B-CORP-CERT

B-Corp Certification ~8500 certified profit + purpose.

Definition

B-Corp Certification process: (1) B Impact Assessment (BIA): ~200 questions across 5 categories (Governance + Workers + Community + Environment + Customers), each company specific size + industry tailored, scoring 0-200 points. (2) Minimum 80 points required for certification (out of 200 possible). (3) Legal Requirement: company must adopt legal accountability language in corporate documents (Articles of Incorporation amendment, Benefit Corporation status in US, similar legal protections other jurisdictions), commitment to consider impact on workers + community + environment + customers alongside shareholders. (4) Verification: B Lab analysts review BIA responses + supporting documentation, may request additional verification + site visits. (5) Continuous Certification: recertification every 3 years, new BIA + verification. (6) Public Score: B Impact Score publicly available B Lab website + company materials. Fees: annual certification fee tiered by revenue ($1000-50000+/year). Recent: Danone (became first listed multinational entity B-Corp 2020 via 7 subsidiaries certified), Unilever (some brands like Seventh Generation + Ben & Jerry's). Note: controversy 2024 regarding multinational subsidiaries certifications (Nestle Nespresso) vs B-Corp ethos. ~8500 certified B-Corps 2024.

Origin

B Lab founded 2006 in Berwyn Pennsylvania USA by Jay Coen Gilbert + Bart Houlahan + Andrew Kassoy ; first certified B-Corps 2007 (~80 companies) ; ~8500 certified B-Corps 2024.

Example in context

Patagonia Inc. (outdoor apparel) certified B-Corp since 2012, score ~150+/200 ; environmental commitments Yvon Chouinard founder transferred ownership Patagonia Purpose Trust + Holdfast Collective 2022 (~$3B value, profits funded environmental causes), 1% for the Planet (1% sales donated environmental groups), Worn Wear repair + resale program circular economy.

Related terms

• EcoVadis — alternative supplier assessment.