If you are a fan of eco-friendly products or care about environmental protection, you have probably heard of certifications such as FDA, FSC, Ecolabel… And of course, B Corp certification, which is considered one of the most important certifications for green businesses. So, what makes it so important? Let’s find out in the following article.
What is B Corp certification?
B Corp certification is a certification founded by the global non-profit organization B Lab, awarded to businesses that meet clear and transparent environmental and social standards.
To become part of the this organization, businesses must not only ensure economic profits for shareholders but also actively engage in social and environmental activities to build a better, more sustainable world, such as reducing poverty and gender inequality. Currently, the standards for certification are independently managed by the Standards Advisory Council and Board of Directors.
Benefits of B Corp certification
Driving force for development
B Corp certification is not a one-time certification, so businesses must recertify every three years. To pass this rigorous test, businesses must score at least 80/200, which is already a very high number because businesses must provide complete documentation and undergo strict verification from B Lab.
Therefore, even after obtaining certification, businesses must continue to maintain their social, economic, and environmental standards. This is a powerful motivator for B Corp businesses. It helps them not only contribute to building a better world and a sustainable society, but also gives them the opportunity to improve themselves every day in order to aim for a higher score in the future.
Globally connected
B Corp is not a program that applies only to certain countries; it spans across the globe in many different business sectors. Currently, B Corp is present in more than 89 countries, with approximately 6,500 certifications issued in 161 sectors. This coverage creates a strong network.
B Corp businesses constantly work together, supporting each other with numerous campaigns across the world to minimize social and environmental issues. This connection, which transcends geographical boundaries, provides B Corp participating businesses with more potential and opportunities in implementing their campaigns, both socially and commercially.
Reputation assurance
This certification requires relatively high standards that businesses must adhere to and continuously strive to maintain. Therefore, it is clear that not many businesses decide to pursue this certification. However, this means that businesses that achieve this certification have a unique position in the community of consumers and suppliers.
These businesses have demonstrated that they meet high standards in social, environmental, employee welfare, and economic profitability for their shareholders. This provides them with significant reputation advantages. Not only do they attract consumers and labor resources, but they also easily build trust with potential investors and suppliers.
How to become a B Corp?
As mentioned above, a business that wants to achieve B Corp certification must meet social, environmental, and economic standards. These can be built through:
_ Ensuring employee rights and benefits: Before expanding externally, businesses need to ensure they build a stable working environment with good and adequate benefits for their employees.
_ Volunteer campaigns: These campaigns are always seen as gestures to build a better future and society with lofty goals such as eradicating poverty, gender inequality, picking up trash on beaches to protect the environment, etc.
_ Implement recycling: In addition to protecting employees and society, the environment also needs to be protected. This is one of the most important criteria when reviewing B Corp certification. Businesses can start by using sustainable or recycled materials in production instead of gradually depleting fossil fuels.
_ Legal responsibility: Use your voice and social position to support regulations that benefit society, the environment, and people. At the same time, businesses must strictly comply with legal regulations.
After that, businesses can contact their regional B Lab or B Lab Global for assistance in applying for certification. The certification process varies by region. However, there are four basic stages to achieve this certification:
_ Assessment Stage: Businesses begin with the B Impact Assessment. After completing the questionnaire, they can compare their results with other businesses to identify areas for future improvement.
_ Verification Stage: The information and documents submitted by the company to B Lab will be carefully verified. At this stage, the company must achieve at least 80/200 points to continue.
_ Legalization Stage: If successful in the Verification stage, the company will proceed to update or make legal changes to ensure compliance with the law. This is also when the agreement is signed and the fee is paid.
_ Monitoring Stage: At this stage, the company can share and use its B Corp certification with the wider community. However, it must continue to improve its score as the B Corp certification requires re-evaluation every three years.
Conclusion
B Corp can be seen as recognition for businesses that strive to improve society, the environment, and the global economy. Supporting B Corp businesses is undoubtedly a way to spread their spirit further and make it more widely known to everyone.