Member Article

Industry innovator Joseph Homes leads charge for change with B Corporation certification

Joseph Homes, the award-winning property developer known for its activist heart and unfaltering commitment to accelerating change in the built environment, has achieved B Corporation (B Corp) certification. Joseph Homes joins companies including Patagonia and Ben & Jerry’s, which are recognised for their positive contribution to people, communities and the environment.

This sets the standard for sustainable development at every level and mirrors the company’s mission to raise the bar in the face of a bold and purpose-driven new society, at a time when we are on the edge of a global watershed moment where environmental, social, and governance issues are critical to building a positive future for everyone. Joseph Homes is the first UK Housebuilder recognised for this accreditation.

This certification reflects Joseph Homes’ commitment to be a transformational agent for change, disrupting the sector by spearheading a more honest, responsible, sustainable and compassionate approach to building and delivering better homes for a better world.

Joseph Homes, founded in 2008 around a vision to innovate, learn, test and push boundaries, joins the golden circle of B Corp-certified businesses - a global movement of new age leaders who are using business as a force for good. It is a revered, highly sought-after accolade for dynamic, innovative businesses, which meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.

The award is a symbolic reflection of Joseph Homes’ Live Well® modus – a brave, industry-defining set of founding principles that drive everything that the company does. Live Well® seeks to make life better for Joseph Homes’ employees, customers, neighbourhoods and the planet. This encompasses every element of the business from the inside out; beautiful design that considers both physical and mental wellbeing, use of sustainable building techniques and non-toxic materials, clean air filtration which is proven to reduce respiratory conditions, as well as cutting-edge technology and an ‘always on’ attitude to advancement.

As part of its mission, Joseph Homes has pledged to deliver a portfolio of entirely energy positive buildings by 2025 spanning both new homes and occupied offices. This undertaking is supported by Joseph Homes’ being one of less than 100 companies worldwide to sign the World Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment which is taking action towards decarbonising the built environment, at a time when Green Building Council figures show that the UK construction industry wastes circa 25% (100 million tonnes) of material each year and 40% of all UK emissions come from households.

Joseph Rajah, CEO of Joseph Homes comments, “This is a landmark moment for all of us at Joseph Homes and reflects another key milestone in our 12 year journey. B Corp certification is a tangible, globally recognised validation of our unwavering commitment towards changing the face of the property development industry forever, as guided by our own Live Well® principles. However there is more to be done to bring about wider change to the industry in terms of policy, standards and innovation.

“The pressures on our planet and the wellbeing of our communities has reached a critical point and since our foundation in 2008 we have been determined to lead the charge for change, so that the built environment sector can champion, rather than challenge initiatives which put people and the planet first. Businesses like us have a duty to work with government organisations, academics and NGOs to prioritise the climate crisis and work to developing a clear vision to drive towards a better future. At a time when global health is also under the microscope, this also reflects our deep rooted commitment to building happier, healthier homes for our customers.”

Paul Dipino, COO of Joseph Homes comments, “At Joseph Homes, we are progressive thinkers who prefer to lead by action and example to inspire others to do the same. We are deeply committed to building better homes for a better world, and demonstrate this with our work. Our two newly launched developments, The Tramyard in Balham and No. 1 Millbrook Park in Mill Hill, were successfully designed to promote healthier living through sustainable building techniques, all the way through to small but important details including the use of non-toxic paints that alleviate potential health issues. We will continue to deliver on our energy positive commitment as the planet is one of our most important stakeholders. We hope that we can inspire and lead others to do likewise as we know that together we are stronger, and together we can solve these problems.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Teresa Cole .