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This article first appeared in our summer ’18 issue of MyGreenPod Magazine, The Natural Revolution, distributed with the Guardian on 03 Aug 2018. Click here to subscribe to our digital edition and get each issue delivered straight to your inbox
B Corp certification has been compared with the Fairtrade stamp of approval on coffee and the LEED rating for green buildings. It’s one of the ways conscious businesses can show their customers they’re making a positive impact on both people and planet.
B Lab certifies businesses as B Corporations (or ‘B Corps’) when they meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. Globally there are more than 2,500 Certified B Corps, including Patagonia, Pukka Herbs and Ella’s Kitchen.
The first half of 2018 has seen a large-scale embrace of purpose as the future of business. Danone, a multinational food company that generated sales of more than €24bn in 2017, owns the world’s largest B Corp, Danone North America. Other large public companies, including Campbell’s, Procter and Gamble and Unilever, are now owners of B Corp subsidiaries.
The use of business as a force for good has ready leaders in the companies honoured as 2018 Best For The World honourees. These businesses are proving that competing not only to be best in the world but best for the world is a winning strategy, and they’re leading the way for more mainstream businesses.
In June, 44 for-profit UK companies were recognised for creating an extraordinary positive impact, based on a comprehensive independent assessment administered by the non-profit B Lab.
The Best For The World honours list recognises those who earned scores in the top 10% of all certified B Corps, and that set the gold standard for companies using business as a force for good.
UK honourees include Green Element Limited (for commitment to the environment) and Wholegrain Digital (for commitment to workers).
Scores are measured via the B Impact Assessment, which looks in detail at a company’s impact on workers, community, customers and the environment. To certify as B Corps, companies must complete the full assessment and have their answers verified by B Lab.
Click here to find out more about B Corp certification and its benefits.
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