March marks a significant time for businesses around the globe committed to being a Force For Good®: March is B Corp Month!. This month holds particular importance for ACHS as it highlights our ongoing dedication to fostering sustainable practices and creating positive impacts within our community. With the release of our 2023 B Corp Impact Report and our 2024 re-certification, we're excited to share the strides we've made in aligning with B Corp® values. We also reaffirm our commitment to advancing evidence-based, integrative health and wellness education through experiential online learning and sustainable practices.
What Does it Mean to be a Certified B Corporation®?
B Corporation Certification Benefits
B Corp Certification signifies that a business meets rigorous standards of performance, accountability, and transparency across various areas, including employee benefits, charitable giving, supply chain practices, and the raw materials we use for our experiential academic lab kits. The performance criteria that Certified B Corps adhere to are exhaustive, transparent, and authenticated. These companies are leaders in the global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. They are dedicated to evaluating the repercussions of their actions not only on their shareholders but also on their stakeholders, encompassing students, alumni, faculty, staff, clientele, suppliers, the community, and the environment.
ACHS’s Commitment to Being a Certified B Corporation®
In 2016, ACHS became the first accredited higher education institution specializing in holistic health and wellness to achieve Certified B Corporation® status. This recognition followed a rigorous evaluation of the college's practices, including purchasing, customer service, student success, and sustainability initiatives. Since its inception in 1978, ACHS has been dedicated to sustainable practices, a commitment championed by its Founding President, Dorene Petersen. Petersen's vision for ACHS was to make holistic health and wellness education accessible globally, fostering healthier and happier lives for all.
In our 2023 B-impact report, we're proud to showcase our continued dedication to fostering a sustainable community at ACHS. Our vision is a healthy and sustainable future for all, and our commitment as a B Corp® is just one of the ways we're working to achieve this vision. We are committed to being a force for good in our community, shares ACHS President Tracey Abell.
Highlights from the ACHS 2023 B-Impact Report
Environmental Impact Initiatives
In 2023, ACHS reinforced its dedication to environmentally friendly practices by prioritizing flexible and remote work arrangements. With 90% of its staff and faculty working remotely, ACHS significantly reduced commuter-related carbon emissions. By eliminating the need for daily commuting, the 72 remote employees collectively saved an estimated 2,952 miles of driving each day, making a tangible impact on environmental conservation efforts.
ACHS is proud to announce that all the energy powering our Portland, Oregon campus comes from locally sourced renewable sources, including wind, geothermal, and solar power. Furthermore, ACHS has committed to supporting the PGE Save More, Matter More campaign.
Community Impact Initiatives
Financial Contributions Towards Positive Change
ACHS remains dedicated to corporate philanthropy, guided by principles focused on fostering enduring relationships with organizations and communities. These principles include continuing financial support for previous beneficiaries while actively seeking out new partnerships. Donations are directed towards initiatives aligning with ACHS's mission, such as sustainability, diversity, equity, and inclusion, animal welfare, and health and wellness. A portion of funds is allocated annually to the ACHS Foundation, supporting student and community advancement. Employee engagement is prioritized, with team input sought to align philanthropic efforts with their interests and values.
In 2023, ACHS was proud to contribute $11,275 to many following local, national, and international organizations, including the American Botanical Council's Sustainable Herbs Program, the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Foundation, Neighborhood House, and more.
Providing a Supportive Work Environment
Employee wellness is a top priority for ACHS. Paid wellness time is provided for personal well-being, reflecting ACHS’s dedication to nurturing a culture of wellness and healthy living. ACHS also provided all employees with a $500 wellness stipend, empowering them to prioritize wellness for their individual health journeys.
Commitment to Certified B Corp® Values
B Corp Month provides an opportunity to celebrate ACHS's unwavering commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and holistic education. Through its Certified B Corporation® status and, as outlined in the 2023 B Impact Report, ACHS's initiatives span environmental conservation, community engagement, corporate philanthropy, and employee wellness. ACHS continues to lead by example and hopes to inspire businesses and individuals to work towards a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable future for all.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only. The information included is representative of industry trends as provided in the references. Please refer to third-party sites for additional information. ACHS does not guarantee graduate employment or other placement. Note, that professional success is achieved by a number of factors beyond education and experience, including soft skills, work ethic, integrity, and other skills that may not be developed through education and training alone.
