B Lab and the Process of Certificating B Corps

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze certain aspects of certified B Corporations (known as B Corps), a type of company that orients its activity toward the achievement of objectives that transcend economic ones. These companies are part of the “B movement,” promoted by B Lab, which is a non-profit organization that certifies the social and environmental impact of these entities with its own measurement system. This study introduces this business phenomenon and explores the origin, evolution, and expansion of B Corps in different countries worldwide. Additionally, it examines the process of obtaining certification as a B Corp by measuring the impact on different stakeholders: the government, workers, community, environment, and clients. Finally, different aspects of notable interest in the legal terms of this private certification are highlighted.