Hospitality for good: we’re now B Corp certified
We are proud to announce that we are now B Corp certified as part of our mission to create a better society. Following a year-long assessment, we became a B Corp at our first attempt. The Social Hub is proving that hybrid hospitality can benefit both people and the planet, setting a new standard for a more sustainable hospitality industry.
Driven by impact
This milestone reflects our long-standing commitment to social impact and sustainability. Our journey towards B Corp certification was driven not only by customer demand for sustainable practices but also by our push for greater accountability. Apart from nudging the hospitality industry into a more future-proof direction, we’re joining the B Corp movement. We’re looking forward to connecting to like-minded companies in other sectors that also use business as a force for good.
The B stands for ‘Benefit for All’
To get certified by B Lab, the non-profit behind the B Corp movement, we had to meet high standards of social and environmental performance. They evaluated every aspect of our business, from how we build and operate our hubs to our social impact on guests, employees and society. We scored 107.1 out of a maximum of 200 points – the average is 94 on the first try and the benchmark to become certified is 80.
Our values align
The Social Hub has used business as a force for good from the very start, going beyond the standard practices of corporate social responsibility. ‘Social’ not only sits at the centre of our name but also at the heart of everything we do. B Corp certification feels like a natural fit because it values our environmental and social impact equally. After pursuing these values for so long, getting certified was a no-brainer..
Our B Corp journey
Watch Charlie MacGregor, our CEO and founder, announce our B Corp certification.
He explains that reaching this milestone will only reinforce our commitment to making more impact: “As a large hybrid hospitality company that will soon grow to operate 23 hubs and counting across Europe, we feel the responsibility to keep innovating for the greater good and a more sustainable hospitality sector. B Corp certification is just the beginning. From here, our contribution to creating a better society will only get bigger and bolder.”
Increasing our social initiatives
As we open more hubs, the 5,500 community experiences we host annually will only increase in number, some focusing on ethical business with our B Corp peers as co-hosts. We’ve pledged 1% of our annual revenues to fund the TSH Talent Foundation, a nonprofit that supports individuals facing educational barriers to opportunity. We started the Better Society Academy, presenting masterclasses that upskill the next generation of social changemakers.
Green light for green business
Our social initiatives go hand-in-hand with ambitious sustainability goals. By 2030 we will reduce 78% of our greenhouse gas emissions, produce 50% of our energy on-site and divert 100% of residual waste from landfill or incineration. We believe sustainability is no longer optional; it is essential for relevance, customer loyalty and brand credibility across all industries.
Ambitions towards accountability
To learn more about our plans, watch this interview with Amber Westerborg, our Sustainability & Impact Director. In her own words: “It’s about walking the talk. ... Customer demand and the rising significance of sustainability amongst travellers, business owners, students, and the wider public are, of course, an important factor in our pursuit of B Corp certification. However, the biggest driver has been our ambition to be accountable and set ourselves apart on the positive impact we can make on the planet and the global community.” Tessa van Soest, Executive Director at B Lab Benelux, adds: “Welcoming The Social Hub to the B Corp community is hugely exciting. Their commitment to doing business differently will be an inspiration to others and really help spread the idea that we can redefine success in business to be as much about people and planet as it is about profit.”
Coming soon to a hub near you
We invite you to join us on this exciting journey. Learn more about our sustainability efforts on our impact page and explore our other blog posts for tips on social impact initiatives, interrail planning and other forms of sustainable travel. We are partnering with other B Corps to host events on green initiatives in our hubs. All our events are open to the public, so you are invited as well! Keep an eye on our local Instagram channels for upcoming community events, aimed at building a better future.