Discover How Carbon Accounting Can Support B-Corp
How quantifying carbon emissions can bolster a small business's sustainability goals and strengthen any B-Corp bid.
June 2023
What is B-Corp?
B-Corp is a private certification managed by B-Lab, aimed at for-profit companies committed to maintaining a purpose-driven mission while achieving high social and environmental standards.
The certification ensures that companies uphold stakeholder governance, a model that requires them to consider the interests of all stakeholders, including customers, employees, suppliers, communities, investors, and the environment.
Notable B-Corps include Ben & Jerry's, Aesop, and Allbirds. Could your company be the next standout B-Corp?
How To Become a B-Corp
Six key steps involved in a successful B-Corp application.
B Lab Impact Assessment (BIA)
Complete the 180+ question BIA, which evaluates your business across five key categories: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. Additionally, you must disclose any sensitive or potentially controversial practices.
Scoring
Your business will receive a numerical score based on its BIA results. To qualify for B-Corp certification, a verified score of over 80 points is required. If your business does not initially qualify, you can work on improving your practices and reapply.
Review
You need to provide documentation to support the claims made in your assessment. This may include financial statements, internal policies, and other relevant documents that demonstrate your company's compliance with the standards.
Verification
B Lab conducts a thorough verification process to ensure the accuracy of the information provided. During this stage, it is common for scores to fluctuate as B Lab reviews the documentation.
Certification
If your business maintains a score above 80 after verification, it will be granted B-Corp certification. You will then be required to sign the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence and the Term Sheet.
Re-Certification
B-Corp certification is not permanent. Certified companies must undergo re-certification every three years to ensure they continue to meet the standards and maintain their B-Corp status.
5 Tips for Achieving B-Corp Certification
Clearly Document Your Reasons for Becoming a B-Corp: Start by defining why you want your business to be a B-Corp. Documenting your motivations ensures everyone understands the mission.
Seek Support from a B-Leader: A B-Leader (a trained consultant familiar with B-Corp processes) can provide essential guidance and help streamline the journey.
Form a Cross-Functional B-Corp Project Team: Assemble a cross-functional team to lead the initiative, ensuring different departments contribute and collaborate effectively.
Learn from Existing B-Corps in Your Industry: Reach out to businesses within your industry that are already certified. Learning from their experiences can help you anticipate challenges.
Understand Regional Variations in B-Corp Frameworks: The requirements can differ by country or jurisdiction. Research the specific requirements applicable to your region.
How does Carbon Accounting support B-Corp certification?
Frequently Asked Questions
Related reading
Five essential sustainability considerations for SMEs
Key sustainability priorities every small and medium enterprise should focus on.
Read articleUK Sustainability Reporting Standards: what to know in 2026
How UK SRS will affect B-Corp and sustainability reporting requirements.
Read articleCompanies that are environmentally responsible: a guide
Real examples of businesses building responsible practices into how they operate, useful for benchmarking your own B-Corp work.
Read articleReady to strengthen your B-Corp application?
Start measuring your carbon footprint with EcoHedge and boost your environmental score.