Demers Beaulne recently obtained the prestigious B Corp! certification. This recognition testifies to our commitment to the highest standards of social and environmental performance. Like all certified B Corp companies, we work for the common good while making a profit, proving that business can be a force for good. Wondering how to become B Corp certified or why you should be certified? Stay with us, we’ll explain everything.
Understanding the B Corp concept
B Corp certification, also known as Benefit Corporation, is a distinction awarded to companies that go beyond the pursuit of profit and are committed to having a positive impact on society and the environment.
This certification is based on a comprehensive assessment of the company’s social and environmental performance, covering areas ranging from employee benefits to ethical supply chains.
The B Corp concept was born in the USA in 2006, and aims to transform traditional capitalism into a more inclusive and sustainable form. B Corp companies use their growth and benefits to generate a positive impact on their stakeholders and the planet, proving that business and societal well-being can go hand in hand.
The importance of B Corp certification
B Corp certification is much more than just a label. It represents a deep and lasting commitment by the company to social and environmental objectives. This certification not only assesses the company’s current performance, but also commits it to maintaining and continually improving its good practices.
It’s a sign of transparency to the public, and a way of building trust with consumers, communities and suppliers. Certified B Corp companies have demonstrated that they care about their mission and their impact on the world.
B Corp certification is therefore an important distinction for companies because it :
- Attracting and retaining talent
- Reinforces brand and reputation
- Provides long-term savings through access to community data on sustainable practices.
It also rebalances the role of the company, placing the emphasis not only on profit, but also on social and environmental responsibility.
A source of pride for the whole team
“It’s a great source of pride to be certified B Corp, and we’re even prouder to know that one of the reasons we’ve been recognized is because of the social values we promote as a company,” says Dino Masciotra, the firm’s managing partner. “For a service company like ours, the well-being of our teams and communities has also set us apart. This certification testifies to our sincere commitment to sustainability, responsible governance and social impact, and reinforces our position as a leader in the field.”
Our role is to support companies here and abroad in all aspects of their entrepreneurial adventure, including ESG issues,” said Melissa Hazel, ESG transformation and strategy partner. It’s obviously great to be able to accompany them in this challenge, but we also wanted to experience it ourselves. We now know even more about what lies ahead, the obstacles, and the investment in time, resources and money.”
This certification has led us to take a new look at the notion of profitability for a company like ours,” continued Ms. Hazel. The work we’ve done to obtain this certification has brought about a real awareness that is pushing us to positively rethink our ways of doing things. We really want to inspire our teams, our customers and the entire business ecosystem.
A few months ago, Demers Beaulne stood out for its innovative initiatives, including a four-day week paid as five days, over six months of the year, as well as disconnection and 100% flexible teleworking policies.
More questions? We answer them.
B Lab's role in B Corp certification
B Lab is the non-profit organization that administers B Corp certification. B Lab’s role extends from initial assessment to verification of candidate companies.
B Lab has developed an assessment tool, the B Impact Assessment (BIA), which measures a company’s social, societal and environmental performance in five impact areas: Governance, Employees, Community, Environment and Customers.
Once the BIA has been submitted by the company, B Lab agents carry out a thorough check of the answers. Only companies that reach the threshold of 80 points on the BIA are awarded certification.
B Lab is also responsible for developing B Corp certification standards to ensure their effectiveness, fairness and credibility. For this reason, B Lab observes international best practices and guidelines when drawing up its standards.
How do I get B Corp certification?
To obtain B Corp certification, there are several steps to follow. First, the company must complete the online B Impact assessment, a free questionnaire that measures the company’s impact on its stakeholders.
- The assessment covers five areas: governance, workers, community, environment and customers.
- The company must obtain a minimum score of 80 points to move on to the next stage.
Next, the company must meet B Lab’s legal requirements, which vary according to country and legal structure.
- These requirements ensure that the company is legally responsible for its impact on all its stakeholders.
Finally, the company must sign the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence and pay the annual certification fee, which varies according to the company’s revenues.
The advantages and disadvantages of B Corp certification
Obtaining B Corp certification brings many advantages, but it can also have disadvantages, so it’s important to consider them before making a decision.
Advantages :
- Reputation and credibility: B Corp certification strengthens your brand image and legitimacy as a socially responsible company.
- Differentiation: sets you apart from your competitors by demonstrating your commitment to sustainable business practices and positive social impact.
- Attractiveness: It can help you attract talent, investors and customers who share your values.
- Networking: It enables you to join an international community of like-minded companies.
Disadvantages (if any):
- Cost: There is an annual certification fee based on your income.
- Time: The certification process is rigorous and can be lengthy.
- Commitment: Once certified, you need to maintain and continually improve your best practices, which requires resources.
But in the end, these are simply sacrifices to be made for a better future.
Period of validity and renewal of B Corp certification
B Corp certification is valid for three years. At the end of this period, the organization must demonstrate once again that it has a positive impact on society and respect for the environment in order to renew its certification.
It is important to note that the renewal process is rigorous. It requires a complete new assessment using B Lab‘s BIA (B Impact Assessment) tool. Companies must achieve a minimum score of 80 out of 200 to be eligible for renewal.
- Renewal of certification ensures that companies continue to meet the high standards of social and environmental performance required by B Lab.
- It also encourages companies to continue improving their impact practices.
Please note that certification fees are payable annually, even during the three-year validity period. These fees vary according to the company’s revenues.
