On 8 April 2025, B Lab Global unveiled the most significant transformation in the B Corp certification process since the movement began nearly two decades ago. And if you’re a business already certified—or thinking about it—it’s time to take notice.
At Zevero, we work with organisations committed to reducing their environmental impact and building future-proof brands. So we’ve broken down what you need to know about the new B Corp standards, why they matter, and how your business can prepare for what’s next.
A quick refresher: What is B Corp certification?
B Corp certification is widely regarded as the gold standard for responsible business. It’s awarded to companies that meet high benchmarks for social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Unlike some other certifications, B Corp is not about a single product or policy; it’s a holistic assessment of how your entire business operates.
Certified B Corps are also legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on all stakeholders, not just shareholders. That means employees, communities, suppliers, and the planet are all part of the equation.
Why the B Corp standards are changing
The previous model used a flexible, points-based scoring system. Companies could achieve certification by scoring 80+ points overall, even if performance in key areas was lacking. While this rewarded effort, it didn’t always guarantee consistency or high impact.
Now, B Lab is setting the bar higher. After two years of consultation and more than 26,000 pieces of feedback, a new framework has been introduced; one that’s clearer, more rigorous, and designed to drive meaningful, measurable change.
What are the new B Corp requirements?
Under the updated standards, prospective B Corps and those looking to recertify must meet clearly defined, non-negotiable performance expectations in all seven of the following Impact Topics:
1. Purpose & stakeholder governance
Companies must define a social or environmental purpose beyond profit and embed it into governance structures, board responsibilities, and business operations. Accountability to stakeholders—not just investors—is now core to certification. It’s no longer enough to have good intentions; they need to be baked into decision-making at the top.
2. Climate action
Every company must align with limiting global warming to 1.5°C. This includes developing credible climate strategies, measuring corporate emissions (Scopes 1 and 2 at minimum), and for larger organisations, setting science-based targets validated by the SBTi or similar bodies.
3. Human rights
Previously scattered across sections, human rights is now a standalone requirement. Businesses must assess risk across their operations and value chain and implement due diligence processes to prevent and mitigate violations.
4. Fair work
This area focuses on decent jobs, fair wages, positive workplace culture, and employee voice. Certification requires companies to support quality employment across their entire workforce, not just at the leadership level.
5. Environmental stewardship & circularity
Companies must assess and reduce their environmental footprint through efficient resource use, circular product design, and waste minimisation. This marks a shift from intention to verifiable action.
6. Justice, equity, diversity & inclusion (JEDI)
Organisations must implement meaningful measures to build equitable, inclusive workplaces and contribute to more just communities. Surface-level DEI statements are no longer enough; progress must be structural and measurable.
7. Government affairs & collective action
Certified B Corps must demonstrate responsible engagement in public policy and avoid lobbying against environmental or social progress. Larger businesses will also be required to disclose tax practices. Collective action is encouraged to drive broader systemic change.
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What companies need to do to comply
Meeting the new B Corp requirements isn’t just about intent, it’s about implementation. To align with the new standards, companies will need to:
- Review and update internal policies and practices to meet expectations.
- Submit performance data through the enhanced B Impact Assessment platform.
- Provide documentation for third-party verification.
- Commit to ongoing improvement, with formal check-ins at year 3 and year 5 of certification.
This new approach ensures that businesses of all sizes—from SMEs to multinationals—are held to the same high-impact standards. It also enhances consistency and credibility across the global B Corp community.
From points to performance: A new approach to certification
Perhaps the most notable shift? Certification is no longer based on accumulating points. Instead, companies must meet minimum performance thresholds in every Impact Topic. Strong performance in one area can no longer offset weaker performance in another. Every part of the business must meet the standard.
To support this, B Lab has launched a new digital platform for the B Impact Assessment, making it easier for companies to navigate the process, upload data, and reduce admin time.
A smarter, more integrated assessment tool
The B Impact Assessment has been reimagined to reflect the new B Corp standards. It now includes:
- Updated topic-specific requirements
- A more detailed disclosure questionnaire
- Stronger integration with global reporting frameworks like GRI, CDP, and SBTi
Beyond certification, many companies are using the assessment as a strategic tool, benchmarking their sustainability performance and identifying opportunities for growth long before they apply.
All certified companies are now required to publish their scores on the B Corp Directory, including breakdowns across the seven Impact Topics. This adds a layer of transparency that benefits both businesses and stakeholders.
A blueprint for better business
Whether you’re already certified or considering it for the first time, the new standards represent both a challenge and a chance to lead. Existing B Corps will need to transition by their next recertification, while new applicants will face a more focused, consistent framework from the start. Yes, the bar is higher, but so is the value. Clearer expectations and greater alignment with global frameworks mean that certification now carries more weight, more credibility, and more strategic relevance in today’s business landscape.
At Zevero, we help companies get there. From emissions tracking and target-setting to aligning with global frameworks, our platform and team support you every step of the way.
Ready to navigate the new B Corp standards with confidence? Get in touch to see how Zevero can help you decarbonise, comply, and lead with credibility.
