Europe: Hybrid hospitality group The Social Hub has achieved B Corp certification with a score of 107.1.
The Social Hub operates 10,000 keys, food and beverage, events and coworking spaces in 18 locations across the UK and Europe.
Following a year-long assessment, The Social Hub needed to reach an overall benchmark score of at least 80 across five key areas: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers.
This included providing evidence of socially and environmentally responsible practices on energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity, and corporate transparency.
Amber Westerborg, The Social Hub’s director of sustainability and impact, said: “Customer demand and the rising significance of sustainability amongst travellers, business owners, students, and the wider public are, of course, an important factor in our pursuit of B Corp certification. However, the biggest driver has been our ambition to be accountable and set ourselves apart on the positive impact we can make on the planet and the global community.
“The biggest impact we can make is to help pull the industries we operate in up and challenge other similar organisations to follow our lead. That’s how we can create a better society together,” she said.
Charlie MacGregor, The Social Hub’s founder and CEO, added: “Environmental and social responsibilities are crucial to remaining relevant in any industry. It affects customer loyalty, brand credibility, and your ability to do business. Banks are already becoming stricter on who they finance, and legislation such as CSRD makes the urgency greater. Any organisation that doesn’t move now will have to move fast or be obsolete within five years.
“As a large hybrid hospitality company that will soon grow to operate 23 hubs and counting across Europe, we feel the responsibility to keep innovating for the greater good and a more sustainable hospitality sector. B Corp certification is just the beginning. We plan to open more hubs and welcome millions of guests, including students, the next generation of leaders and a central part of our unique community-building model. From here, our contribution to creating a better society will only get bigger and bolder.”
By 2030, The Social Hub has committed to reduce 78 per cent of its greenhouse gas emissions, produce 50 per cent of its energy on-site, achieve further environmental certification through BREEAM (In-Use) for all properties, and divert 100 per cent of residual waste from landfill or incineration.
The company has also pledged to donate one per cent of revenues to the recently launched TSH Talent Foundation; presents masterclasses to up-skill the next generation of leaders through The Better Society Academy; and collaborates with Talent Garden to develop skill sprints for students and coworkers within its hubs.
