What is the B Corp certification?
The B Corp certification, also known as “ Benefit for all” , is an international label awarded to companies that meet high standards in terms of social and environmental performance.
These companies are committed to balancing their profit objectives with their impact in 5 areas: governance, employees, communities, environment and customers.
To obtain certification, a company must go through a rigorous process of evaluating and verifying its practices in these areas.
How does a B Corp certification work?
Here are the main steps to get B Corp certification:
- Initial Assessment : First, the business must complete an online assessment called the B Impact Assessment . This tool measures the impact of the company in different categories such as governance, employees, community, environment and customers. It's free and can be used for self-assessment according to the B Corp standard.
- Achieving the Required Score : The B Impact Assessment assigns points to each category based on the company's responses. To obtain the certification, the company must achieve a minimum score of 80 points. The questionnaire varies according to the size, sector and location of the company. There are over 60 versions of the questionnaire!
- Verification of answers : Once the B Impact Assessment has been completed, the company must provide evidence to support the answers given. This proof includes in particular the ethical charter, the supplier code, the employee manual, the impact report, etc.
- Legal statement : To become a certified B Corp, the company must also modify its legal statutes in order to integrate social and environmental objectives into its business model.
- External assessment : Once the company has completed the B Impact Assessment and fulfilled the legal requirements, an independent NGO (hello B Lab Standards trust !) assesses the answers and the evidence provided. This organization examines whether the company meets rigorous standards of social and environmental performance.
- Assessment report and certification : During the verification, the company has discussions with the analyst, who highlights the positive practices of the company in terms of sustainability and social impact.
This analysis highlights opportunities for changes in the company's economic model. If the company meets the required criteria, it receives B Corp certification. - Regular reassessment : Certification lasts 3 years. The company must undergo regular reassessment to maintain its certification. For this, the B Impact Assessment is very well done and allows you to set clear objectives that gradually form a roadmap to always move towards an even more positive impact.
Advantages :
- Transparency and Accountability : Certified B Corp companies are committed to being transparent about their business practices, which builds trust with customers and business partners. They are also responsible for their actions and their impacts on all stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers and the environment.
- Long-term value creation : B Corp companies take a long-term approach to value creation. They integrate social and environmental considerations into their overall strategy, which can result in lasting economic benefits, such as better employee retention, reduced energy and resource costs, and improved productivity. 'brand image.
- Collaboration and Positive Influence : By achieving B Corp certification, a company joins a global community of like-minded companies. This opens the door to opportunities for collaboration and mutual learning, as well as the possibility of influencing other economic actors to adopt more sustainable business practices.
Meelo's decision to embark on this approach demonstrates its commitment to fighting fraud and unpaid debts in a responsible and sustainable manner. By adopting the main principles of B Corp certification, Meelo hopes not only to strengthen its credibility with its customers, but also to inspire other economic players to follow this virtuous path.
Ultimately, B Corp certification offers significant benefits for any business seeking to have a positive impact on society and the environment while ensuring its long-term sustainability.
Meelo is supported by CoopGreen throughout this process!
