As part of its approach to conscious business, independent Northern Rivers brewery Stone & Wood has recertified as a B Corporation for another three years, with acknowledgement in the areas of team, community and environment

Certified B Corporation is a global organisation and accreditation system that recognises businesses that meets the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability, with the aim of balancing profit and purchase.

According to the organisation, certified B Corporation businesses –or B Corps – are those who contribute to “reduced inequality, lower levels of poverty, a healthier environment, stronger communities and the creation of more high quality jobs with dignity and purpose”.

This year, B Corp acknowledged Stone & Wood’s high levels of employee engagement and ownership – with over 70 per cent of employees holding shares in Stone & Wood –and safety and wellbeing. Stone & Wood was awarded an icare Aware Award late last year for its safety program and culture change.

High scores in the ‘Community’ area were awarded for the brewery’s supply chain management –a reflection of its local supplier relationships – and civic engagement and giving. After donating $750,000 to not-for-profits since 2013, Stone & Wood established its not-for-profit the inGrained Foundation to continue supporting grassroots social and environmental charities in the region.

Stone & Wood’s water efficiency projects, including an ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis system that processes production water for recycling for cleaning and utilities, were also awarded.

According to Stone & Wood’s sustainability manager James Perrin, the B Corporation’s increasingly dynamic scoring system encourages businesses worldwide to continue improving.

“Like all good businesses, B Corporation’s continues to evolve its scoring system, which in turn inspires us to look harder at our operations and find opportunities to innovate,” James said.

“As a B Corp, we don’t want to rest on our laurels –we need to continue to find ways to improve and inspire other businesses around Australia to do the same.”

James said Stone & Wood’s focus for the coming years included continuing to grow the inGrained Foundation’s impact and lead the independent brewing industry in becoming more environmentally sustainable.

James now chairs the recently formed sustainability project group of the Independent Brewers Association, which represents the interests of some 600 independent breweries across Australia.

Some of the ways Stone & Wood works to reduce its environmental impact, give back to the local community, invest in its team and work closely with its suppliers is outlined in the brewery’s recently published ‘Beer as a Force for Good’ Report, available at www.stoneandwood.com.au/our-story.