Perspectives
18.03.2024

How did Kontrapunkt become a B Corp?

Written by

Johan Lawaetz

Becoming a B Corp is not merely a certification process but a commitment to sustainability, responsibility, and transparency. This Q&A session with Kontrapunkt's CEO & partner, Johan Lawaetz, gives insight into the initial motivations and rigorous process of Kontrapunkt's journey towards the B Corp certification.

What did the process of becoming B Corp certified look like?

“We started the B Corp certification process in 2020 to lead by example when engaging with clients on their sustainability journeys.

We decided that B Corp was the right fit for us with its focus on the environment, employees, customers, internal governance, our impact on our community and the effort to create transparency around which industries we work for.

Johan Lawaetz - CEO & Partner

To become B Corp certified, you must obtain over 80 points (in a system ranking from 0,1 to 10 points per question) by answering approximately 200 questions spanning categories like Environment, Community, Employees, Customers, and Internal Governance. Some of the questions we already adhered to, but others required internal conversations, such as changing our articles of association to make a formal commitment about the company's raison d’être.

By becoming B Corp certified among the first 100 in the Nordics, we can stay ahead of the curve and embrace the initiatives and perspectives required to be a responsible company anno 2024.

Johan Lawaetz - CEO & Partner

After an 18-month evaluation, we achieved certification in October 2023, supported by a constructive ongoing dialogue with a B Corp Analyst. Kontrapunkt not only met but surpassed the requirements, earning 88.2 points. This achievement placed us among the first 100 certified B Corporations in the Nordics.

We are happy to have obtained the knowledge and experience necessary for the certification process. We will strive to stay ahead of the curve and embrace the initiatives and perspectives required to be a responsible company in 2024. It's a central pillar in all our client work that we guide our clients through their journey to become more accountable companies as part of our collaboration.

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Can you explain more about Kontrapunkt's Client Screening?

"We work with a three-phased client screening process. First, we screen for strategic fit, creative potential, and viability. If the client matches our strategy and creative ambitions and has a budget to help realise their dream, then it's a green light in phase 1.

In phase 2, we screen for controversial industries. If we believe that our work would not help make the world better in the long term, we respectfully decline the inquiry to work together.

Our goal with the process and our rigorous screening is also to affect the clients we decide not to work with so that they understand that even their partners or suppliers demand a more responsible direction and business conduct. Over time, this will hopefully have a positive effect as well.

Johan Lawaetz - CEO & Partner

If we are in doubt, we investigate the client in more detail in phase 3. This includes parameters like: Have they committed to Science-Based Targets? Do we sense a genuine desire from the leadership team to follow through on their sustainability journey? Based on this screening, we decide whether to cooperate or not.

Our goal with the process and rigorous screening is to affect the clients we decide not to work with so that they understand that even their partners or suppliers demand a more responsible direction and business conduct. Over time, this will hopefully have a positive effect as well."

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What positive outcomes have Kontrapunkt experienced (so far) from becoming B Corp certified?

"We experience strong support and pride within the organisation in constantly seeking ways to be a more responsible company. At the same time, we notice that more and more of our clients prioritise having responsible and sustainable partners."

What has Kontrapunkt been working on since becoming B Corp Certified?

"The great stride took place until the admission and verification process, where we worked meticulously through each of the five B Corp areas. But since then, we have been working on finalising our client screening process and rolling it out so everyone knows which types of clients we take on and which we respectfully decline to work with. We must believe we can make a positive difference through our work."

The process is very rewarding and helps you consider your way of doing business and how the organisation can have a greater positive impact on more individuals.

Johan Lawaetz - CEO & Partner

What advice would you share with other companies considering becoming B Corp certified?

“...putting the effort and focus into the thorough process of obtaining a certification like B Corp is a reward in itself.”

Johan Lawaetz - CEO & Partner

"Get started as soon as possible. Even if you can't meet the requirements or have another framework on your radar, putting the effort and focus into the thorough process of obtaining a certification like B Corp is a reward in itself. It helps you consider your way of doing business and how the organisation can positively impact more individuals.

By becoming a B Corp, you join a vast network of certified companies and open doors to potential collaborations and partnerships. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to work with other B Corps. Having achieved our certification, it's our turn to give back to those who are now going through the process, so please reach out if you need guidance or want to connect with a fellow organisation dedicated to using business as a force for good."

Want to talk about impact? Don't hesitate to reach out.

Johan Lawaetz

CEO & Partner Copenhagen

Johan Lawaetz