Becoming B Corp certified

Becoming B Corp™️ certified

In a world increasingly aware of environmental and social issues, companies are called upon to play a crucial role in the transition to sustainable development. To meet this growing demand, B Corp™️ certification is emerging as a powerful tool for companies to demonstrate their commitment to responsible business practices. This article takes an in-depth look at what B Corp™️ certification is and how it is set to evolve.

What is B Corp™️ certification?

B Corp™️ certification is a recognition awarded to companies that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. Created by the non-profit organization B Lab in 2006, this certification aims to redefine business success by ensuring that companies focus not just on profit, but also on their positive impact on society and the planet.

Among all CSR certifications, several aspects make the B Corp™️ certification unique. It is the most holistic way of measuring a company’s performance across multiple criteria and in such a comprehensive way. It is also the only certification that requires a company to change its legal status to reflect its obligation to consider its stakeholders in its strategic decisions. Constantly evolving, the certification regularly adapts to current challenges and requirements.

Evaluation criteria

To obtain the certification, companies complete an online questionnaire, the B Impact Assessment (BIA). This consists of some 200 impact criteria, divided into sub-categories, to measure and validate performance in terms of environmental, social and governance impact.

Following a long process of reflection and discussion with its stakeholders, B Corp™️ certification is preparing for the biggest systemic change in its history. Both the assessment criteria and the requirements for certification are set to change. Here’s what will change from 2025 (subject to final confirmation).

Current standards:

To obtain B Corp™️ certification, companies must meet a set of criteria covering five main areas. Companies must achieve a minimum score of 80 points out of 200 to be eligible for certification.

New standards:

Under the new standards, a company will be assessed as to whether it “Does Not Meet”, “Meets” or “Exceeds” the sub-requirements of each of the 9 impact themes. The minimum expectation for companies will be to meet or exceed all requirements to achieve B Corp™️ certification.

Our services

Although the BIA questionnaire is freely available and easy to use, a certain level of expertise is needed to maneuver the certification process, particularly in this period of standards transition. Among other things, it’s important to clearly define the evaluation path, as this has a direct impact on the visible questions and their weighting. It is also crucial to understand the distinction between operational questions and questions linked to the company’s business model (IBM for Impact Business Model).

Our consulting service offers personalized support for companies wishing to obtain B Corp™️ certification:

Preliminary assessments: Confirmation of preliminary compliance criteria and analysis of current company practices to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Improvement Strategies: Development of detailed action plans to achieve B Corp™️ certification criteria. Advice on internal organization to ensure decision-making and project follow-up.
Ongoing support: Assistance throughout the certification process, including preparing documentation and responding to audit requirements.
Post-certification follow-up: help in setting up systems to guarantee continuous improvement and prepare for future re-certifications.

Testimonial

Among the various companies we have worked with, we are proud to have accompanied ID Genève in obtaining its B Corp™️ certification. The circular economy is a core concern for ID Geneve, whose avant-garde watches contribute to sustainable development. But B Corp™️ certification remains a demanding process. ID Genève approached us after first completing the BIA online questionnaire.

Nicolas Freudiger, co-founder of ID Genève: ‘After 18 months of hard work and with the support of Movo Partners, we are proud to present ourselves as a pioneering Swiss-made watch brand, having achieved B Corp™ certification, paving the way for change in the industry. Movo Partners were very good at adapting to our needs, and their sound advice was essential in guiding us every step of the way‘.

Conclusion

B Corp™️ certification represents an opportunity for companies to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and stand out in the marketplace. By adopting responsible business practices, companies not only enjoy economic benefits, but also make a positive contribution to society and the environment. To find out more, or to start the certification process, please contact us.