B Corp in Construction: Why More Brands Need to Follow Turnstyle Designs’ Lead

The B Corp movement is transforming the way businesses operate, setting a global benchmark for companies that balance profit with purpose. Certified B Corporations meet rigorous standards for social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability, ensuring they operate in a way that benefits workers, communities, and the planet.

Despite growing sustainability commitments, few companies have taken the bold step of pursuing B Corp certification—something that Turnstyle Designs, manufacturer of luxury architectural hardware, has now achieved.

In this opinion piece, Oscar Roberts, Managing Director of Turnstyle Designs, shares why securing B Corp status was a pivotal moment for his company—and why it’s time for the wider industry to step up.

Oscar Roberts, Managing Director of Turnstyle Designs

“The construction industry is one of the biggest contributors to global carbon emissions – nearly 40%, in fact – and a significant proportion of that comes from the embodied carbon in new building materials. That’s a stark reality, but it also presents an opportunity. Architects and designers are in a unique position to make a real impact through responsible sourcing. It’s not just about choosing the right materials; it’s about working with brands that prioritise sustainability at every stage, from procurement to production and distribution.

At Turnstyle Designs, being a responsible manufacturer has been at the heart of our ethos for years. We’ve been running various initiatives behind the scenes, but until recently, we hadn’t fully articulated their impact or measured their success. For us, sustainability and good business go hand in hand – it’s not an add-on, it’s fundamental.

My father Steve, who founded the company in 1992, was quoted in 2019 stating:

“All the evidence for climate change is too powerful and present to deny, so we have two choices, do nothing and bury our heads in the sand, or act and act now. Businesses, regardless of size all have a responsibility to push sustainability to the front of their agenda. Economic and ecological sustainability are intrinsically linked, you cannot be one without doing the other.”

That’s why securing B Corp certification was such an important milestone for us. The process required us to scrutinise every part of our operations, from financial resilience to the cleaning products we use in our facilities. It wasn’t just a tick-box exercise – it was a chance to reflect on what we’ve achieved and, more importantly, set ambitious new goals. B Corp isn’t just about sustainability, either; it takes a holistic view, assessing businesses on their impact on workers, communities, governance, and customers. To be certified, you have to demonstrate that you’re putting both people and the planet first.

Right now, Turnstyle Designs is the only hardware manufacturer in the world to achieve B Corp status. That’s something we’re incredibly proud of, but it’s not about being the only one; it’s about encouraging others to step up. If we can prove that a business in a traditionally materials-heavy industry can meet the highest ethical and environmental standards, then others can too.

The time for vague commitments has passed. Every business, regardless of sector, has a responsibility to drive change.

One of the most impactful things we can all do – whether as businesses or consumers – is buy responsibly. Cutting your direct footprint is crucial, but if the products you’re sourcing aren’t held to the same standards, it can undo all that hard work. Choosing to work with a Certified B Corp ensures that sustainability isn’t just a marketing tagline, it’s ingrained in every part of the business. And in an industry where impact matters, that makes all the difference.”