Sydney-based specialty coffee group Single O has attained B Corp certification with an overall B Impact Score of 90.7 following its efforts to improve fairer pay for farmers, green energy initiatives, and waste-reduction programs.
B Corp certification recognises businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.
To receive B Corp certification, a business must score at least 80 points across the five impact pillars of governance, workers, environment, customers, and community.
Single O has been championing positive social and environmental change in the coffee sector and promoting green energy use in its operations through its ‘No Death to Coffee’ and ‘Cups Up for Specialty’ programs.
It says has been 30 per cent solar powered since 2013 and 100 per cent green powered since 2019. It also says it has saved over 70,000kg of emissions through the diversion of coffee grounds from landfill and composts 6000kg of chaff every year.
“Since the beginning we’ve been serious about sustainability. From showcasing high-quality single-origin coffee to championing fairer prices for producers to giving a damn about the environment, we have always been for profit, for partying, and also fiercely for planet and people,” a statement from Single O reads.
“In reality, it took us two years to complete the questionnaire, including over 1000 questions with proof of process and reporting to back up what we were saying. We can definitely confirm that the B Lab crew and their systems are good and thorough.”
Single O opened its first Sydney café in Surrey Hills in 2003. It has since grown to operate three coffee shops in its home market and expanded to Japan in 2014, where it now operates four coffee shops and a roastery, with another café coming soon according to its website.
It says while the B Corp recognition is an outward reflection of its continuing efforts, there is still work to be done in its big to become more environmentally friendly.
“[But] there’s always room for improvement. We’re not happy that we haven’t found a more sustainable 1kg bag that maintains coffee quality to our standards, so we’re still on the hunt for a solution there. We’re also still in the process of converting our fleet of vehicles to electric to hit the brakes on CO2 emissions,” the company continues.
“Not to mention, we’re looking to get our Japan team B Corp certified next.
“While we’re pretty proud of being B Corp certified with a score of 90.7, the work isn’t done yet. We’re always going to put our planet on a pedestal and remain dedicated to raising standards for social and environmental performance.”
