Today, businesses are increasingly expected to prioritize sustainability and social responsibility. One way to showcase your commitment to these values is by becoming a B Corp-certified company.
As of June, There are currently over 6000 Certified B Corporations in more than 80 countries and over 150 industries.
So, we will take you through the process and provide detailed insights into what it takes to become a B Corp Certified organization, and the journey toward becoming a socially responsible business.
Understanding the B Corp Framework
To begin, let’s explore what it means to have a B Corp Certification. B Corp certification is awarded to companies that meet high social and environmental performance standards, transparency, and accountability. These companies are committed to using business as a force for good, benefiting their stakeholders and society as a whole. When visiting a company’s website, you may have noticed that the letter “B” is circled. This label is awarded by B Lab, a non-profit offering third-party verification for companies that improve their environmental and social responsibility.Preparing for the B Corp Certification Process
Now, you might want to dive head first into becoming a B Corp (and who wouldn’t?). But before becoming certified, it’s crucial to assess your company’s alignment with B Corp values. It will require a deep analysis of your organization’s practices, policies, and impact, but it is totally worth it in the end.Evaluate Social and Environmental Impact
Understand your company’s operations’ social and environmental impact. Assess energy usage, waste management, emissions, and resource conservation. Identify the positive impacts you have made and areas that need improvement.Governance and Accountability Practices
Evaluate your company’s governance structure, including board composition, decision-making processes, and stakeholder engagement. Assess your commitment to transparency, ethics, and accountability. Develop or enhance policies and procedures to align with B Corp standards.Engaging Key Stakeholders
Engage your employees and leadership to ensure they understand the significance of becoming a B Corp. Educate them about the values and benefits of B Corp certification, fostering a shared commitment to social and environmental responsibility.The B Corp Assessment
Still wanting to give it a go? Then it’s time to take the B Corp Assessment! The Assessment begins with the following steps:Registering and Creating an Account
Begin by creating an account on the B Impact Assessment platform. This platform is the tool used to measure your company’s impact. Registering allows you to access the assessment and track your progress.Completing the Assessment Questionnaire
The assessment consists of various sections and categories, including governance, workers, community, and environment. Each section contains a series of detailed questions that assess your company’s practices and impact. Take your time answering each question, providing accurate and thorough information.Demonstrating Transparency and Accountability
The assessment requires transparency in reporting your company’s performance. To support your assessment responses, provide evidence, such as policies, reports, and data. This documentation adds credibility to your application and demonstrates your commitment to accountability.Scoring and Analysis
Great! You’ve finished your assessment. Now, it will undergo a review and analysis by the B Lab. They use a rigorous scoring methodology and criteria to evaluate your performance.Scoring Methodology
B Lab assigns points based on the assessment responses and the evidence provided. Each section and question has a specific weight, reflecting its importance in the B Corp framework. The assessment is comprehensive, covering various aspects of your business.Identifying Improvement Areas
The assessment review process helps identify areas where your company can improve its social and environmental impact. The feedback you receive from B Lab provides valuable insights into potential gaps and opportunities for growth.Addressing Improvement Areas
Based on the assessment feedback, develop an improvement plan to address identified areas for growth. Take the following steps to move your organization one step closer to B Corp certification:Setting Specific Goals and Targets
Define specific goals and targets that align with B Corp values. It could include reducing energy consumption, increasing employee benefits, or implementing sustainability initiatives. Clearly define the actions needed to achieve these goals.Implementing Necessary Changes
Implement changes in your business practices to align with B Corp standards. You may need to update policies, enhance employee benefits, or integrate sustainable practices into your operations. Engage your employees and leadership in this process to drive meaningful organizational change.Seeking Assistance from B Lab and Consulting Resources
B Lab provides educational materials, webinars, and resources to guide companies through improvement. Engage with the B Corp community, seek advice from B Corp consultants, and connect with other certified B Corp businesses for guidance and support. A great third-party consultant for help with B Corp certification is Decade Impact. Decade Impact is a consulting firm on a mission to create positive change.“Together, we discover the operational levers that exist within your business to transform your business, your culture, and your impact on people & planet. Leading with powerful frameworks such as B Corp and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we guide our clients through team-based workshops that engage, educate, and excite.” (Decade., 2023)
