B Corp ambition or not: why the B Impact Assessment can be a starting point for any organisation

Sustainability is no longer an optional addition to the agenda of board meetings; it has become a central issue. Yet many companies face a challenge: where to start? The thought of B Corp certification can seem daunting, like an insurmountable obstacle. But is it really? Or could exploring the path to B Corp certification actually be a very good starting point?

In my role as a transformation and strategy consultant at Elemental, I am also trained as a B-leader. In this capacity, I guide companies seeking to become B-corps on their path to certification. Having gone through this certification process within our own organisation, I understand how challenging it can be. For many organisations, it seems like a complex affair, mainly because of the extensive questionnaire they face. However, going through this process has made me realise that the road to B Corp certification involves more than just filling in a questionnaire or ticking off a checklist. For many companies, it can serve as a guide for further organisational improvement in sustainability.

Sustainability is not an afterthought, but an essential part of business operations. Nowadays, every company faces sustainability issues, whether it stems from their own ambition or the needs of suppliers or customers. This reality makes it even more important to have the right tools and insights to meet these sustainability requirements.

This is where the B Impact Assessment (BIA) comes in, a tool developed by B Lab that is essential for any company aspiring to B Corp status. More than a checklist, this tool helps companies understand and improve their sustainability impact. For many companies, it is the first step towards a new way of looking at themselves and their interaction with the world around them. Whether it is about reducing the environmental footprint, improving employee well-being or making a meaningful contribution to the community, the BIA provides insight into the current position and encourages the formulation of a clear sustainability ambition for the organisation. This gives companies concrete insights into areas for improvement, allowing them to gradually increase their positive impact.

Companies concerned about the upcoming CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) legislation can also use the BIA as a starting point. It triggers important internal discussions on sustainability and provides insight into where there are still 'gaps'. This creates a broader understanding of and commitment to sustainability within the organisation, while identifying where the organisation still lacks data to make an accurate assessment of its current position.

The B Impact Assessment tool provides a practical and accessible way to make a real difference in an approachable way. Whether the goal is B Corp certification or improving sustainability performance, the BIA can be an excellent starting point for any organisation seeking a more sustainable future.

This article was originally published on LinkedIn by our colleague Justin van der Starre
justin.vanderstarre@elementalstrategy.com