B Lab is a non-profit organization that aims to change the global economy so that it works out better for people, planet and society. To achieve this, B Lab is building a global community of companies that actively contribute to this goal: the so-called B Corps. <\/p>\n
A B Corp (Benefit Corporation) is a company officially recognized by B Lab for its high standards of social and environmental impact, transparency and responsibility. These companies demonstrate that making a profit and positive impact can go hand in hand. Their performance is measured via the B Impact Assessment, assessed by an external audit and guaranteed by the fact that they stipulate in their bylaws that every decision must take into account all stakeholders, now and in the future. <\/p>\n
Until now, companies had to score a minimum of 80 points in the B Impact Assessment, divided into five areas: governance, human resources, community, customers and environment. It was also mandatory to legally document that decisions take into account all stakeholders. <\/span><\/p>\n That flexible scoring system is radically changing. On April 8, 2025, B Lab introduced the seventh version of the standards, in which the old scoring model gives way to mandatory minimum requirements on seven “Impact Topics. These seven core topics are: <\/span><\/p>\n Purpose & Stakeholder Governance:<\/strong> acting from a clear mission, with governance that safeguards the interests of all stakeholders.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Climate action:<\/strong> including a measurable action plan that contributes to limiting global warming to 1.5\u00b0C; larger companies must also measure GHG emissions and use science-based targets.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Human rights:<\/strong> awareness and mitigation of negative impact in own operations as well as supply chain.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Fair Work:<\/strong> good working conditions, fair pay and engaged employees.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Environmental Management & Circularity:<\/strong> minimize environmental impacts, improve input materials, waste and ecodesign.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Equity, Diversity & Inclusion:<\/strong> ensuring an inclusive culture and fair treatment inside and outside the organization.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Public Policy & Collective Action:<\/strong> participation in social policy changes (and for larger companies: country-by-country tax reporting).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n This new approach replaces overall point scoring and forces companies to meet basic standards in each of these themes, depending on size, sector and location.<\/p>\n The new standards also include a commitment to continuous improvement. Certification now requires you to meet basic requirements, and recertification after three and five years requires you to show demonstrable progress. <\/p>\n The transition to the new standards is phased in. Companies seeking new certification can still use the current rules until December 31, 2025. From Jan. 1, 2026, however, all new certifications will be assessed exclusively according to the updated standard. <\/p>\n For existing B Corps this is slightly different. When recertifying, they are given a choice: go through the process with the old standards one more time, until July 1, 2025 at the latest, or switch to the new version immediately. If they choose the latter option, they will also be given an additional 12 months to complete their recertification process. <\/p>\n This year Triodos bank celebrates its 10th anniversary as a certified B Corp. A remarkable achievement, especially in the financial sector. Triodos demonstrates what many consider impossible. Where most banks are focused on maximizing profits and satisfying shareholders, Triodos has fully focused on ESG themes and implemented this in its operations. This sets them apart from other banks and has created a unique position for themselves in the market. <\/p>\n Fairphone, the Dutch manufacturer of ethical smartphones, has been B Corp-certified since 2015. Thanks to their sustainable and modular design (e.g., easily replaceable parts, fair labor and supply conditions), the company grew from sales of \u20ac10.8 million in 2018 to \u20ac58.9 million in 2022. <\/p>\n In addition, Fairphone attracted significant impact-driven investment: in 2023, the company received a \u20ac49 million funding round led by Invest-NL and other sustainable funds. The B Corp status strengthened their image as an ethical brand and made them more attractive to investors with an eye for sustainable value creation. <\/p>\n Triodos Bank’s example shows that B Corp certification is not only a recognition of the responsibility you take for social issues and the commitment you make to them, but also provides a clear strategic advantage. It strengthens an organization’s image and reputation and opens the door to a global network of like-minded companies pursuing the same values. Fairphone’s story additionally underscores that committing to sustainable goals, which are also externally reviewed and audited, can attract the attention of impact investors, creating immediate opportunities for growth and scale-up. <\/p>\n Moreover, the certification process itself has a valuable internal effect. It invites organizations to take a critical look at their impact, governance, employee policies and value chain. This creates not only insights into areas for improvement, but also concrete opportunities to strengthen and professionalize internal processes. An additional effect is that an organization becomes more attractive to young talent who consciously choose employers with a clear social mission and transparent working methods. <\/p>\n Wondering if a B Corp certification is what for your organization? We’d love to think with you! <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" B Lab is a non-profit organization that aims to change the global economy so that it works out better for people, planet and society. To achieve this, B Lab is building a global community of companies that actively contribute to this goal: the so-called B Corps. A B Corp (Benefit Corporation) is a company officially […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2699,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"title":"B Corp certification: impact that pays off - Cooperate Green","description":"B Lab is a non-profit organization that aims to change the global economy so that it works out better for people, planet and society. 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Example: Triodos stands out as sustainable bank<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Example: Fairphone attracted sustainable investors<\/strong><\/h4>\n
What can it bring you?<\/strong><\/h4>\n