To mark B Corp Month this March, we’re shining a spotlight on Kerry businesses that are making impressive strides in sustainability, with more companies seeking to achieve one of the highest standards of corporate responsibility - B Corp Certification. Businesses across the county have embarked on this journey, recognising the growing importance of sustainability - not only for the environment but for the long-term success of their enterprises. In this post, we explore the advancements Kerry businesses have made, including a closer look at Meadowlands Hotel - the first hotel in Kerry to achieve the prestigious B Corp certification - and how sustainability is becoming an essential consideration for travellers and visitors alike.
The Path to B Corp Certification: Insights from 2023
In June 2023, Kerry businesses gathered in Tralee for a peer-to-peer event hosted by Ireland’s Knowledge Centre for Carbon, Climate and Community Action and the Circular Bioeconomy Cluster South West in partnership with B Lab. The event brought together businesses to discuss corporate sustainability and share best practices.
Speakers from leading organisations such as Danone Ireland, BoatYard Distillery, Armada Hotel, Strong Roots Ltd, UrbanVolt and Easy Dry Ltd provided invaluable insights into the process of obtaining B Corp Certification, an esteemed mark of a company’s commitment to social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
B Corp Certification, administered by B Lab, goes beyond just measuring a business’s environmental impact; it considers the company’s entire social and environmental impact across governance, workers, community, and customers. Certified B Corporations are seen as leaders in the global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy, with benefits including improved staff retention enhanced brand recognition, and attracting investment.
Outwest Clothing: Kerry’s Pioneering Sustainable Apparel Brand
In February 2024, Outwest Clothing became the first Kerry-founded company to achieve B Corp Certification and the second apparel brand in Ireland to earn this prestigious title. Based in Dingle, the outdoor apparel brand, founded by Bec Hoban and Shane Finn, is committed to producing modern outdoor wear that’s both high-quality and environmentally responsible. Since its launch in 2022, Outwest has partnered with trusted suppliers who share its values of durability and ethical practices, ensuring their products contribute to their community, have a positive social impact and most importantly creating gear that stands the test of time.
For Outwest Clothing, B Corp Certification is not just a badge of honour, but a continued commitment to creating positive social and environmental impact through its products, employee treatment, community engagement, and ethical business practices. As a certified B Corporation, Outwest joins a global movement of companies redefining success in business with a focus on sustainability and equity.
Meadowlands Hotel: A Kerry Success Story
Fast forward to December 2024, and Meadowlands Hotel in Tralee proudly announced its certification as a B Corp, becoming the first hotel in Kerry and the second in Ireland to achieve this prestigious recognition. This certification highlights the hotel’s ongoing commitment to operating sustainably and responsibly.
According to Bríd Ní Mhathúna of Meadowlands Hotel:
“Becoming a B Corp is not just about our commitment to sustainability; it’s about leading by example in the hospitality industry. We believe that businesses can be a force for good, and we are excited to join a community of like-minded organisations that are committed to making a positive impact on its workers, customers, community, and environment.”
The Meadowlands Hotel has implemented a wide range of sustainable practices, from installing a solar farm and reducing waste to sourcing local ingredients and supporting community projects. These efforts reflect the hotel’s broader mission of creating a meaningful and lasting positive impact on both the environment and society.
Aspen Grove Solutions : Latest B Corp Certification
Aspen Grove Solutions earned their B Corp certification in February 2025, showing their strong commitment to sustainability. They focus on reducing energy and water use, cutting down on waste, and promoting well-being. Aspen Grove values diversity, equity, and inclusivity in their organization and the wider community. They set goals to improve their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact, and uphold integrity, honesty, and ethical practices in everything they do.
Sustainability: A Growing Priority Across All Sectors
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important across all sectors in Kerry, as more businesses recognise the need to integrate social and environmental considerations into their daily operations. Whether it’s through reducing carbon footprints, promoting fair labour practices, or sourcing products responsibly, businesses are moving toward more sustainable practices as part of their commitment to a better future.
Another Kerry example is Ballygarry Estate, Hotel and Spa who is deeply committed to sustainability and significantly reducing its carbon footprint. The hotel prioritises local sourcing, with 58% of its food suppliers coming from County Kerry, and has planted 29,500 trees to offset its carbon emissions. The estate includes a variety of eco-initiatives, such as the onsite integrated constructive wetlands, the planting of native woodlands and wildflower meadows, and an onsite apiary. Their efforts also include removing excess plastic from bedrooms, changing to organic glass bottled water, and offering universal electric vehicle charging stations for guests. These initiatives reflect Ballygarry’s commitment to becoming carbon-negative and promoting responsible tourism.
This shift is not just about environmental responsibility; it’s also about catering to an increasingly eco-conscious consumer base. As sustainability becomes a key priority for travellers and visitors, many are now actively seeking businesses that are making efforts to reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to social causes. B Corp Certification is an important way for businesses to demonstrate these efforts and stand out as leaders in sustainability.
In March 2025 with business interest increasing, the Kerry Local Enterprise Office held a webinar Introducing the B Corp Certification Process, featuring Meadowlands Hotel as a case study. The session provided invaluable insights for businesses looking to embark on the B Corp journey. The workshop covered the B Corp model, the three stages of verification, and how SMEs and micro-businesses can prepare for the B-Impact Assessment. Additionally, the session touched on frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance models, as well as digital tools to enhance sustainability, carbon reporting, and staff engagement.
Kerry’s businesses are making significant strides toward achieving sustainability and B Corp Certification, recognising that their environmental and social impact matters to consumers, employees, and communities. As more companies work towards achieving this important certification, Kerry is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable business practices. For both businesses and consumers alike, sustainability is becoming a central consideration, influencing the choices made by travellers and visitors who want to support responsible, forward-thinking companies.
