B Lab, the certifying body for B Corp accreditation, has introduced significant changes to its certification standards in April 2025. These updates aim to address pressing global challenges such as climate change and social inequality. The revisions mark a shift from a flexible scoring system to a more structured framework with defined minimum requirements and thereby eliminating the ability to offset underperformance in other areas. At FinanceWise, we welcome these changes and see this as a great step to challenge companies to do even better.

Below you’ll find a high-level overview of the new scoring requirements and the key principles behind it taken from B Lab’s new standards. If you’re keen to explore the route to becoming B Corp certified, please get in touch as we are excited to guide you through the certification process.

Source: https://bcorporation.uk/news-stories-and-events/news/b-labs-new-standards-are-here/

Previous Standards:

Under the earlier system, companies seeking B Corp certification were required to complete the B Impact Assessment (BIA) and achieve a minimum score of 80 out of 200 points. This approach allowed businesses to select areas where they could score points, providing flexibility in meeting the certification criteria.

New Standards:

The updated standards introduce two main components: Foundation Requirements and Performance Requirements.

• Foundation Requirements: These determine a company’s eligibility for certification and include:
  
  1. Being an incorporated business operating for at least 12 months.
     
  2. Compliance with applicable laws and commitment to transparency.
     
  3. Not engaging in practices that contradict B Lab’s mission.
     
  4. Undergoing a risk assessment to identify potential issues early in the certification process.
     
• Performance Requirements: Companies must now meet specific criteria across nine impact areas:
  
  1. Purpose & Stakeholder Governance
     
  2. Fair Wages
     
  3. Workplace Culture
     
  4. Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI)
     
  5. Human Rights
     
  6. Climate Action
     
  7. Environmental Stewardship and Circularity
     
  8. Government Affairs and Collective Action
     
  9. Complementary Impact Topics
     

Unlike the previous system, companies can no longer compensate for lower performance in one area by excelling in another; they must meet minimum standards in all areas.

Key Differences:

• Scoring System: Transition from a flexible point-based system to mandatory requirements across all impact areas.
  
• Eligibility Assessment: Introduction of a preliminary risk assessment to determine eligibility before proceeding with the full certification process.
  
• Comprehensive Coverage: Emphasis on a holistic approach, requiring companies to address a broad range of social and environmental issues.
  

These changes reflect B Lab’s commitment to enhancing the credibility and impact of the B Corp certification, ensuring that certified companies meet rigorous standards across all aspects of their operations.

We’re happy to see B Lab’s more holistic approach and we’re keen to apply to become a B Corp in the near future. If you’re ready to explore the route to becoming B Corp certified, or optimise your processes in general, please get in touch as we are excited help you.

Source: https://bcorporation.uk/news-stories-and-events/news/b-labs-new-standards-are-here/