
March is B Corp month. It is a celebration of all Certified B Corporations around the world by sharing how they move forward together to pave the way for better business (read more at B Lab Europe).
But what is a B Corp and how do you become one? We have a B Leader in our team who can support you in your journey. Read below what it is all about and get in touch!
What is B Corp?
The B Corp movement is a global initiative led by B Lab, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the global economy for the betterment of people, communities, and the planet. The B Corp movement fosters a community of businesses striving to balance profit with purpose, creating a network of like-minded organizations focused on social and environmental responsibility. Being part of the network offers many opportunities such as attracting customers, employees, and investors who value ethical practices and sustainability.
How can a company become a B Corp?
Companies that join the B Corp movement undergo a certification process, the B Impact Assessment, a tool that measures the company’s social and environmental impact, helping it improve its sustainability performance. A certain threshold, set by B Lab, needs to be reached together with legal and transparency requirements in order to be eligible for certification. Companies that are certified show a commitment to ethical business practices and sustainability that demonstrate their dedication to making a positive impact beyond just financial gains. B Leaders can help you navigate the journey. They completed the training programme run by B Lab (Switzerland) which trains individuals to work with other companies who wish to become certified B Corps.
Why would I want to certify my company?
The benefits of being a B Corp are multifaceted. Companies with this certification can showcase their commitment to social and environmental responsibility. As is true with companies’ credible commitments to and reporting on sustainability generally, it not only sets them apart in the market but also helps them attract like-minded customers, employees, and investors who value ethical practices and sustainability. You want to know more about the opportunities of becoming a B Corp and the benefits of your sustainability transformation? Get in touch with us, we have a B Leader in our team!
Some of the most common questions we are being asked
What specific criteria does a company need to meet in order to become certified as a B Corp? To become certified as a B Corp, a company must undergo an assessment process called the B Impact Assessment. This tool evaluates the company’s sustainability performance across various areas such as governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. The company needs to score a certain threshold, at the moment 80 points, to qualify for certification. Apart from this, the assessment helps companies identify areas for improvement and ensures they meet the standards of social and environmental responsibility expected of B Corps. Julia is a B Leader and happy to answer all your questions.
Are there any costs associated with the certification process, and if so, how does it vary based on the size or type of company? The certification tool itself is free. There may be costs associated with making improvements within the company to align with B Corp standards, and there is a fee when the assessment is handed in for evaluation and verification.
Can you provide examples of notable companies that have achieved B Corp certification and how it has positively impacted their business operations or reputatiion? Several notable companies across various industries have achieved B Corp certification and have seen positive impacts on their business operations and reputation. Some well known international brands like outdoor clothing company Patagonia and ice cream manufacturer Ben & Jerry’s are B Corps. In Switzerland there are around 120 companies headquartered in the country that are B Corps across a variety of sectors and sizes, for example Ricola, Farmy and l’Occitane. You can check out the full list in their directory.