B Lab has revoked the B Corp status of four Havas agencies after an investigation found that the French Holdco's relationship with Shell constituted a breach of the B Corp community's values.

The decision sees Havas London, Havas Lemz, Havas New York, and Immerse stripped of their B Corp certification following a complaint for Clean Creatives after Havas UK won the media account for oil and gas giant in September 2023.

"The investigation found that Havas’ actions constitute a breach of the B Corp community’s core values as expressed in our Declaration of Interdependence," said B Lab spokesperson.

Havas Australia declined to provide comment on the outcome of the investigation, though it is understood the impact does not have local impacts. Notably, the Shell account is currently out for pitch in the Australian market.

The agencies in question were not directly involved in providing serving to the fossil fuels client, B Lab found that Havas' holding group structure and use of a common brand name across its agencies mean that the entire group is ultimately required to earn certification.

B Corp certification requires business to meet high standards of performance, accountability and transparency on a range of factors encompassing sustainability, supply chain, employee benefits and charity.

It is understood that Havas cooperated throughout the investigation and has accepted the ruling but did not resolve to adopt the remediation actions required to maintain certification. The decision also means other agencies within the Havas network will not be eligible to apply for B Corp certification.

B Lab is currently evolving its standards to include due diligence requirements for human rights and environmental impact that will require companies to assess the impact of each client or project and take action to mitigate negative impacts. 

"As we work to finalize and implement these new standards, complaints about B Corps that work with clients in controversial industries require a case-by-case analysis," said B Lab.