AD&V Achieves B Corp Certification: A First for Puerto Rican Design Firms

Written By AD&V®
AD&V's B Corp Certification announcement.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR | AD&V® is dedicated to advanced and energy-efficient sustainable architecture & interior design that enhances people’s experience of the world and improves their lives.

WE ARE THRILLED TO SHARE THAT WE HAVE BECOME THE FIRST PUERTO RICAN DESIGN FIRM TO ACHIEVE CERTIFIED B CORPORATION STATUS!

This prestigious certification places our firm as the third company island-wide to receive this honor, marking a significant milestone in the island’s corporate sector.

Learn what this means for us, the business landscape, and the planet.

THE B CORP DIFFERENCE

The B in B Corporation stands for “Benefit for all”. B Corps, or Benefit Corporations, are companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. This movement aims to change our economic system to positively impact all stakeholders — workers, communities, customers, and our planet.

This certification validates our strong commitment to conducting business in a way that benefits both people and the planet. It assures our stakeholders that we adhere to rigorous social and environmental standards, making us more than just a profit-driven company. We view it as a badge of honor, a testament to our dedication to ethical and sustainable practices, and a clear signal that we are a force for good in the business world.

THE CERTIFICATION JOURNEY

Obtaining B Corp Certification is no easy feat. It involves a rigorous evaluation process, including a detailed questionnaire assessing our impact on workers, customers, the community, and the environment. This thorough process ensures that Certified B Corporations like us truly uphold our commitment to social and environmental excellence.

As a B Corp, we will continue working towards designing Places of Purpose where individuals and communities are empowered to thrive. Our journey towards a better, more sustainable future has just taken a significant step forward with this pioneering accomplishment.

OUR PLEDGE TO SUSTAINABLE & ETHICAL PRACTICES

Our journey to B Corp Certification reflects our continuous efforts to embed sustainability and ethical practices into our company's DNA. Since joining the United Nations Global Compact in 2019, we have been vigorously setting sustainability targets and incorporating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into our daily operations. We also proudly support the UN's Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) to promote gender equality and have committed to the AIA 2030 to achieve net-zero emissions in the built environment.

Additionally, our annual Impact Report summarizes our initiatives, tying our company goals and efforts with the SDGs. Through innovative design solutions, initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint, and community-oriented efforts, we consistently demonstrate our dedication to advancing the well-being of society and the planet. With this certification, we are not only setting a new standard for design firms in Puerto Rico but also contributing to the broader movement of businesses as a positive influence in the world.

LOOKING AHEAD WITH PURPOSE & PASSION

Becoming a B Corp is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on both our local and global communities. Is not only a milestone for our firm but a signal to other small businesses that transformation through environmentally conscious actions is possible. We hope to continue to inspire other businesses in Puerto Rico and beyond to join us on this journey toward sustainable and responsible business practices. We must move forward faster.

To learn more about the B Corp Certification visit: https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/certification/.

FURTHER READING: 5 HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR 2022 IMPACT REPORT

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