Just as individuals choose how they show up in the world – whether they operate under a “me first” paradigm or prioritize the needs of others, whether they want to step on others to raise themselves up or if they work to lock arms and rise together, whether they choose to ignore the challenges in our world or seek to solve them – corporations choose what kind of force they wish to be in the world as well. Amicus Solar Cooperative and many of our members have chosen to “use business as a force for good” by becoming Certified B Corporations (B Corps).
B Corps are for-profit businesses that have chosen to be better: better for workers, better for communities, and better for the environment. Why? Because just as our choices about what kinds of individuals we will be matters, what kinds of businesses we are matters too. The decisions we make as businesses impact more than just investors or shareholders. We have a responsibility to take into account all stakeholders and realize that we are citizens of the world just as individuals are. Not only is it the right thing to do, but becoming a B Corp provides a competitive advantage as well.
Each year, B Lab, the non-profit that certifies B Corps, compiles Best for the World lists of the B Corps that score in the top 10% of all certified B Corps on the B Impact Assessment in each category. Amicus Solar Cooperative is proud to have been named to the 2017 Best for the Long Term list which means that we are among the top 10% of all Certified B Corps in the impact governance category. As the first and only purchasing cooperative in the solar industry, we have chosen a different way to do business – one that values respect, transparency, cooperation, and fairness. We make decisions collectively for the benefit of all. In doing so, our 43 member companies learn from each other helping them to reach their own versions of success and thrive for the long-term.
We choose our members in part based on whether they share these values with us. We are proud that they are mission-driven and have chosen to be a force for good along with us. Our cooperative as a whole and each of our member companies are stronger for it. We honor each of our members who were named to the 2017 Best for the World lists proving their exceptional impact:
Namaste Solar – Best for Workers
PV Squared – Best for the World Overall, Best for Workers
South Mountain Company – Best for the World Overall, Best for Workers, Best for the Environment, Best for the Long Term
Southern Energy Management – Best for the Environment
SunCommon – Best for the Long Term
Technicians for Sustainability – Best for the Environment, Best for the World:Changemakers
Congratulations! We look forward to continuing this journey with you.