CplusC Architectural Workshop is a multi-disciplined team of architects and builders led by architect-builder, Clinton Cole.
Tell us a bit more about what CplusC does.
Driven by an ethos of holistic sustainability, every project is undertaken with the intent to deliver a positive impact on our people, our clients’ lives, and the lives of those that will succeed us. Principles of sustainable and regenerative design guide every new step we take, constantly pushing the boundaries of architecture and construction practices to create a better, more consciously built environment for all.
Why did you want to become a Certified B Corporation?
We want to build awareness and understanding of what leading industry best practice looks like and believe it is our responsibility to effect change through the industries in which we operate. Since its inception in 2005 CplusC has been practising principles aligned to the B Corporation standards. Sustainability is more than just the environment; it is about people, materials, economics, and social responsibility. Our practice has focused on creating outcomes that achieve the highest level of sustainability principles whilst championing ethical workplace policies without sacrificing architectural and construction excellence.
Historically, and to this day, the architectural industry has systemic workplace issues. Unpaid internships are common and unpaid overtime is rife. These practices have no place in an inclusive and progressive industry. Certifying as a B Corp was our opportunity to show that ethical and sustainable practice does not compromise good business, on the contrary, it has fuelled CplusC’s success.
We are designing highly sustainable projects and operate through focused ethically-just workplace policies. B Corp certification is proof that profitability on both a financial and cultural basis go hand in hand. By becoming a Certified B Corporation, we are proving we can walk the walk; and being an environmentally sustainable and ethically-just practice attracts better employees, better clients and leads to better projects for all stakeholders involved.
What makes CplusC unique as a business? Tell us some of the areas where you have the biggest impact, or some of the little changes you have made to make a difference.
As one of a handful of Architect-Builders in Australia, we have complete oversight of our projects from start to finish, allowing us to focus on quality rather than compromise. We deliver the highest possible levels of craftsmanship in every unique architectural outcome for clients who afford us the trust to pursue experimental architecture and construction with an unwavering focus on sustainability in our decision-making.
We use Life Cycle Assessment software in conjunction with our 3D BIM (Building Information Modelling) models throughout the design process to reflect and improve how we can minimise our environmental impact. We follow the Living Building Challenge (quite possibly the strictest built environment sustainability certification in the world) as a guiding criterion for all our projects with the aim to be not only sustainable, but for our projects to be regenerative to our environment and the planet.
Do you have any tips for aspiring B Corps about the certification process?
Be prepared to not only share your policies, but to translate your implied operational culture into written policy. Achieving B Corp certification was a great opportunity for us to cement our company’s written policies, ensuring all existing and new employees are aware of their entitlements beyond the minimum, such as paid volunteering leave, paid overtime, workplace flexibility, personal sport and health cost reimbursements, and a sustainable workplace culture.
A big congratulations to CplusC for achieving B Corp certification!
