Kirkby Lonsdale-based sustainability consultants NuGreen have become the fourth business in Cumbria to be a certified B corporation.

This means that NuGreen is now counted among businesses that are leading a global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. 

Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, are companies verified by B Lab to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. 

Clare Atkinson, founder of NuGreen, said: "I am very excited with all the progress we have made as a team since we started in early 2022.

"Becoming a B Corp organisation is so important to us as their values fully align with ours and the three pillars – reduce costs, reduce carbon, and increase the value of reclaimed materials."

Some of the work, which has contributed to NuGreen’s B Corp Certification, is their Innovate UK funded Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Leeds Beckett University.

The project entails diverting healthcare waste from incineration by converting it into a low carbon construction material instead.

The process involves using a sterilisation machine to treat the waste and convert it into a reusable material called floc, which is then used as a replacement for sand in concrete.

"Bringing the innovation of our KTP project to Cumbria means so much to us, as we can benefit our local community and help Cumbria achieve Net Zero," Ms Atkinson added.

NuGreen also received points for female ownership and leadership, as well as their contribution to their employees’ financial, physical, professional, and social well-being.

NuGreen’s Project Manager, Rufus Henderson, explained how he was 'over the moon' with the recognition.

He commented: "As a B Corp, we’re part of a global community of businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental impact.

"We are excited to be part of the B Corp movement - accelerating a global culture shift to redefine success in business and build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.'