Surrounded by green,
Cardinal Resources has qualified as one of the first companies in our region to become a certified
B Corporation. The enviromental engineering and consulting firm is the first locally to join the ranks of social and
environmentally-minded companies across the country who are now
certified as Benefit-Corps, companies that agree to use the power of
business to make a positive social and earth-friendly impact on the
world.
Cardinal Resources moved from Monroeville to the Beneficial Bank Building on East Carson last year where they have installed a partial green roof, with crushed volcanic rock and plants, and a rain garden outside to reduce stormwater runoff.
“We made a commitment to do a green renovation and take advantage of this historic building,” explains Kevin Jones, president. “Next week we’re adding solar panels, which even on a cloudy day in Pittsburgh will make a difference.”
Cardinal, with 15 employees, plans to hire another 7 by the end of the year. The company had a profitable $3.3 million year in 2008.
With headquarters in Berwyn, Pa., B-Corp. has certified more than 185 companies from 30 diverse industries across the U.S., representing $1 billion in collective revenues. Among those who have received certification are Seventh Generation, Dansko and Comet Skateboards.
“We basically pioneered the idea of a new sector for for-profit enterprise to help (consumers) tell the difference between good marketing and a good company,” says Jay Coen Gilbert, founder. “These companies are all voices for B-Corp, saying there is a new way of doing business.”
“We’ve always thought of ourselves as a socially responsible company,” adds Jones. “As our company grows and transitions, this will be a part of the legal framework of our business.”
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Writer:
Debra Diamond SmitSource: Kevin Jones, Cardinal Resources