I wanted to build a company that would help address our climate crisis
Inspire is a US-based clean energy technology company on a mission to transform the way people access clean energy and accelerate the world toward a net-zero carbon future. Through a subscription model, Inspire allows customers to access 100% clean energy for one flat monthly price.
MaCher talks to Inspire Energy’s founder, Patrick Maloney about his journey from having built a business strictly for profit to one where purpose, people and the environment matter far more.
Where did your passion for business with purpose come from?
I often call it a happy accident. After building and selling a company focused solely on achieving commercial success, I found myself disenchanted by the traditional ideals of capitalism. After a period of deep reflection, I decided I wanted to build a company focused solely on a purpose I cared deeply about — to address climate by accelerating the transition to clean energy — and this was the best decision I’ve ever made.
What do you think is the importance of the B Corp movement for business?
Historically corporations’ governance was focused on a limited set of stakeholders — mainly their shareholders and customers. The benefit of being B Corp certified is that it supports goals of extending those stakeholders to include the environment and social impact. From a governance point of view, B Corps are much more holistic in their approach to business and shifting the dialogue to stakeholder capitalism.
How do you think that being a B Corp can make a difference in how or what people buy?
We know that the majority of people recognize that climate change is real and they are willing to make changes in their lifestyle to make a greater personal impact. Consumers are looking for ways to do their part and are turning to business and brands to help them.
The B Corp logo is helpful to demonstrate credibility in business responsibility programs. When people spend money with B Corps, they are supporting businesses which actively invest in and meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, corporate transparency, and accountability.
By being a BCorp, our customers is knowing that they support a business they can trust and that aligns with their social and environmental values.
How much does your business look to other B Corps as partners/suppliers?
We continue to refine how we partner with other B Corps. It really comes back to providing teams the resources to leverage the B Corp community when they’re looking for partnership. By selecting partners who are also committed to being a B Corp — whether for a social give away or agency selection — we can be sure that their ethos and intention is aligned to ours.
What are your key learnings from the process of becoming B Corp certified?
The process of becoming a B Corp highlighted for us that business impact is vast, spanning from governance to community to environment. There is always room for improvement. We at Inspire enjoy the process of recertification as it enables us to continually evaluate ways in which we can do better, and be better, as a business.
Who is your sustainability hero?
Greta Thunberg. She’s unapologetically unafraid to tell the world what they may not want to hear about climate change realities and lives fully by her values as an environmentalist.
What does the future look like for your business?
Inspire is growing and so is our team!
We are doubling down on our mission to accelerate a net-zero carbon future and using it as a core lens to drive growth and stakeholder value as we scale.
This article has been posted by MaCher to celebrate B Corp Month 2021 and build awareness of companies that meet the highest standard of verified social and environmental performance. For more information about Inspire Energy, please click here.