B corporation
A B Corporation is a new type of corporation which uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. To address society's greatest challenges, B Corporations create value for society, not just shareholders. As of April 2013, there are 737 B Corporations across 60 industries in 24 nations around the world. The B Corporation Certification is for sustainable businesses much like Fair Trade is to coffee, LEED is to buildings and USDA organic certification is to milk. B Corps are certified by the nonprofit B Lab to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
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Examples of Certified B Corporations [edit]
- Ben & Jerry's, certified in 2012
- Cabot Creamery, certified in 2012
- Cascade Engineering, certified in 2010
- Dansko Footwear, certified in 2007
- Ecotrust Forests Management Inc. 2011
- GoLite, certified in 2008
- Patagonia, certified in 2011
- Plum Organics, certified in 2010
- Seventh Generation, certified in 2007
- Warby Parker, certified in 2011
The Difference Between Certified B Corps and Benefit Corporations [edit]
Certified B Corporations and Benefit Corporations are often confused. Certified B Corporation is a certification conferred by the nonprofit B Lab. Benefit Corporation is a legal status administered by the state. Benefit Corporations do NOT need to be certified. Certified B Corporations have been certified as having met a high standard of overall social and environmental performance, and as a result have access to a portfolio of services and support from B Lab that Benefit Corporations do not.
Countries with B Corporations [edit]
- Afganistan
- Argentina
- Australia
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile
- Columbia
- Costa Rica
- Germany
- Guatamala
- Hong Kong
- India
- Ireland
- Italy
- Kenya
- Korea
- Mexico
- Mongolia
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- South Korea
- Tanzania
- Turkey
- United Kingdom
- United States
