North Melbourne is the first sporting club in Australia to receive a B Corp Certification following their remarkable impact on the social and environmental performance, as well as their accountability and transparency.
The certification, handed down by B Lab, acknowledges the standards met by organsations, and driven in the country.
According to the website, the 'B' stands for 'Benefit for all', which is driven by a desire to create an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy.
The Kangaroos are the first Australian sporting organisation to attain B Corp Certification, passing the rigours process that has seen Unilever Australia & New Zealand, R.M.Williams, Bank Australia and KMD Brands (Rip Curl, Odoz, Kathmandu) approved.
"North Melbourne Football Club's certification is a landmark moment for the sporting sector in Australia. It shows what's possible when an organisation embeds purpose into performance, and uses its platform to drive meaningful change," Andrew Davies, CEO of B Lab Australia & Aotearoa New Zealand said.
"We applaud North Melbourne for setting a powerful example and paving the way for others, proving that sport can be a powerful force for good."
North Melbourne President, Dr Sonja Hood AM, said that the acknowlegdement from the not-for-profit company was a testament to the club's work, and their desire to break the metaphorical ceilings in contributing to society.
"North Melbourne has been built on breaking new ground and being first — whether it's pioneering Friday night footy, being the first to exit pokies, or playing on Good Friday to raise money for the Royal Children's Hospital. Now we're the first Australian sporting club to achieve B Corp certification," Dr Hood said.
"Our club's purpose is to be ‘champions on and off the field' – that means building a culture of success with our football programs while having a positive impact in the community and the environment in which we operate.
"We're proud that our work in the community, our strong employment policies, and our commitment to operating ethically within a highly regulated industry has been formally recognised.
"Critically, B Corp certification isn't just recognition of our positive impact – it's also an important tool in driving key commercial outcomes, and we look forward to collaborating with fellow B Corp organisations in Australia and the world."
