Agencies can draw insights from Havas New York's acquired B Corp certification, a recognition of its strong commitment to environmental, social, and governance standards.
Havas New York Becomes B Corp Certified, Joining a Growing Movement of Sustainable Agencies
Laura Maness, CEO of Havas New York, recently attended the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. However, the event that truly stood out was a fireside chat, where she found herself in the company of industry leaders such as MediaLink's Michael Kassan, Salesforce leader Marc Benioff, and Unilever CEO Alan Jope.
During the discussion, Maness was surprised yet excited as Havas New York announced its new B Corp certification. This prestigious certification is a testament to the agency's commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
The B Corp certification process for Havas New York began in 2019, and after two years of rigorous evaluation, the agency has finally earned its place among other environmentally-conscious brands.
This move aligns Havas New York with a growing number of advertising and marketing agencies that have also become B Corp certified since 2019. Notable examples include Paper & Page, Thailand's first creative agency to receive B Corp certification in 2022, offering PR and marketing solutions focused on sustainability.
Global film and photography production company Big Sky, known for its sustainable production methods like plastic-free sets and plant-based food for crews, is another B Corp certified agency. South Africa's Agency 12 – The Ethical Agency, offering digital marketing, branding, graphic design, and sustainable web design services, is also part of this growing trend.
These agencies, including Havas New York, share a common goal of demonstrating sustainability and accountability through their B Corp certifications. While a comprehensive list of B Corp certified advertising agencies since 2019 could not be found, these examples illustrate the increasing popularity of this certification among marketing and creative firms.
Traditionally, B Corp certification has been associated with brands like Allbirds, Ben & Jerry's, and Patagonia, known for their commitment to environmental and social responsibility. With Havas New York now joining their ranks, the agency's strategic decisions and operations are likely to reflect this commitment.
The B Corp certification may also attract clients and employees who value environmental and social responsibility. For Havas New York, this could mean a shift towards more sustainable practices, not just in advertising, but in every aspect of its operations.
The discussion at the fireside chat was not about technology, but rather focused on environmental initiatives and supply chain responsibilities. This emphasis on sustainability is a clear indication of the direction in which Havas New York, and the advertising industry as a whole, is heading.
As Havas New York embarks on this new journey, CEO Laura Maness feels more excited than ever about the changes she is implementing at the agency. With the B Corp certification under its belt, Havas New York is poised to make a significant impact in the world of advertising while contributing to a more sustainable and responsible future.
Fire was metaphorically kindled in the hearts of industry leaders during the fireside chat, as Havas New York announced its new B Corp certification, a testament to the agency's commitment not only to environmental responsibility but also to the integration of sustainability in its business and financial operations.
