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B Corp certification is gaining in popularity among companies committed to sustainability, both in Switzerland and around the world. This comprehensive guide will help you gain an in-depth understanding of the process, benefits and challenges of B Corp certification in 2025, whether you’re a beginner or already familiar with the concept.
Key points of the article
- What is B Corp certification?
- The B Corp certification process: detailed steps
- B Corp certification costs
- Concrete benefits of B Corp certification
- Challenges and strategies for certification
- Sectors represented in the B Corp community
- Resources for your B Corp journey
- Conclusion: Towards a sustainable and responsible future
What is B Corp certification?
B Corp certification is an international recognition awarded to companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and legal responsibility. Awarded by the non-profit organization B Lab, it aims to redefine corporate success by going beyond mere financial profit.
Key points:
- Rigorous assessment of corporate practices in five areas: governance, employees, community, environment and customers
- Commitment to considering the impact on all stakeholders, not just shareholders
- Reassessment every three years to maintain certification and encourage continuous improvement
With Mon Entreprise Durable by Coptain, simply prepare for B Corp certification
The B Corp certification process: detailed steps
1. Initial assessment with the B Impact Assessment (BIA)
The BIA is a free online tool that assesses your company’s overall performance. It comprises around 200 questions covering all aspects of your business.
Tips for success:
- Allow plenty of time: the BIA can take between 2 and 10 hours, depending on the size and complexity of your business.
- Involve different departments to obtain precise answers
- Document your answers with concrete evidence
2. Improving practices
Once you’ve completed the BIA, you’ll be able to identify areas where your company can improve.
Improvement strategies :
- Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound)
- Create working groups for each improvement area
- Learn from the best practices of other B Corp companies
3. Submitting your file
Once you have completed the B Impact Assessment (BIA) and achieved a score of at least 80 points, you can officially submit your dossier online to B Lab via their platform. This marks the start of the verification process.
Please note:
- A submission fee is required at this stage. These fees vary according to the size and turnover of your company.
- Make sure all your answers are well documented and accompanied by the necessary evidence, as they will be examined in detail by B Lab analysts.
This submission is a key step in the certification process and demonstrates your concrete commitment to becoming a certified B Corp company.
4. Verification by B Lab
When you reach a score of at least 80 points out of 200, you can submit your evaluation to B Lab for verification. We advise you to reach at least 82 or 83 points, as it is not uncommon to lose a few points during the review phase.
What to expect:
- A thorough examination of your answers and evidence
- Requests for clarification or additional documentation
- An audit call to discuss your practices in detail
5. Modification of legal status
A crucial step is to amend your articles of association to include a commitment to all stakeholders.
Points to consider:
- Involve your teams in defining your sustainable ambitions. This collaborative approach ensures that your company’s values and objectives are shared by all and reflected in your articles of association.
- Prepare a clear communication to your shareholders explaining the importance and benefits of this change.
Although the intervention of a lawyer is not always necessary, it is crucial that this change is aligned with your company’s strategic vision and complies with local legal requirements.
6. Final certification
Once all the above steps have been completed, you will sign the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence and pay the certification fee.
B Corp certification costs
Certification fees vary according to company sales. Here is an overview of annual fees:
| Annual sales (€) | Annual certification fees |
|---|---|
| 0 – 149 999 | 1 000 € |
| 150 000 – 1 999 999 | 1 000 € – 2 000 € |
| 2 000 000 – 4 999 999 | 2 500 € |
| 5 000 000 – 9 999 999 | 3 000 € – 4 000 € |
| 10 000 000 – 49 999 999 | 6 000 € – 16 000 € |
These prices are indicative and subject to change. Consult the official B Lab website for the most up-to-date information.
Concrete benefits of B Corp certification
B Corp certification offers many benefits to companies committed to sustainability:
Enhanced credibility
B Corp certification is internationally recognized as a guarantee of seriousness when it comes to sustainability. It validates your commitments to all your stakeholders: customers, investors, partners and employees.
Attracting and retaining talent
Employees, especially the younger generation, are increasingly attracted to mission-driven companies. B Corp certification can help you attract and retain top talent.
Access to a network of committed companies
By becoming a B Corp, you join a global community of like-minded companies. This network offers unique opportunities for collaboration, learning and innovation.
Stimulating innovation
The certification process encourages continuous improvement and can stimulate innovation within your company, pushing you to rethink your practices and products.
Competitive advantage
In a market increasingly sensitive to sustainability issues, B Corp certification can set you apart from your competitors and open up new business opportunities.
An inspiring example: theB Corp-certified Raiffeisen Genève Rhône bank was named “Best for the World” in 2019 in the Governance category, demonstrating the excellence of its practices in terms of responsible and transparent management.
Challenges and strategies for certification
Reaching the minimum score of 80 points can be complex. Here are some effective strategies:
- Involve the whole team
- Organize awareness sessions for all employees
- Create interdepartmental working groups
- Set clear objectives
- Identify priority areas for improvement
- Draw up an action plan with precise deadlines
- Measure your impact
- Set up key performance indicators (KPIs) for each impact area
- Use tracking tools to monitor your progress
- Collaborate with your suppliers
- Evaluate the ESG performance of your suppliers
- Encourage and support your suppliers in adopting more sustainable practices
- Constantly innovate
- Foster a culture of innovation within your company
- Keep abreast of new sustainability trends
For detailed advice on achieving the minimum score, see our dedicated article: Essential criteria for obtaining B Corp
Sectors represented in the B Corp community
The diversity of B Corp-certified companies demonstrates that sustainability can be integrated into all sectors. Here are a few inspiring examples:
Finance
Globalance Bank, a pioneer in sustainable investment, uses its B Corp certification to reinforce its credibility with impact-conscious investors.
Power supply
Opaline, a Valais-based producer of organic fruit juices, relies on its B Corp certification to differentiate itself in a competitive market and attract environmentally conscious consumers.
Technologies
Infomaniak, an eco-responsible web hosting company based in Geneva, demonstrates that it is possible to reconcile economic growth and environmental commitment in the digital sector.
Mode
Freitag, a Zurich-based designer of bags made from recycled materials, embodies the circular economy and uses its B Corp certification to reinforce its ethical positioning.
Energy
Romande Energie, electricity supplier, shows how a company in the energy sector can commit to the ecological transition while maintaining its economic performance.
These companies prove that it is possible to reconcile economic performance with positive impact, whatever the field of activity.
Resources for your B Corp journey
To support you in your certification process :
B Lab Switzerland
B Lab’s local office offers workshops, webinars and individual consultations to guide companies through every step of the process.
B Leaders
Certified consultants can accompany you on your certification journey, helping you to identify areas for improvement and implement effective strategies.
B Corp Community
Joining the B Corp community means becoming part of a global network of committed companies who share common values around sustainability and positive impact. This community offers numerous opportunities for exchange and collaboration, notably through dedicated events such as B Corp Month or meetings organized by B Lab Switzerland. These initiatives enable certified companies to share their experiences, learn from each other and develop strategic partnerships to take their commitments even further.
Swiss Triple Impact (STI)
The Swiss Triple Impact (STI) program, developed by B Lab Switzerland in partnership with the Swiss Confederation, helps companies align their strategy with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This program is an ideal preparatory step for companies wishing to assess their impact and structure themselves before aiming for B Corp certification. It also offers tools and training to integrate the SDGs into business models, while taking into account the specificities of the Swiss market.
Conclusion: towards a sustainable and responsible future
B Corp certification is much more than just a label. It’s a concrete commitment to a more responsible and sustainable business model. In 2025, when environmental and social issues are more pressing than ever, B Corp certification offers companies a solid framework for making a positive contribution to society and the environment.
Whether you are an innovative start-up or an established company, B Corp certification can help you :
- Formalize your sustainability commitments
- Continuously improve your practices
- Position yourself as an agent of change in your sector
It’s a demanding but deeply rewarding journey towards a future where companies are a force for good. B Corp certification challenges you to rethink your impact at every level of your business, from your supply chain and governance to your HR practices and environmental impact.
By committing to this process, you join a global movement of companies that believe in the possibility of reconciling profit with positive impact. You are helping to redefine business success, showing that it is possible to be economically successful while benefiting the planet and society.
