PGL Beyond’s B Corp status is “proud and defining moment”

Its CEO Anthony Jones said the achievement was a “proud and defining moment” for the company which reflected a major change in how it operates. 

The certification, verified by B Lab, recognises high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. A score of 84.1 was awarded to PGL Beyond following a detailed assessment of its working practices.

Over the past three years, PGL Beyond has introduced improved frameworks and accountability to measure impact, whilst embedding socially and environmentally responsible practices into every part of the business.

“This is not a single initiative, but a collective effort across our teams to operate more responsibly, raise standards, drive greater social impact and further reduce our environmental footprint.”

Anthony Jones, CEO of PGL Beyond

Three-years in the making

Some of the areas PGL Beyond says it has strengthened, and introduced include: 

• A step change in governance and transparency, ensuring ESG performance (a company’s tangible impact on environmental social and governance factors) and reporting are embedded throughout, from procurement to board-level decision-making.
• Cross-functional collaboration, ensuring responsibility and accountability are shared across teams.
• Working closely with its supply chain to improve standards, uphold sustainable procurement regulations, and support the long-term sustainability of the business.

PGL Beyond says it is committed to closing the disadvantaged gap, breaking down the barriers to access outdoor education for all young people, including equal opportunities for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

This includes initiatives such as its Breakthrough Fund, which to date has provided more than 17,000 children from low-income backgrounds, who would otherwise miss out, with free or heavily subsided school trips.

B Corp status will ensure a positive impact on young people and the planet

Commenting on the certification, Anthony Jones, CEO of PGL Beyond, said: “Achieving B Corp certification is a proud and defining moment for PGL Beyond. It demonstrates commitment to our purpose-led approach, and reflects a fundamental change in how we operate, embedding accountability and transparency across every part of our business.

“This is not a single initiative, but a collective effort across our teams to operate more responsibly, raise standards, drive greater social impact and further reduce our environmental footprint. B Corp sets a clear benchmark, holds us to account, and gives us a framework to keep improving as a business.

“Environmental responsibility has been a key focus on PGL Beyond’s journey to B Corp certification. Alongside clear, ambitious reduction targets, we are focused on protecting the natural environments that underpin our business.”

“We believe beyond-the-classroom experiences are a given, not a privilege and play a vital role in social mobility, providing young people of all ages and backgrounds, including those who are the most disadvantaged, with the skills required to confidently transition into adulthood. B Corp certification strengthens our accountability to deliver these transformative experiences, ensuring a positive impact on both young people and the planet.”

Ambitious target to reduce emissions

The transformation has also seen the introduction of an environmental management system, enabling the organisation to monitor and manage energy, water, and waste across its complex and diverse site estate of over 1,100 acres.

As well as ensuring accountability, this system has enabled PGL Beyond to set ambitious and science-based targets, including an ambition to reduce total emissions by 90% by 2050 and to procure 100% renewable electricity across all PGL Beyond properties by 2027.