IT'S B CORP MONTH, SO THE PERFECT TIME TO FILL YOU IN ON WHAT IT MEANS AND WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO...

March madness is in full swing and something to celebrate for us and over 1900 other businesses that are proud to call themselves a B Corp in the UK (more on that below if you've no idea what we're talking about). It's the time of year we all make a splash about it, sharing stories of doing good for our planet and our people. And as proud members of the B Corp community, we’re not just talking the talk; we’re walking the walk – and maybe even doing a little dance along the way!  

With our sustainable practices and responsible business vibes, we’re on a mission to shake things up for the better. So, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s dive into the magic of B Corp month together...

(feel free to skip this bit if you’re a B Corp Wizz) 

B Corps are like the superheroes of the business world – they’re not just in it for the profits; they’re all about making a difference too. To become a certified B Corp, you must go through a rigorous verification process by B Lab, where you have to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. It’s a bit like the Olympics of ethical business practices.

The B Corp assessment process looks at how a company performs in five key areas: governance, workers, customers, community, and the environment. Unlike other certifications that focus on specific products or services, B Corp evaluates the whole business behind the product or service.  

With over 8,200 B Corps spreading good ethos in 162 industries and 96 countries worldwide, it’s safe to say this movement is making some serious waves for positive change. As part of our B Corp certification, we conduct an annual review of our impact as a step to ensure we’re constantly making progress as a business. This certification was achieved by Exclusive Collection in 2021 and we were proudly the first hotel group in the UK to become a B Corp.  

Since then, we’ve been taking strides forward with the objective of achieving a 12% increase at reassessment this year. So, stay with us and find out some of the amazing things we’ve done to make a difference in our business and beyond.

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of what we’ve been up to, let’s set the stage with our top five focus areas for the next 12 months.

- Reduce, reuse, recycle: We’re all about minimising waste and maximising sustainability. It’s time to give Mother Earth a high five!
 - Supply chain management: We’re forging partnerships with suppliers who share our values and vision for a brighter, greener future. Together we’re stronger. 
- Giving back to the community: From charity drives to community events, we’re spreading joy and making a positive impact wherever we go. Because kindness is always in season. 
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion: Every voice matters, and every perspective counts. We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard.  
- Carbon road map to net zero: Buckle up cause we’re charting a course towards a carbon-neutral future. It’s time to turn dreams into reality and pave the way for eco-conscious hospitality and a more sustainable tomorrow.  

We’ve been busy planting over 4,000 trees across South Lodge, Lainston House and Pennyhill Park, teaming up with Protect Earth to reduce our carbon footprint. Our properties now have LED lights and sensor fittings, cutting our energy use by up to 75%. Waste management has had a makeover too, with everything from recycling batteries to repurposing Christmas trees.  

Our kitchen gardens are bustling hubs, with over 700kg of fresh produce harvested last year at Lainston House alone. This can be used in the kitchens and cookery school, infusing sustainability into every culinary creation. 

Single-use plastics are out, refillable toiletries are in, and we’ve gone digital where we can with the use of QR codes, reducing paper and waste. Our charity events, like bake sales and family fun days help us raise money for charities close to our hearts. At Pennyhill Park last year, we raised over £2000 for the Camberley Alzheimer’s Café, bringing us closer to our community. Collaborating with TracoUk, a fellow B Corp, we’ve recycled and donated lots of old furniture, giving them a new lease on life.  

Inside our meeting rooms, sustainability reigns supreme, with recycled materials like flipchart paper, notepads and pencils you can plant! But it’s not all work; we believe in team spirit and the value of our staff through treat days and team events, building a sense of community within our workplace.  

At The Manor House Golf Club, we’re on a mission to banish single-use plastics. Solar panels are now adorning our clubhouse and greenhouse facilities, soaking up the sun and reducing our carbon footprint. Our rooms boast WGAC toilet paper, which is 100% recycled and forest friendly – a simple swap with a big impact.  

Botanica at South Lodge leads the charge, achieving zero food waste status and going 100% dairy-free. Who said sustainability can’t be delicious? From field to fork, kitchen to table, every diner’s experience embodies our commitment to a greener, more sustainable future – for our guests, our communities, and our planet. And this is only a small snapshot of what we’ve been up to! 

Eager to delve into the details of our sustainability journey? Take a peek at our latest impact report down below to uncover the stories, facts and figures behind our efforts to make a meaningful difference. And hey, why not give us a follow-on social media? Throughout B Corp month, we’ll be sharing behind the scenes glimpses and shining a spotlight on the incredible strides we’re taking at each of our properties. 

Here at Exclusive Collection, we’re passionate about being front runners for change on a global scale. Come along for the ride as we pave the way toward a future that’s not only sustainable but also brimming with inclusivity and possibility. Together, we can make a world of difference!