Urbidermis achieves B Corp certification: a new standard for sustainable street furniture
Sustainability in public spaces goes beyond installing green roofs and encouraging bicycle use. The way we design our cities determines how future-proof, liveable and inclusive they are.
Street furniture plays a crucial role in this: from the choice of materials to the social and ecological impact of the design.
Urbidermis is proud to announce that it is the first global manufacturer of street furniture to achieve the prestigious B Corp certification. This quality label is an important recognition for companies that not only pursue profit, but also have a positive impact on people and the environment.
But what does this certification mean in practice? Why is this such an important step for the urban design and sustainable street furniture sector ? And how can urban planners, architects and policymakers use this development to create smart, circular and climate-resilient public spaces ?
In this comprehensive blog post, discover all about the impact of the B Corp certification for street furniture, how it contributes to sustainable cities and what it means for the future of urban development.
What is B Corp Certification and Why Does It Matter for Sustainable Street Furniture ?
The B Corp certification is a globally recognized label awarded to companies that go beyond profit and commit to positive social, environmental, and economic impact. To earn this certification, a company must meet strict sustainability and ethical business standards.
The B Corp-assessment is based on five key areas :
- Governance : Transparent, ethical, and responsible business practices.
- Employees : Fair labor conditions and employee well-being.
- Community : Positive contributions to society and local economiesg.
- Environment : Reducing environmental impact and adopting sustainable production practices.
- Customers : Delivering responsible and value-driven productse.
Why is B Corp-certification important?
Whereas many sustainability labels focus on individual products, B Corp looks at the entire business operation. This means that a company must not only develop circular products, but also demonstrate that it lowers its environmental impact, produces ethically and supports the communities in which it operates.
Met certification , Urbidermis proves that it not only invests in innovative designs, but is also a pioneer in sustainable urban development and circular economy.
Urbidermis: A Pioneer in Circular and Sustainable Urban Furniture
Urbidermis has been a leader in sustainable and circular urban furniture for years. The B Corp certification is the latest milestone in its long-term commitment to ethical and environmentally responsible design.
- 2004: Urbidermis certifies all its wood as 100% FSC-certified, guaranteeing sustainable forestry practices.
- 2009: Introduction of the world’s first Cradle to Cradle-certified benches and stools, designed for full recyclability.
- 2024: Urbidermis becomes the first global street furniture company to achieve B Corp certification.
This recognition confirms that sustainability at Urbidermis is not just about using recycled materials, but about embedding circularity, ethical sourcing, and long-term durability into every aspect of urban design.
What Does This Certification Mean for Cities, Architects, and Policymakers ?
1. Circular Street Furniture as a Key Element of Sustainable Cities
Sustainable urban planning starts with responsible material choices. Circular street furniture helps cities reduce waste and extend the lifespan of public infrastructure.
- 100% FSC-certified hout : Responsibly sourced from sustainably managed forests.
- Modular design : Benches and seating with interchangeable components for longer durability.
- Cradle to Cradle-certified products – Fully reusable and recyclable materials.
For urban planners and architects, this sets a new standard in which design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also contributes to circular economy principles.
2. Street Furniture as a Tool for Climate Adaptation
Climate change forces cities to rethink how to combat heat islands, reduce flooding, and enhance greenery. Smartly designed street furniture can contribute by :
- Providing shade and cooling with integrated planting and pergolas.
- Using permeable material to improve rainwater infiltration.
- Implementing sustainable lighting with LED technology and solar energy.
Strategic integration of street furniture into urban design can make cities more resilient to climate change.
3. Transparency and Ethical Production as the New Standard
Cities and businesses are increasingly demanding sustainability and social responsibility in public tenders. Urbidermis’ B Corp certification guarantees that:
- The entire production chain is sustainable and transparent.
- Fair working conditions are upheld.
- Materials and manufacturing processes meet strict environmental standards.
This makes it easier for cities and businesses to make sustainable choices when designing public spaces.
Why Is This Certification a Game-Changer for the Industry?
The B Corp certification proves that companies can be successful without compromising on sustainability or ethics. Urbidermis is setting a new benchmark by demonstrating that urban furniture can be both functional and environmentally responsible, shaping greener and more inclusive cities.
- Circular economy as a foundation for urban development.
- Street furniture as an active solution for climate adaptation.
- Fair and transparent supply chains.
Building a Sustainable Future Together
The cities of tomorrow are being designed today. With its B Corp certification, Urbidermis strengthens its role as a pioneer in sustainable street furniture and circular urban development.
Our partnership with Urbidermis aligns seamlessly with Servibo’s core values: creating accessible, sustainable, and inspiring outdoor spaces that positively impact both people and the environment. By embracing Urbidermis’ commitment to circular design and ethical production, we contribute to the development of public spaces that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also resilient and future-proof.
Eager to explore how Urbidermis is leading sustainable urban design?
Discover our product collection on www.urbidermis.com.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About B Corp Certification and Its Impact on Sustainable Street Furniture
The B Corp certification is an international recognition for companies that prioritize not only profit but also positive impact on the environment, society, and economy. This means Urbidermis meets strict standards for sustainable business practices, social responsibility, and ethical operations.
To become B Corp certified, a company must undergo a comprehensive audit conducted by B Lab, the organization behind the certification. This process assesses :
✅ Sustainability policies – How the company manages eco-friendly materials, energy use, and waste.
✅ Ethical business practices – Transparency, fair governance, and community impact.
✅ Circular economy efforts – Products and processes that minimize waste and promote reuse.
✅ Social responsibility – Fair working conditions, fair wages, and diversity within the organization.
Want to learn more about B Corp certification? Visit the official B Lab website for a full overview of the criteria and certified companies worldwide.
👉 For cities and project developers, this certification ensures that Urbidermis meets the highest sustainability standards and is a reliable partner for circular and environmentally responsible urban development.
While B Corp, Cradle to Cradle (C2C), and FSC are all certifications that guarantee sustainability, they focus on different aspects:
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) :
Applies to: Wood and wood products and focus on sustainable forestry and responsible timber harvesting.
Cradle to Cradle (C2C) :
Applies to: Products (benches, seating, lighting) and focus on circular design, reusability, and non-toxic materials.
B Corp :
Applies to: The entire company and focus on environmental impact, ethical production, and social responsibility.
In short:
• FSC ensures that wood comes from responsibly managed forests.
• Cradle to Cradle assesses whether a product is fully recyclable and environmentally friendly.
• B Corp evaluates the entire company, including materials, production processes, labor policies, and community impact.
👉 For cities and policymakers, B Corp offers a broader guarantee of sustainable and responsible business practices than product-based certifications alone.
More and more cities and governments are striving for climate neutrality and sustainable infrastructure. B Corp-certified companies like Urbidermis play a crucial role in this by :
✅ Delivering sustainable and circular street furniture that meets the highest environmental standards.
✅ Ensuring transparency in material sourcing, supply chains, and ethical production.
✅ Creating social impact, for example, by working with local communities or social enterprises.
✅ Reducing CO₂ emissions through responsible production and long-lasting product life cycles.
For policymakers and urban planners, this means :
• More certainty in sustainable procurement.
• A partner that adheres to circular economy principles.
• Long-lasting and low-maintenance solutions for urban design.
👉 By choosing B Corp-certified partners like Urbidermis, cities can invest in their public spaces more consciously and sustainably.
Urbidermis integrates high-quality, sustainable, and recycled materials into its street furniture. This includes :
🌱 FSC-certified wood – Used for benches and seating elements, sourced from sustainably managed forests.
🔄 Recycled and reusable metals – Used for structures like bike racks, poles, and railings.
🌍 Sustainable concrete – Used for seating and urban design elements, often incorporating recycled components.
⚡ Energy-efficient lighting – LED lighting and smart technologies for urban applications.
👉 These materials help cities reduce their ecological footprint and promote circular urban design..
Yes! B Corp-certified companies adhere to strict quality standards, resulting in:
✅ Durable products with a long lifespan – Materials are selected for strength and resistance to weather conditions.
✅ Low-maintenance designs – Modular and easy-to-repair furniture for extended usability.
✅ Lower overall costs for cities – Less frequent replacements and lower maintenance costs mean a higher return on investment.
👉 For cities, this means more sustainable street furniture with lower long-term costs.
Yes! In several Western European cities, B Corp-certified companies are actively involved in urban renewal and sustainability projects.
Some examples :
🇳🇱 Amsterdam (Netherlands) – The city enforces strict sustainability criteria in tenders and collaborates with certified suppliers of circular street furniture.
🇩🇪 Berlijn (Germany) – The city promotes ethically produced furniture in public projects and focuses on CO₂-neutral urban design.
🇫🇷 Parijs (France) – As part of the ‘Plan Climat,’ Paris invests in partners that meet the highest ecological and social standards.
Want to learn more about sustainable cities ?
When designing public or semi-public spaces, policymakers and architects can use B Corp certification as a criterion by :
✅ Public tenders – Prioritizing B Corp-certified suppliers.
✅ Material selection – Choosing FSC, Cradle to Cradle, and recycled materials.
✅ Long-term investments – Sustainable street furniture reduces maintenance costs and extends the lifespan of urban projects.
