Understanding changing B Corp requirements – and how to get ahead for a great E score

Updated:

November 2023

What do the experts think...

B Corps are businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, envision a better economic system where businesses can benefit people, communities, and the planet.

B Corp certified organisations are currently assessed across Governance, Workers, Environment, Customers and Community. As long as you get at least 80 points in total across all categories, you’re eligible for certification. This is set to change at the beginning of 2024, with 10 specific requirements coming into force. 5 of these will affect the Environmental category: climate action, circular and environmental stewardship, collective action, impact management and risk mitigation.

B Corp certification: what is it and how can I attain it?

The B Corp assessment process currently requires organisations to:

Demonstrate high social and environmental performance by achieving a B Impact Assessment score of 80 or above and passing the B Lab risk review.
Make a legal commitment by changing their corporate governance structure and be accountable to all stakeholders.
Exercise transparency and accountability by publicly sharing their profile on their performance results on their B Corp profile on B Lab’s website.

Organisations are currently assessed across Governance, Workers, Environment, Customers and Community. As long as you get at least 80 points in total across all categories, you’re eligible for certification. This is set to change at the beginning of 2024.

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B Corp changes: what's going to be different?

From early 2024, 10 specific requirements are coming into force which will make the certification process more rigorous across the board. 5 of these new requirements will affect the Environmental category:

Climate action: Act in accordance with science and combat the climate crisis.
Circular and environmental stewardship: Demonstrate environmental stewardship and contribute to the circular economy.
Collective action: Play a leadership role in sharing knowledge, understanding and working towards a regenerative economy.
Impact management: Identify and measure the impacts of their business and improve upon them.
Risk standards: Avoid, manage or respond to negative impacts associated with their industry or practice.

What should I do to get ahead on my B Corp application?

Managing your organisation’s carbon emissions will be now be a vital part of the process to certify (or recertify). If you haven’t already measured your carbon footprint, now is the time to do so.

At Trace, we help you measure your emissions, set targets and unlock the power of your workforce to reach net zero. Our simple tech platform makes it easy to map, track and find the data you need for B Corp assessment.

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