A Complete Guide To B Corp Certification
If you’re part of the corporate world, it’s likely that you will have encountered the term ‘B Corp’. We’re about to delve into the specifics of this status, exploring more about exactly what it stands for, how it is secured, and its overall purpose in the sustainability space.
What is B-Corp certification?
B Corp certification is a comprehensive criteria which addresses key social and environmental standards. It was introduced to develop a community of members (i.e. corporations) that embodied its standards, serving to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Unlike other certifications that might focus on a single aspect of business practice (the Fair Trade logo for ethical sourcing is a good example of this), B Corp certification evaluates your entire company's impact on workers, customers, community, and environment.
B Corp certification was introduced in 2007 by B Lab, a non-profit organisation founded a year earlier, in 2006.
What does ‘B’ in B-Corp stand for?
The ‘B’ in B Corp stands for benefit, but it’s often interchanged for phrases such as ‘better corporation’ or ‘be the change you want to see in the world’. This is closely linked to the entire purpose of the certification - clever, right?
How does a company achieve B-Corp certification?
Businesses achieve this type of certification by demonstrating their ability to meet the official B Corp standards. There are five key conditions which form the pillars of the official B Corp test; the B Impact Assessment. They are:
Governance - how is the business managed and structured?
Workers - how are employees treated by the company? Is the workplace committing to provisions for their health, safety, welfare, and career development?
Community - does the company have a means of engaging with the community that it serves/can it give back to the community it operates in?
Environment - how is the company managing its overall environmental impact?
Customers - how does the company care for its customers? How is quality ensured across its products/services, data protection, and marketing?
For each of the five pillars, businesses are measured in regards to how well they demonstrate key values including performance, transparency, and accountability. The B Impact Assessment is a thorough process, and businesses receive a score for each assessment pillar. At least 80 points have to be scored in total, from a maximum score of 200.
Are B Corp standards changing?
B Corp has experienced a surge in popularity over the past few years, and while the assessment standards are rigorous, there have been some incidences of companies slacking on the commitment they made in order to secure the status. As a result, B Lab announced a complete overhaul for its assessment standards towards the end of 2024 - we’re expecting to hear more about the new finalised requirements, and what this will mean for prospective B Corp companies, in the coming months.
What type of businesses can become B-Corp certified?
B Corp certification can be pursued by most for-profit organisations that have been operating for at least one year. Beyond this, there are a few clauses that apply to some special cases - for example, startups, multinational firms, and public companies. If one of these applies to your business, you may need to take a slightly different certification approach.
Can a startup company be B Corp certified?
Startups that have been operational for under 12 months are able to apply for a ‘Pending B Corp’ status, and having this level of certification can be beneficial for communicating your business’ values.
Can a sole trader be B Corp certified?
Yes - sole traders are eligible for B Corp certification, but they aren’t able to apply for the ‘Pending B Corp’ status.
How long does it take to become B-Corp certified?
The timeline for certifying as B Corp varies, but most companies achieve this status within 6-12 months from applying. Oftentimes, the size of the company is the biggest determiner; SMEs can expect to wait six to eight months before a decision is made, and larger, international firms might not become certified until the 12 month mark.
Why does it take a long time to become B Corp certified?
While it’s a lengthy process, B Lab endeavours to examine applicants as thoroughly as possible, serving to maintain its own standards as a result. There are micro-stages involved during all main stages of the certification process; from carrying out independent reviews, to waiting for assessment evaluation, reviewing documentation - analysis into public records, news sources and search engine results is common, demonstrating the lengths that B Lab go to, in order to maintain the integrity of the certification.
Why are more brands pursuing B-Corp status?
Becoming a B Corp brings with it a range of both tangible and intangible benefits, hence the popularity boom. We’ve summarised a few below.
Appealing to value-driven professionals
The certification can help to solidify your brand's reputation, but we’re going beyond a surface-level, superficial sense here. More candidates and current employees are seeking more from their employers, in the potential they have for making a broader impact on society. Companies that use their values and action their commitments have a stronger position when it comes to attracting and retaining top talent.
Consumer awareness
This value-driven principle also reflects back out onto the consumer. According to a 2023 study by Bain & Company, 50% of US consumers cited sustainability as one of their top four considerations when making purchasing decisions. Any business can weave sustainability into its messaging, but consumers are becoming savvy towards those that are ‘saying’ rather than ‘doing’. Eco commitments such as securing B Corp status will help businesses to stay in touch with changing consumer behaviours.
Scaling with sustainability
B Corps often report improved relationships with suppliers, enhanced customer loyalty, and access to a powerful network of like-minded businesses, especially between the B Corp community. The certification also provides a clear framework for measuring and improving your company's socio-environmental impact, helping future-proof your business in an economy where sustainability is becoming non-negotiable.
For purpose, not profit
Perhaps most importantly, B Corp certification helps to protect your company's mission. The legal requirements of B Corp certification ensure that stakeholder interests remain at the heart of your business, even through leadership changes or growth phases. This creates a foundation for your sustainability impact that goes beyond quarterly profits, building a lasting positive impact.
It’s worth noting that sometimes, this equation shifts. We’ve shared our perspective on businesses that may chase B Corp certification from a profit-driven perspective, explaining the impact that this has on those that are fighting the good fight!
Amplify your B Corp commitment with expert sustainable copywriters
Whether you’re a newly certified B Corp company, or if you’d like to explore ways to strengthen your current digital presence to support your application, we’re here to help with our sustainable marketing services. We have worked with many B Corp firms, helping them to benefit from a communication strategy that is primed to position their commitment perfectly. To arrange an initial call with our experts, simply get in touch today or take a look at some of our latest case studies to get a clearer understanding of how we can help.