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B Corp certification is an essential tool for companies wishing to combine economic performance with positive impact. This rigorous certification, issued by the non-profit organization B Lab, attests that a company meets high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and legal responsibility. Worldwide, more than 8,500 companies worldwide, including over 130 in Switzerlanddemonstrating their commitment to a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
For companies of all sizes, B Corp certification is much more than just a label. It provides a structuring framework for integrating sustainability into the heart of their business model. In an entrepreneurial ecosystem that is increasingly aware of societal and environmental issues, this certification becomes a real lever for growth and differentiation.
Key points of the article
The 5 pillars of B Impact Assessment: key points to remember
The B Impact Assessment (BIA)the assessment tool at the heart of B Corp certification, examines five key areas of corporate impact. Here’s how companies can excel in each of these areas:
Responsible governance
Implementing responsible governance begins with the formal integration of the impact mission into the company’s articles of association. This step, mandatory to obtain B Corp certification, involves modifying legal documents to include a commitment to consider the impact on all stakeholders, not just shareholders. Companies can also set up governance structures adapted to their size, such as a board of directors or an advisory committee including sustainability experts. This approach makes it possible to integrate diverse perspectives into strategic decision-making.
Employees: creating a positive corporate culture
Companies can implement innovative employee well-being and engagement practices. These practices can include flexible working hours, leave that goes beyond legal obligations, break and relaxation areas, training and professional development programs, competitive benefits or health and well-being promotion initiatives.
For example, Patagonia, a certified B Corpcertified, has adopted an “outdoor culture“with flexible vacations on sunny days, allowing employees to enjoy the great outdoors. This innovative approach promotes a better work-life balance, while strengthening employees’ commitment to the company’s values.
Community: anchoring yourself locally while thinking globally
Community involvement is a crucial aspect for companies seeking B Corp certification. This can take the form of local initiatives adapted to the scale of the company, donations to associations, volunteering during working hours, etc. For example, KAMPOS, a certified B Corp, is committed to protecting marine life and reducing plastic waste in the oceanswhile raising awareness of overfishing and marine pollution. This type of commitment, aligned with local and global issues, enables companies to create a significant impact while strengthening their roots in the community.
Environment: integrating sustainability into the business model
Integrating environmental sustainability into the business model is not only a requirement for B Corp certification, but also an alignment with ambitious environmental protection goals. Here you’ll find topics such as energy savings, mobility, waste management and more. SmartHelio is a perfect example of this approach. Specializing in data analysis for the optimization of solar installations, achieved an impressive score of 116.8 points in its B Corpcertification, particularly in the Environment category. To achieve this score, SmartHelio implemented innovative practices, notably by developing artificial intelligence and automation technology to improve the performance and predictive maintenance of solar installations. This approach not only increases the profitability of renewable energy infrastructures, but also extends their lifespan, making a direct contribution to environmental sustainability.
Customers: developing products/services with a positive impact
Companies seeking B Corp certification must demonstrate how their products or services create a positive impact for their customers and society in general. Take the example of Vivent SA, a certified B Corp certified developed cutting-edge sensors to monitor plant health in real time. This innovation enables farmers to understand the needs of their crops in different environments, thus contributing to more sustainable agriculture. This type of approach, combining technological innovation and positive impact, is particularly valued in the B Corp certification process.
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B Corp certification process
The B Corp certification process is designed to be accessible to structures of all sizes. Here are the key steps:
- Complete the B Impact Assessment (BIA): this free online self-assessment is the starting point of the process. It enables companies to assess their current impact and identify areas for improvement. This tool will provide you with a detailed analysis of your current performance and specific recommendations for improving your score in each area assessed.
- Attain a minimum score of 80 points: this is the threshold required to be eligible for certification.
- Verification and documentation: B Lab examines answers in detail and requests documentary evidence for around 6 to 10 selected questions.
- Amendment of articles of association: companies must formally incorporate their commitment to all stakeholders in their articles of association filed with the Commercial Registry. For more information on the specific legal requirements and phrases to be included depending on the company’s location, please consult the dedicated page on the B Lab website
- Transparency: certified companies must publish their B Corp impact report.
In terms of costs, certification fees vary according to the company’s annual sales.
- For companies with annual sales of up to €2.5 million, the fee is €2,000 per year.
- For those with sales between €2.5 and €5 million, the annual fee is €2,500.
- These costs increase progressively with sales, reaching €50,000 for companies with annual sales between €750 million and €1 billion.
- For companies with sales in excess of €1 billion, special rates apply.
It is important to note that these charges are in euros, as invoices are sent from B Lab’s European headquarters in Amsterdam.
Strategies to reach the minimum score of 80 points
Reaching the minimum score of 80 points can seem a challenge. Here are some effective strategies:
Prioritize high-impact actions: focus on the areas where your company can have the greatest positive impact. To identify these practices, use the results of your B Impact Assessment. This tool will provide you with a detailed analysis of your current performance and specific recommendations for improving your score in each area assessed.
Formalize your existing practices: often, companies already have sustainable practices in place, but haven’t formalized them. Document these practices to earn points.
Get involved in the local community: take part in local initiatives or collaborate with other companies on impact projects.
Adopt written policies: put in place formal policies on topics such as diversity, inclusion, or sustainable procurement.
Measure and track impact: implement systems to measure your energy consumption, waste production or social impact. Measurement is the first step towards improvement.
Benefits of B Corp certification
B Corp certification offers many advantages to companies:
Access to sustainable financing: In a context where impact investing is gaining in importance, B Corp certification can open doors with sustainability-oriented investors.
Market differentiation: In a competitive business landscape, B Corp certification enables companies to stand out from the crowd of consumers and business partners who are increasingly sensitive to sustainability issues.
Attracting and retaining talent: In a tight labor market, B Corp certification can be a major asset in attracting talent looking to align their values with their jobs.
Increased resilience: B Corp-certified companies have shown greater resilience in the face of economic crises. For example, they were they were 63% more likely to survive the 2008 recession than non-certified companies..
Integration into a committed community: Certification gives access to a network of over 8500 B Corp companies worldwide, offering opportunities for collaboration and mutual learning.
Testimonials from B Corp-certified Swiss companies
A number of companies have already successfully taken the step to B Corp certification. Here are a few inspiring examples:
PLANTED
This foodtech startup, specializing in plant-based alternatives to meatobtained B Corp certification with an impressive score. Their commitment to sustainability is at the heart of their business model, from production to packaging.
JM Beaud
This Swiss specializing in automatic sprinklers achieved a remarkable score in its B Corp certification. Their sustainable approach to a traditional business demonstrates that even small companies in conventional sectors can excel in the B Corp certification process by integrating sustainability into every stage of their business.
These success stories demonstrate that companies of all sizes and in all sectors can excel in the B Corp certification process, by making their positive impact a central element of their strategy.
Conclusion: The essential criteria for becoming a B Corp company
- Responsible governance that formally integrates positive impact into the company’s articles of association.
- A strong commitment to employee well-being and development.
- A strong community base with concrete local impact initiatives.
- Integrating environmental sustainability into our business model.
- The development of products or services that create a measurable positive impact for customers and society.
- Attainment of a minimum score of 80 points in the B Impact Assessment, demonstrating overall commitment to these criteria.
By committing to the B Corp certification process, you’re not only making a choice for your company, you’re actively helping to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy for tomorrow.
