The challenges of sustainable development today are unequivocal. The need for ethical, social and environmental transformation is setting the pace for the economy at an increasing rate. In this context, each company can and must contribute by transforming its practices. However, instigating and implementing change with internal and external stakeholders can be tricky, and the tools and knowledge are not necessarily known. And before changing, it is essential to know what to change. For this, B Corp sets a course with ambitious actions and standards.
The network of thousands of companies uses a vision of an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy for the benefit of all to develop specific environmental and social performance standards that are measurable, ambitious, realistic and geared towards continuous improvement.
The B Corp movement is booming internationally and is no exception in Luxembourg. Since October 2022, IMS Luxembourg has been the single point of contact for certified B Corp companies and companies interested in the movement in the Grand Duchy. Our objectives are threefold:
- Inform and communicate about the movement in general to companies and other interested parties.
- To bring together, in close collaboration with B Lab Benelux and B Lab Europe, the active members of the B Corp community in the territory to help them create synergies and improve their impact in a collaborative spirit.
- To assist organisations wishing to enter a certification process by providing contacts and information.
For any question or request for intervention,
Now active in over 80 countries and more than 150 industries, the B Corp movement was launched in 2006 to promote values of committed change in the corporate world on an international scale. These values are summarised by making business a driving force for the benefit of all. Its holistic and challenging vision is based on five areas of impact to be integrated into business models and operations: governance, employees, communities, environment and customers.
By being a certified B Corp or using the B Impact Assessment, a company sends the message that it intends to contribute to society positively. The aim is not to be the best in the world but the best for the world. It also aims to positively influence a company's ecosystem through suppliers, customers and other stakeholders
What is the B Impact Assessment?
The BIA (B Impact Assessment) is a free and confidential assessment tool developed by B Lab. Designed in the form of a questionnaire, it allows each company to concretely evaluate the impact of its operations and business model around five pillars: Governance, Employees, Community, Environment and Customers.
Although it is imperative to be assessed according to the BIA to obtain B Corp certification, the reverse is optional: using the tool without being forced to undergo the certification process is possible. Today, over 200,000 companies and other organisations worldwide use the BIA, of which "only" 6,000 have gone on to certification.
First steps with the B Corp tool
Why use the BIA? What's the point?
This self-assessment tool is primarily intended to give an account of the state of the company's business model, to identify the areas for improvement and to highlight the good practices and actions already taken. The results of the BIA are also helpful for advancing the CSR process and reporting.
How does it work?
The questionnaire is divided into 5 clusters, each corresponding to a specific stakeholder. Each grouping is subdivided according to the different impacts that the company has. For governance, for example, separate sections include "mission and commitment" and "ethics and transparency".
As the questionnaire is completed, the company receives a detailed score out of 200 points. Depending on the result, it is possible to identify ways of improving the good practices already in place. To go further in the process and apply for B Corp certification, a minimum of 80 points is required.
First steps with the B Corp tool
Example of questions asked in the evaluation
- Example Governance: What proportion of your management is evaluated in writing on its performance on social, environmental and corporate objectives?
- Example Workers: What percentage of the company is owned by full-time workers (excluding founders/directors)?
- Example Community: What percentage of the management is from under-represented populations? (This includes women, minority/previously excluded populations, people with disabilities...).
- Example Environment: Does your company monitor and record its universal waste production?
- Customer examples: How do you check that your product improves the impact of your clients' organisations?
Click on the logo to access more information about the B Corp of your choice.
No, the tool is a free resource offered by B Lab. However, this should be distinct from B Corp certification, which requires an annual fee based on turnover. You do not have to be a B Corp to use the BIA.
For B Corp certification, fee schedules are available on the B Lab Europe website.
The assessment is a prerequisite for B Corp certification. Companies wishing to take this initiative must achieve a minimum score of 80 out of 200 points and are then subject to an assessment review process. More information about B Corp certification.
No, the BIA is a user-friendly tool. In addition, some organisations offer coaching on how to complete the assessment best. Another resource for completing the evaluation is the B Leaders. List of Benelux B Leaders.
For any other questions: