You’ve probably heard of companies like Patagonia or Athleta. Maybe you’ve picked up a bag of Peace Coffee right here in Minnesota. What they all have in common is this: they’re Certified B Corporations—businesses that are held to a higher standard, where success isn’t measured by profit alone, but by how they treat people, support their communities, and care for the planet. These companies are proving that business can be done better. Now, biota Landscapes is proud to join them as the Midwest’s first certified B Corp™ in the landscaping industry.

Becoming a Certified B Corporation is not a shift in direction. It is a vigorous third-party verification of something we have long believed: that our success should be measured not only by the landscapes we create, but by the impact we have on our team, our clients, our community, and the environment. Even in cases where those decisions are not the most profitable in the short term.

What Being a B Corp Actually Means

B Corp Certification is one of the most credible sustainability designations a business can achieve. Awarded by B Lab, it evaluates companies across five key impact areas: workers, environment, customers, community, and governance. At its core, B Corp Certification verifies that a business is actively balancing profit with purpose—meeting rigorous, independently verified standards rather than relying on claims alone. It also requires a formal legal commitment to consider all stakeholders in decision-making, embedding accountability into how the business operates.

A Different Model for Landscaping

The landscape industry has not traditionally been built for longevity. Designers design, builders build, and maintenance is often treated as an afterthought. Over time, landscapes decline, intent is lost, and systems fail. We have always believed there is a better way. At biota, our model is built around Design → Build → Lifetime Care—not as separate services, but as a continuous relationship rooted in stewardship. That same philosophy extends beyond the landscapes themselves and into how we operate. The reality is: a beautiful landscape means very little if the way it was built—or the way the company operates—comes at a cost to people or the environment. This validates that our model is not only better for landscapes, but better for everything surrounding them.

Environment: A Better Planet

Our work exists because of the environment, so protecting and restoring it is foundational to everything we do. Since 2021, our headquarters has been fully powered by solar energy—generating more clean electricity than we use and producing over 168 MWh to date (roughly equivalent to the annual energy use of about 15 average U.S. homes). That same renewable energy powers our battery-operated horticulture equipment, eliminating emissions, reducing noise, and improving working conditions for our team.

Beyond our operations, we design landscapes to be regenerative by nature. Planting strategies prioritize native and site-appropriate species that support biodiversity, reduce water use, and eliminate the need for chemical inputs. From permeable paving and rain gardens to dense groundcover systems—what we call “green mulch”—our landscapes are designed to function more efficiently and evolve over time.

This mindset extends to every detail of our process. Organic debris is composted, and we utilize a locally produced organic fertilizer derived from invasive carp—transforming an ecological challenge into a resource for healthy soil. The result is a system where beauty and performance are inseparable, and where each landscape contributes to a healthier environment long after installation.

Our Team: Initiative. Innovation. Attitude. Excellence.

We believe great landscapes are built by people who feel supported, valued, and inspired in their work. That belief shapes how we invest in our team—through long-term career development, ongoing training, a strong culture of safety, and an environment where employees have a voice in how the company evolves. We prioritize longevity in meaningful ways, from milestone travel rewards at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years of employment to regular team gatherings that foster connection. A thoughtful referral program further strengthens our team by attracting individuals who align with our values. The result is a workplace designed for continuity and care—just like the landscapes we create.

Clients: Design → Build → Lifetime Care

At biota, each project is approached as a long-term partnership—one rooted in stewardship, collaboration, and a deep alignment with our clients’ values. From initial concept through ongoing care, we guide every phase with precision and intention, from CAD renderings and 3D modeling to construction, seasonal refreshes, and horticultural management. We believe landscapes should not decline after installation, but instead mature and improve over time. That requires continuity, expertise, and an uncompromising standard of craft—supported by seamless communication and thoughtful execution at every stage. We have received over 30 awards and are recognized amongst peers and industry as leaders and changemakers. For our clients, this is more than an outdoor space—it is an enduring investment in a living system, stewarded for years to come.

Community: biota Gives Back

Our work extends beyond our job sites. Since 2005, we have partnered with organizations and communities to give back in meaningful, tangible ways—from planting trees in tornado-impacted neighborhoods to building gardens and play spaces in underserved areas, supporting local food access initiatives, and contributing to local nonprofits. We see our business as part of a larger ecosystem, with a responsibility to contribute to its health and resilience. Our headquarters reflects that mindset as well, serving as a gathering space for industry events, educational opportunities, and community connection. Whether hosting organizations like MNLA and ASLA or welcoming international partners through programs like USAID, we view our place of practice as a platform for sharing ideas and expanding impact.

Governance: Stakeholder Commitment

Underpinning all of this is how we make decisions as a company. As a Certified B Corp, biota is legally committed to stakeholder governance—meaning every decision considers its impact not only on our business, but also on our workers, customers, community, and the environment. This commitment is formalized in our bylaws, which have been amended to require consideration of these stakeholders as part of our corporate governance. Our approach is grounded in ethics, transparency, and regenerative practices, all of which are independently verified by B Lab. We believe in an economy rooted in interdependence, where success is measured not only by profit, but by the positive outcomes we create across people, communities, and the planet. In this way, business becomes more than a means to an end—it becomes a force for a more inclusive, equitable, and regenerative future.

Why This Matters for Our Clients

There are many landscaping companies that can design and build a beautiful outdoor space. What makes this different is how that work is done—and what happens after installation.

• Your landscape is designed with long-term ecological health in mind
• The people building and caring for it are supported and treated fairly
• The materials, systems, and processes are chosen with environmental responsibility at the forefront
• The company you are working with is accountable to standards that go beyond industry norms

A Commitment to Keep Improving

biota Landscapes is now part of a global movement of businesses working to shift the role of business in society—from extracting value to creating it, from short-term thinking to long-term resilience. Becoming a B Corp is a meaningful milestone for our company. But it is not the finish line. Like the landscapes we design, this work is never static. It evolves. It requires ongoing care, accountability, and a commitment to keep improving.

Our mission has always aligned with B Corp values—now it’s official. You’ve trusted us with something that matters. This certification is our commitment to keep earning that trust — every season, every visit, every landscape we steward together. And this is just the beginning.

About B Lab®

B Lab is transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet. A leader in economic systems change, their global network creates standards, policies, tools, and programs for business, and they certify companies—known as B Corps—who are leading the way. To date, their community includes 280,000 workers in over 4,000 B Corps across 77 countries and 153 industries, and more than 150,000 companies manage their impact with the B Impact Assessment and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Action Manager. To learn more and join the movement, visit www.bcorp.com

Click here to read about biota Landscape’s Overall B Impact Score.

If you would like to see what we are growing, you can follow us @biotalandscapes

If you would like to learn more or book a private consultation you may reach us at contactus@biotalandscapes.com