What is the B Corp certification?
B Corp is an international certification awarded to companies that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Its mission is to redefine business success by balancing profit with positive impact.
With thousands of companies certified worldwide, B Corp has become a recognized mark of credibility and trust. You can find certified companies here.
The New B Corp certification model
B Corp New standards (v2.1) is moving from a points-based system to a "meet the bar" framework. From 2025 onwards, companies must comply with 3 foundation requirements and 7 mandatory impact topics, with no compensation for weaknesses:
3 foundation requirements:
Eligibility & compliance
Stakeholder governance
Risk assessment
7 mandatory impact topics:
Purpose and stakeholder governance
Fair work
Justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI)
Human rights
Climate action
Environmental stewardship and circularity (ESC)
Governmental affairs and collective action
This framework ensures measurable positive impact across all areas.
Spotlight on climate action
Climate action is a critical issue, highlighting the urgent and unavoidable responsibility of businesses in addressing the climate crisis. It is essential for companies to understand how their operations and value chains contribute to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to implement concrete measures to reduce them. The goal is to encourage companies to develop ambitious action plans aimed at limiting global warming to 1.5 °C.
Climate action requirements are tailored to the size of the companies.
Large companies: audited annual emissions (GHG Protocol or Iso 14064), near-term and net-zero targets validated by SBTi or a third party, and a full climate transition plan with stakeholder engagement.
SMEs: a publicly available 1.5°C-aligned plan, with SMART targets, resource allocation, and progress reporting.
SBTi for large enterprises
B Lab aligns with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the internationally recognized standard for emissions reduction aligned with the Paris Agreement. SBTi offers guidance for all three scopes and sector-specific approaches, including financial institutions.
SBTI distinguishes between Near-term targets (next 5–10 years) and long-term Net-zero targets (aligned with a 1.5°C pathway by 2050). Together, they structure a complete roadmap toward decarbonization.
The SBTi is preparing its Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0, expected in 2027, which will refine classifications, tighten requirements, and align more closely with global climate regulations. Companies setting targets today must submit under the current version before the end of 2026.
Building a 1.5°C-aligned plan for SMEs
For SMEs according to B Corp's criteria (<250 FTE or < 75M$ annual revenue), the expectations remain ambitious yet achievable. A publicly available 1.5°C-aligned plan, including SMART targets, clear resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement is required.
Our opinion is that a robust carbon footprint baseline is essential. It forms the foundation for setting meaningful targets and identifying the most impactful levers. Even though B Corp doesn’t require it, and there’s no need to publish it, we strongly recommend undertaking a carbon footprint assessment as a baseline for your climate action plan.
Then, to build this 1.5°C action plan, you may refer to recognized frameworks such as SBTi or ACT to structure it effectively, even without formal quantification and commitment. This ensures credibility in your environmental commitments.
What about financial institutions?
To qualify for B Corp certification, a financial institution must have less than $1 billion in revenue, and no more than 1% of its revenue can come from ineligible sectors such as fossil fuels, tobacco, gambling, or weapons. Furthermore, carbon footprint reporting should follow the PCAF methodology.
For credibility, we recommend calculating a full carbon footprint, including financed emissions (Scope 3, category 15), and using SBTI Financial Institution Net-Zero guidance to structure your climate action plan, ensuring that emissions associated with your investment activities are fully accounted for.
Next Steps
Start assessing gaps against the new requirements now via the B Impact platform.
First-time applicants: applications before February 2026 can use old standards; afterwards, only the new standards apply.
Recertifying companies: must comply with new standards per B Lab’s updated schedule.
To stay informed and navigate the new standards, you can follow The Certification Hub.
Carbometrix supports companies in calculating emissions, including financed emissions, and in developing comprehensive climate action, transition plans, and SBTi commitments.