On April 8, 2025, B Lab implemented the largest ever update to the B Corp Certification standards worldwide. The goal? Helping companies to truly contribute to solutions for the climate crisis, social inequality, and other urgent global challenges. In this blog, we explain what exactly has changed — and why your company should choose to become a B Corp right now.

Why are there new B Corp standards?

Tessa van Soest, Executive Director of B Lab Benelux: “In a world already suffering from a climate crisis, with enormous annual losses of biodiversity, where social inequality is increasing, adequate legislation is lagging behind. With these updated B Corp standards, B Lab offers companies a clear framework for doing business with impact. Current, consistent, and future-oriented. “A compass to merge purpose and profit and make this the global norm."

What's new about the B Corp standards?

The new standards are the seventh generation since B Lab was founded, and replace the old points system. Instead, companies are now required to meet clear requirements on seven crucial themes:

1. Purpose & stakeholder governance – work from a clear social mission and ensure that all stakeholders are included in decision-making.

2. Climate action – create an action plan aimed at limiting global warming to 1.5°C, with mandatory emission targets for larger companies.

3. Human rights – understand and prevent how your company may have a negative impact on human rights in the chain.

4. Fair work – ensure good jobs, fair pay and a positive work culture.

5. Environment & circularity – minimize environmental damage and stimulate circular business operations.

6. Equity, diversity & inclusion (JEDI) – build an inclusive workplace and contribute to a fair society.

7. Policy & collective action – contribute to system change and share your tax data transparently as a large company.

What is the biggest difference between the old and new B Corp standards?

The old B Impact Assessment worked with a points system: if you scored 80 out of 200 points, you were good. This approach made it possible to compensate for high impact in one area with lower scores in other areas. This is no longer possible in the new standard.

➡️ New: you must meet at least clear requirements on all seven themes. This makes B Corp not only a quality mark for pioneers, but also a compass for every company that wants to seriously work on sustainability, inclusion and good governance.

Additional insights about the new B Corp standards from the FAQ

The new standards were developed after years of consultation with stakeholders. They have not been adjusted to accommodate large companies, but contain stricter requirements that relate to the size, sector and risk profile of a company.

The admission requirements have also been tightened. Companies that generate income from, among other things, fossil fuels, weapons, gambling, pornography, prisons or tobacco, are no longer eligible for certification. In addition, companies must create a risk profile, which determines which additional requirements apply to themes such as human rights and the environment.

The scoring system has been abolished. There is no longer an overall score; it is about whether you reach the bar per theme. There may be a way to recognize "exceeds" performance in the future, but that is still in development.

The recognition of Impact Business Models (IBMs), companies that have built their model around impact (such as inclusive employment or nature restoration), is not yet included in the new standards. B Lab is working on a new framework for IBMs that is more in line with regulations, such as the EU Empowering Consumer Directive. Do you want to think along? You can register to contribute to this development.

Furthermore, the new standards are aligned with important reporting frameworks such as GRI, CSRD and ESRS. They therefore tie in well with the ESG requirements that are increasingly applicable within and outside Europe.

Why you want to become a B Corp with your organization now

The new standard comes at a crucial time. Companies are increasingly confronted with stricter regulations such as the CSRD and ESG reporting requirements. At the same time, social pressure on sustainability and inclusivity is under pressure.

That is precisely why B Corp certification now offers extra value:

✅ As an organization, you show that you do not engage in greenwashing and that you really take responsibility.

✅ Your organization builds trust with customers, employees and investors.

✅ Your organization becomes part of a global movement of almost 10,000 companies that use business as a force for positive change.

✅ As an organization, you receive a clear framework to measure and improve your impact in a structured manner.

Want to learn more about the new B Corp standards?

The new standards take B Corp to the next level. Not by making it more difficult, but by setting the bar fairly and clearly. This way, companies not only receive a certificate, but also a roadmap for real, lasting impact.
Are you already a B Corp? Then it is time to prepare for the new requirements. Not yet a B Corp? Then this is the time to get started.

🔗 Want to know more or check what this means for your company? View the new standards in the B Impact Assessment or contact your local B Lab partner.

📅 On April 29, B Lab is organizing a global webinar about the new standards. Do you want to know exactly what is changing and how you can prepare? Register and ask your questions when you register. During the webinar you will learn:

✅ What is changing and why it is important
✅ How to prepare with the tools of B Lab
✅ How to get started via the new B Impact platform

Greenjobs.nl has been a B Corp since 2019
Greenjobs.nl has been a certified B Corp since 2019 and we would like to remain so. The Greenjobs.nl team is pleased and positive about the ambitious steps that B Lab is taking and wholeheartedly supports the renewed course. Together with more than 9,700 B Corps in more than 100 countries and 160 sectors, we are building an inclusive, just and regenerative economy.

B Lab is a global non-profit organization that develops standards, certifies companies and builds a movement of organizations that not only strive for profit, but also actively create value for people, the environment and society. Profit and positive impact can go hand in hand — and we are happy to contribute to that.