In this blog post we want to dive into what B Corp Certification entails, the process of becoming certified, and the valuable advantages it offers.
If you're exploring corporate sustainability certifications, B Corp certification is a must-consider. It provides a clear roadmap for integrating sustainability into your company, focusing on the 'people, profit, plant' model.
Achieving certification involves completing the impact assessment and undergoing scoring and verification by B Lab, the organisation behind the B Corporation movement.
So What Is a B Corporation?
B Corps are businesses with a unique legal mandate to prioritise and disclose their impacts on people, planet, and profit. Oversight and certification of these companies are managed by B Lab, a non-profit organisation. In the UK alone, B Lab has certified more than 1900 companies to date. To obtain and uphold B Corp certification, companies must adhere to stringent standards focusing on people, profit, and planet. This involves completing the B Impact Assessment, achieving a minimum score of 80 points, and making necessary legal adjustments. By law, these companies commit to equitable consideration of people, planet, and profit in all aspects of their operations.
In the words of B Lab, "Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose." Notable B Corps such as Patagonia and Innocent Drinks have attracted much attention for their commitment to these values.
Upon achieving B Corp Certification, companies can proudly share this status with stakeholders, engaging in B Corp meetings, networking events, and marketing initiatives. The B Lab website serves as a central directory, listing all certified B Corps alongside their certification scores, fostering transparency and accountability within this growing community.
Who Should Become B Corp Certified?
When looking into the future of your business, where do you see yourself? If being recognised as a sustainability-focused organisation aligns with your goals and long-term plans, consider the path of becoming a certified B Corp.
As your company evolves, it's crucial to consider your target audience—those who will be purchasing from you and working alongside you. In many instances, this demographic comprises millennials and Gen Z individuals. Thus, when setting your ten-year objectives, it's essential to factor in the demographics and age groups that will form the core of your customer and employee bases.
If you find yourself uncertain about the direction to take, there exists a wealth of surveys and statistics concerning millennials, their work preferences, and their visions for the future workplace. In these surveys, millennials have articulated their views on the role of businesses in societal and environmental matters. According to Deloitte, both millennials and Gen Z rank climate and environmental issues as their "top concern." A significant number of these individuals are prepared to withdraw support from businesses that do not align with their values.
For the values-driven millennial or Gen Z individual who cares deeply about the interconnectedness of people, planet, and profit, B Corp certification provides a tangible seal of approval. It signifies to this conscientious consumer and potential employee that your company is committed to making a positive impact on the world.
How to Complete the B Corp Impact Assessment
Navigating the world of legal certifications, assessment scores, and the certification process may initially seem like a daunting task. However, that's where our assistance comes in. If you are genuinely invested in finding the optimal ways for your company to contribute to the planet and support your employees, then B Corp certification is certainly worth considering.
It's about more than just ticking off boxes—it's a commitment to a holistic approach that benefits not just the bottom line, but also the environment and the well-being of your workforce. Our expertise can guide you through the steps, making the process smoother and more manageable.
The B Corp Impact Assessment (BIA)
The first step towards B Corp Certification involves completing the B Impact Assessment. This assessment is designed around five key areas of your business:
Governance
Customers
Community
Environment
Workers
Through a series of questions corresponding to each area, you will provide responses that contribute to your overall score within the assessment. This assessment is comprehensive and you might encounter moments where you pause, thinking, "I'm not entirely sure," or make notes for further review. Rest assured, this is a common part of the process.
How many Points are needed to be Certified?
Attaining a minimum of 80 points on the B Corp Assessment is a crucial milestone for submission to B Lab, we recommend going for 100 though (more to follow on this). As you progress through the different sections, gathering data and compiling information, it's essential to keep this target in mind.
B Lab mandates that companies achieve at least 80 points on the assessment before they will review your application. This means that as you work through the assessment, you'll want to ensure that your responses and initiatives align with the criteria laid out in each category.
B Lab Reviews and Provides Feedback
B Lab employs a thorough review process for B Corp Certification applications. After you've submitted your application, B Lab will carefully assess the details of your business. They will ensure that all information provided is complete, accurate, and aligns with the B Corp standards.
Following the initial submission, B Lab will typically schedule a meeting to discuss the specifics of your business. This step allows them to dig deeper into your practices, clarify any details, and ensure a comprehensive understanding of your company's operations. Its at this time that points can be removed from you initial BIA, which is why we normally recommend achieving 100 points.
It's important to note that the duration of this review process can vary significantly. Depending on a range of factors, including the volume of applications and the complexity of your business model, the review may take anywhere from weeks to several months.
Given the popularity of B Corp Certification and the resulting demand, there is often a waiting list for certification. However, this meticulous review process ensures the integrity and credibility of the B Corp designation, emphasizing the commitment to transparency, sustainability, and social responsibility within the B Corp community.
The Legal Requirement
You are required to alter your company’s articles of association which ensures that your operations and all employees are adhering to the Triple Bottom Line promise. Lab lays out the legal requirements here.
You should also note that there’s also a fee to get certified, and you must reapply for certification every three years.
Is it Really Worth it?
Achieving B Corp Certification is undoubtedly challenging, but the rewards are substantial. Upon certification, your company earns the coveted seal of approval, placing you among other high profile companies like Patagonia. This recognition signifies your commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical business practices.
Enhancing a company's sustainability profile is a formidable task, whether pursuing B Corp certification or not. It demands dedication and active involvement from every employee and executive within the organisation. It requires investments of time, financial resources, and consistent motivation to drive meaningful change.
For those daunted by the complexity of sustainability initiatives, the structured guidance of the B Corp assessment can prove invaluable. The assessment is available free of charge and offers a roadmap for identifying areas of strength and areas in need of improvement within your sustainability efforts.
While there is a fee associated with obtaining B Corp Certification, many companies find immense value in using the impact assessment as a tool for gauging their sustainability progress. Thousands of organisations worldwide utilise this assessment to benchmark their sustainability performance and track their journey towards becoming more socially and environmentally responsible enterprises.
What Are The Benefits of B Corp Certification?
The B Corp assessment process serves as a powerful catalyst for companies to scrutinise their operations and implement positive changes. Questions such as "Do we have a waste management plan?" or "How do we engage with our suppliers?" prompt organisations to evaluate their practices and make improvements to meet the certification standards.
For businesses committed to sustainability, B Corp Certification provides a compelling incentive and a structured framework for progress tracking. It serves as a roadmap for implementing and refining sustainable practices across all facets of the organisation.
Choosing to pursue B Corp certification can offer multiple benefits. Not only does it hold your company accountable to high environmental, social, and governance standards, but it also provides a clear, step-by-step system for achieving these goals. This certification serves as a testament to your commitment to better environmental practices, improved social impact, and responsible financial management.
If you're considering ways to enhance your company's environmental footprint and are seeking a structured approach to accountability, exploring B Corp certification could be the perfect solution. It offers a comprehensive path towards achieving and demonstrating your commitment to sustainable, people-centric, and profitable business practices.
We offer B Corp coaching to companies interested in B Corp certification but aren’t sure where to begin. If you would like help or advice with B Corp then please get in touch- schedule a call, email us directly or chat now using the chat widget.
We have also created a really informative guide to certification that can be downloaded at this link.