The National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC) in Swindon has marked a significant milestone by becoming a Certified B Corporation™ (B Corp™), joining a select group of businesses worldwide recognised for their strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
As the UK’s only permanent venue dedicated to independent homebuilding advice and support, the NSBRC has long been a pioneer in sustainable building practices. Since opening in 2007, the Centre has welcomed over 250,000 visitors, helping them create more sustainable and better-quality homes. Situated conveniently just off Junction 16 of the M4, the NSBRC offers free entry six days a week and hosts a variety of events, workshops, and educational courses, alongside functioning as a unique conferencing venue.
The B Corp certification process is rigorous, and the NSBRC’s impressive score of 124.7 far surpasses the minimum threshold of 80, as well as the average business score of 50.9. This rating, verified by the non-profit B Lab, highlights the Centre’s leadership in social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
Over recent years, the NSBRC has also been focusing on improving its own sustainability. It has cut CO₂ emissions by 23% in three years and reduced landfill waste by 17% during 2024/25. A notable feature of the Centre is its ownership structure—69% is owned by its non-executive employees, ensuring that sustainable and ethical practices are deeply embedded in its values and operations.
The NSBRC joins a rapidly expanding B Corp community in the UK, which includes well-known names like The Guardian, Innocent Drinks, and Patagonia. With recertification required every three years, the Centre is committed to ongoing progress in its mission to be a Better Sustainable Business.
Harvey Fremlin, Managing Director of the NSBRC, reflected on the achievement:
“Becoming a Certified B Corp is a proud moment for us, building on our employee ownership and long-term commitment to sustainability. But we see this as just the beginning. We’re determined to continue improving and setting new standards in our sector.”
Chris Turner, executive director of B Lab UK, welcomed the NSBRC to the community:
“We’re delighted to see B Corps thriving in all sectors, from startups to global companies. The NSBRC’s certification is a significant step forward for the self-build and renovation industry, showing that positive business impact is achievable across the board.”
This recognition places the NSBRC firmly at the forefront of sustainable business practices, offering an inspiring example to others in Swindon and beyond.
