What is B Corp™ Certification?

As the ink dries on the Glasgow Climate Pact following COP26, businesses may be left wondering if there is anything they can do to play their part in mitigating some of the most pressing social and environmental challenges the world faces.

Actually – there is.

Certified B Corporation™ is a status awarded to ethical and socially-minded businesses that can demonstrate how they balance profit with people and the planet.

Companies that achieve B Corp™ Certification enjoy economic growth above the current averages and attract loyal customers who are more socially and environmentally conscious than ever. Companies of all sizes and industries can apply, although achieving B Corp ™status is a commitment that takes work and effort.

In this article, we’ll define what B Corp™ certification is, and why you should consider it.

More About B Corp™ Certification

B Corp Certification™ is given to businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.

B Corps use profits and growth as a means to a greater end: a positive impact on their employees, communities, and the environment.

Not only that but becoming a certified B Corp™ means joining a global community of leaders, using business as a force for good to help solve society’s most pressing problems, including Ella’s Kitchen, Innocent Drinks, and Abel and Cole.

Why is Becoming B Corp™ Certified Important?

Because people want to work for, buy from, and invest in businesses they believe in.

With B Corp™ certification, you demonstrate your commitment to a better business future, for your employees, customers – and the world around you.

There are also tangible business benefits to working to achieve B Corp™ Certification.

RECRUIT: top talent, with 84% of millennial workers preferring a socially responsible employer. (Forbes)

ATTRACT: 72% of investors always screen investments for ethical or sustainability risks. (PwC)

BOOST: their organisational saleability, with 82% of investors planning to significantly increase their socially responsible investments this year. (Forbes)

B Corps also proved to be resilient in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, with only 33% of B Corps reported to have implemented the furlough scheme, compared to a national average of 66%. (PwC)

How to Become B Corp™ Certified

B Corp™ Certification is a rigorous process, achieved by receiving accreditation from B Lab (a non-profit organisation). Certification requires a score of at least 80 (out of 200) against five areas of impact: Governance, Community, Workers, Environment and Customers.

We’d be lying if we said it was easy.

The application process and implementing the changes you need to become compliant is time-consuming and difficult – with no guarantee of success for your investment.

Expand Your Impact Beyond B Corp™ Certification with Grantify's Funding Solutions

While B Corp™ certification is a powerful way to demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices, Grantify can help you take your impact further.

Whether you want to explore funding through the EIC Accelerator Grant, seek support with Smart Grants, maximise your potential with R&D Tax Credits, or navigate government contract tenders, our expert-driven, technology-based platform provides the tailored guidance and resources you need.

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