What Is B Corp and is it better? – Sustainably Influenced

What Is a B Corp Business & Are They Automatically Better?

In recent years, the concept of social responsibility and sustainability has become increasingly important to consumers. As a result, many companies have sought to demonstrate their commitment to these issues by obtaining B Corp certification. We wanted to find out more and explain what a B Corp Certified Company is and whether they really are better?

B Corp certification is a third-party certification program developed by the non-profit organization B Lab. To become certified, a company must meet certain standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. The process involves a rigorous assessment of a company’s operations, including its impact on its employees, customers, community, and the environment. Companies must score at least 80 out of 200 points on the B Impact Assessment to be certified. Once the process is complete, companies are required to meet certain standards of transparency and accountability, including regular reporting on their social and environmental impact. Just to put it into context, there are now over 1,200 B Corps in the UK, across 58 industries with over 56,000 employees with over 6,500 global B Corps spanning 89 countries.

Here are some reasons why it may be better to shop from B Corp Certified businesses:

They prioritize social and environmental responsibility: B Corp Certified businesses are committed to using their resources to make a positive impact on society and the environment. They prioritize issues such as climate change, worker rights, and community engagement.

They are transparent: B Corp Certified businesses are required to disclose their social and environmental performance publicly, which means you can easily find out how they operate and the impact they are making.

They meet high standards: The B Corp Certification process is rigorous, and businesses must meet strict standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency to earn the certification.

They are held accountable: B Corp Certified businesses are required to undergo a recertification process every three years, which ensures they continue to meet the high standards required to maintain their certification.

They are part of a larger movement: By shopping from B Corp Certified businesses, you are supporting a growing movement of businesses that are committed to using their resources to make a positive impact on society and the environment.

So, Are B Corp Brands Better To Shop?

The question of whether B Corp certified brands are better to shop is a complex one. On the one hand, B Corp certification provides some assurance that a company is committed to social and environmental responsibility. By choosing to buy from a B Corp certified brand, consumers can feel that their purchases are supporting a company that is aligned with their values.

On the other hand, it is important to recognize that B Corp certification is not a guarantee of ethical behavior. In recent months, companies who historically may have been seen as unethical are widely gaining “B Corp Status”, causing many of those in the ethical space to question the reliability of the certification.

While certified companies have demonstrated a commitment to social and environmental responsibility, they are still for-profit entities that may prioritize financial returns over social or environmental goals. Furthermore, not all companies that are committed to social and environmental responsibility choose to pursue B Corp certification.

So, are B Corp Certified companies better to shop from? The answer to that question is subjective and depends on what you value as a consumer. If you prioritize sustainability, social responsibility, and transparency, then shopping from B Corp Certified companies may align with your values. These companies are committed to making a positive impact and are transparent about their practices, making it easier for consumers to make informed decisions.

Additionally, supporting B Corp Certified companies can also have a positive impact on society and the environment. By purchasing products from these companies, consumers are supporting businesses that prioritize social and environmental responsibility, which can help drive positive change.

However, it is important to note that not all B Corp Certified companies are created equal. Some may have a stronger commitment to social and environmental responsibility than others. It is important to do your research and look into a company’s practices before making a purchase.

In short, B Corp Certification is a rigorous and meaningful certification that indicates a company’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility. While it is up to individual consumers to decide whether they want to shop from B Corp Certified companies, doing so can align with values of sustainability, social responsibility, and transparency, and can have a positive impact on society and the environment.