Join the fourth cohort of the Paris La Défense Can B program!
What if your company became a driving force behind the transformation of Europe’s leading business district? By joining the international “Cities Can B” movement, Paris La Défense has become the first region in France to engage in a collaborative effort among businesses, institutions, schools, and associations to evolve organizational practices and collectively accelerate the region’s social and environmental transition. Building on this momentum, the public institution is launching the fourth cohort of the Paris La Défense Can B (PLD+B) program, set to begin in October 2026, to bring together local stakeholders seeking to strengthen their CSR strategies, evolve their practices, and envision new forms of cooperation.
Regulatory pressure, talent expectations, environmental transition… Companies no longer have a choice: they must transform themselves. But on their own, they move slowly. Paris La Défense has chosen cooperation! To that end, we invite you to join the 4th cohort of the Paris La Défense Can B (PLD+B) program starting in October 2026!
What is Paris La Défense Can B?
Launched in 2023, PLD+B brings together around ten local stakeholders each year—including large corporations, SMEs, schools, and institutions—all committed to a shared goal: evolving their practices while contributing to the transformation of the Paris La Défense area. For six months, participants benefit from a structured and stimulating framework, co-facilitated with B Lab France and informed by the experience of B Corp-certified companies. The goal is simple: to move beyond working in isolation and instead create concrete opportunities for collaboration to accelerate change.
Why join the program?
In practical terms, PLD+B enables you to:
- Structure and accelerate your CSR strategy by drawing on recognized frameworks;
- Build expertise on B Corp standards and key transformation challenges;
- Unite your teams around your company’s CSR priorities;
- Take a step back and challenge your practices with peers from a variety of organizations based in La Défense;
- Build concrete partnerships with other local stakeholders;
- Enhance your appeal to talent, partners, and customers.
PLD+B isn’t just theory—it’s a space for sharing best practices, testing ideas, and building solutions.
According to Stéphanie Rozan, Client Director at Afflelou, and Mathilde Houdard, CSR Manager at Afflelou: “The program allows us to exchange best practices, create synergies, and find practical solutions to our challenges.” A sentiment shared by Henri Chapouthier, Director of Sustainable Development at Icade, who says: “I consider myself an ‘expert’ in my field, and yet I’ve learned a great deal. I’m leaving with contacts and concrete avenues for action and collaboration .”
The program is structured around seven group work sessions in a format that is both structured and collaborative. Each session addresses a key driver of transformation:
- Governance (integrating social, ethical, and environmental issues into decision-making)
- Employees (equity, diversity, inclusion)
- Value chain (local roots, responsible suppliers, human rights)
- Environment (climate, circularity, environmental management)
- Public affairs and collective action (transparency, responsible influence, cooperation)
Depending on the topics covered, companies can draw on various internal expertise: CSR departments, HR, business units, communications, executive committees, etc.
Valentine Chapus, CEO and founder of Éditions de l’Arrosoir, describes her workshops as “wonderful sessions of collective intelligence on the synergies between businesses and local communities.”
Already about thirty participants have signed up
Since the program’s launch, some 30 local stakeholders have already signed on and formed a vibrant, long-term community. The alumni come from a wide range of fields:
Real Estate, Urban Planning & Workspaces
- Bechu & Associés
- Covivio
- Icade
- JLL
- Spaces
Higher Education, Training & Education
- 3A – École du groupe Compétences & Développement
- Compétences & Développement
- Groupe OMNES
- ICN Business School
- Pôle Léonard de Vinci
Consulting, Auditing & Business Services
- Bureau Veritas
- KPMG
- ManpowerGroup
- Ocellis Groupe
Hospitality, Food Service & Services
- Nest Hôtel Paris La Défense
- Pullman La Défense
- Sodexo France
Finance, Insurance & Financial Services
- Allianz France
- Crédit Coopératif
- Uptevia
Health & MedTech
- Fem Tech Connect
- Siemens Healthineers
Mobility, Logistics & Parking
- Box’n Services
- Q-Park
- ZF Group
Communications, Events & Creative Industries
- Aya Agency
- Comexposium
- Les éditions de L’ARROSOIR
Retail & Consumer Brands
- Groupe Afflelou
- Pandora
Environment & Circular Economy
- Aquarys
Concrete collaborations have already emerged: sustainability initiatives, partnerships between local businesses and organizations, learning expeditions among alumni, and the joint drafting of a manifesto by the Paris La Défense Can B community.
How do I join the PLD+B program?
To ensure the quality of the program, each company agrees to:
- Designate a point person who will be actively involved throughout the program
- Participate in the sessions and mobilize the appropriate internal expertise based on the topics covered
- Pay a participation fee of €1,000 (excluding tax) to B Lab France
The program operates on a limited enrollment basis to ensure the quality of discussions and participant engagement. Spots are limited; the program will launch in October 2026.
To apply:
- Complete the registration form
- Contact Anne Buquet (abuquet@parisladefense.com) or Karen Conrard (kconrard@parisladefense.com)
Paris La Défense holds a simple conviction: the transformation of an organization, a business model, or a region cannot be decreed. It is built, step by step, collectively. The momentum has been set in motion. It’s up to you to decide whether to be part of it.