Real World Application

B Lab is a non-profit organization that certifies companies as B Corporations, or B Corps for short. B Corp certification is available to companies worldwide. In fact, there are over 4,000 certified B Corps from over 150 industries and 70 countries around the world. While the majority of certified B Corps are based in North America, the certification is open to companies of all sizes and in all locations. B Lab has a global network of partners and regional hubs to support companies in becoming certified B Corps, and the organization is actively working to expand its reach and impact globally.

B Corps are companies that meet certain social and environmental performance standards, and are required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. B Lab also provides support and resources to help companies improve their social and environmental performance. To become a certified B Corp, companies must complete an assessment that evaluates their social and environmental impact across several categories, such as governance, workers, community, and environment. The assessment is based on a set of standards called the B Impact Assessment, which measures a company’s performance across a variety of metrics, such as worker benefits, environmental footprint, and community engagement.

B Corp certification is a rigorous and comprehensive process, and companies that achieve certification must continue to meet high standards of social and environmental performance to maintain their certification. Some B Corp certified companies include Ben & Jerry’s, lululemon, Patagonia, and Toms (B Lab Global Site 2023).

There are several reasons why companies may want to become B Corp certified:

1. Social and Environmental Impact: B Corp certification provides a third-party verification of a company’s commitment to social and environmental impact. This can help companies attract socially and environmentally conscious consumers, investors, and employees who want to support businesses that are making a positive difference in the world.

2. Competitive Advantage: B Corp certification can give companies a competitive advantage by differentiating them from other businesses in their industry. It can also help companies attract customers and investors who are looking for businesses that align with their values.

3. Improved Business Practices: Going through the B Corp certification process can help companies identify areas where they can improve their social and environmental performance. This can lead to more sustainable and responsible business practices that benefit the company, its stakeholders, and the planet.

4. Access to Resources: B Lab provides certified B Corps with access to a global network of like-minded businesses and resources to help them improve their social and environmental impact. This can include access to best practices, networking events, and other resources that can help companies continue to grow and thrive while making a positive difference in the world.

Overall, becoming a certified B Corp can help companies align their business practices with their values, and demonstrate to their stakeholders that they are committed to creating a positive impact in the world.