Part 3 of our blog series with our certification, accreditations and memberships partners to help demystify their world and help both ethical businesses and consumers understand their value.

Our goal is to empower businesses to understand how these organisations can help evidence and communicate their commitments, practices and impact and to increase consumer understanding in how these organisations can help them trust business claims and how they become accredited. Peeling back the curtain, we're striving for a new level of transparency in the certification, awards and memberships space.

Who are we chatting to today? 

James Shorey, Partnerships Manager at Planet Mark.

What is Planet Mark's goal?

We aim to make Planet Mark the most easily internationally-recognised sign of progress in sustainability. We believe that we must all work together to halt the climate crisis and embrace sustainability, and Planet Mark members share this common purpose. When you see an organisation that is Planet Mark certified, you know they are driving continuous positive change through their actions, people and reach.

How does certification with Planet Mark help the success of a business? What support do you offer?

A recognised sustainability certification gives businesses a competitive advantage and improves their brand’s image. It can reduce costs and ultimately ensures a future-proofed business. It also helps to attract and retain talent as more employees are looking for ethically responsible workplaces. Combined, the benefits of holding a sustainability certification improves a business' triple bottom line covering profit, people, and the planet. The regenerative economy will support and reward those organisations that truly contribute to society and the planet.

How can a business become certified? Does it cost anything?

Any business can get certified with Planet Mark by measuring their carbon footprint, engaging their staff & communities, and communicating their journey with transparency. Every year Planet Mark members must recertify and demonstrate that they have made reductions in their emissions. Pricing for the annual certification is based on the size of the business.

Why do you think sustainable business is important right now?

We’re strong believers that business can be a force for good, and that positive sustainability impacts are intricately tied to business value. In our eyes, businesses are not just powerful engines of economic growth but also vital champions of change. They have the potential to outpace governments, surpass compliance standards, and work hand in hand with people and society to lead the charge toward a sustainable future. We see businesses as being permanently regenerative, in constant change to deliver the needs of our permanently changing relationship with ourselves, nature and our planet. The true meaning of a sustainable society – interacting with the world with balanced and progressive equality.  

What led you to join Planet Mark?

I come from a scientific background, studying Geosciences at Durham University. Having replicated many of the experiments and studied the data myself, the evidence that we must make drastic changes to our current fossil fuel based systems is irrefutable.

 Why did Planet Mark decide to partner with In Good Company?

Planet Mark have partnered with In Good Company as we are both on a mission to celebrate businesses who are doing good and helping consumers identify where best to spend their money. We want to educate individuals and businesses on how to identify the difference between vague greenwashed claims and genuine sustainability champions.

Do you have a favourite 'good' business or one you visit regularly? How did you find out about them?

I am Vegan, so you can find me most weekends at one of the many plant-based cafés & restaurants around London!

Enjoyed this post? Keep an eye out for more of our upcoming blogs demystifying the certifications space.

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