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B Corp: Business as a force for good

B Corp: Business as a force for good

What is a B Corp? 

A certified B Corp is an organization committed to the highest standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability. The B Lab is the non-profit that certifies these companies.

Becoming a B Corp is a powerful way to build credibility and trust in a business. The certification is the “gold standard” for businesses because it is the only audit that measures a company’s entire social and environmental impact. Organizations are assessed on five areas of impact: Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers. They can earn points for company structure and policies, employee satisfaction, community involvement, environmental impact, and customer well-being. Overall, there are 200 points available, and the minimum score to become as a B Corporation is 80.

First, you can take the online B Impact Assessment to see where your organization stands. This assessment generally takes 1-3 hours to complete, and it takes stock of the entire operation. However, even if you are not currently pursuing certification, the free assessment still provides a broader perspective on sustainable business. By taking it, you can spark new possibilities to strengthen performance and resilience.

A series of cards labeled "Community," "Workers," "Governance," "Customers," and "Environment," representing the sections of the B Corp impact assessment.
Being a certified B Corp means that your business is prioritizing other measures in addition to profit. Image Credit: B Lab.

Declaration of Interdependence

The Declaration of Interdependence lists the values of the B Corp community. B Corporations believe that businesses should…

  • Be the change they seek in the world. 
     
  • Conduct their activities as if people and place mattered.  
     
  • Should aspire to do no harm and benefit all through their products, practices, and profits. 
     
  • Act with the understanding that they are dependent upon another and thus responsible for each other and future generations. 

A global community of leaders harnessing the power of business

By joining the growing B Corp community, businesses are building a more inclusive and sustainable economy. B Corp businesses use profits and growth to create a positive impact for their employees, communities, and the environment. 

Check out this list of some popular B-Corp-certified retail companies, including Allbirds, Patagonia, and UncommonGoods. You can also use the B Lab search tool to look for certified B Corporations in your area!

If you would like more information about how to become a certified B Corp, check out our sustainability page and our sustainability report.  

Interested in certification? Our consultants can help you get started and efficiently navigate the B Corp process. We also analyze business operations, measure carbon footprint and environmental impact, conduct ESG reporting, build sustainability plans, and advise on third-party certifications. Email hello@peaksustainability.com to schedule a 30-minute free consult.  

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