The application process to certify as a B Corporation can be daunting, but the right approach will make all the difference.
While there are several elements to the B Corporation certification, implementing the quick and easy changes first will get you closer to your goal while you work on the bigger elements in the background. If you’re curious how close you are to becoming a B Corporation, take this quick 2-minute quiz to find out!
But perhaps you’re asking, why go through all the trouble in the first place? As with anything, the benefits of being a certified B Corporation have grown with the development of the non-profit behind it. B Lab has become a nationally recognized organization, even being contracted by the United Nations to build a tool that will help companies measure and track their progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Their mark on their world is deepening, and with it, the number of companies certifying.
A colleague recently said to me, “B Corporation is becoming the new Organic label,” proving its value as a consumer-recognized stamp of approval in this era of millennial buying power. Product-based companies use it as a way to differentiate themselves in the market, while service-based companies use it as a way to signal their values and work ethic to other businesses. Both influencing the global supply chain in their own ways – it’s a movement you don’t want to miss out on.
But no matter how mission-driven you are (or are not), the path to B Corporation certification can be intimidating. These are the quickest, easiest ways to improve your social and environmental commitments without significant resources.
- Administer an employee satisfaction survey
Get a pulse on what’s working and what’s not – open lines of communication between your management and employees is step one in building a values-driven organization.
- Educate employees on transportation alternatives such as bus routes & virtual meeting technology
People will continue with their same behavior unless educated otherwise – be the resource for your employees when it comes to getting familiar with local bus/bike routes and how to use virtual meeting technology
Your employees are already out there doing good in the world, all you have to do is capture their positive impact! Bonus: Use the tracking system to create competitions between offices or departments & boost your volunteer hours with little effort!
- Begin an e-waste collection bin in the office to be disposed of responsibly
Grab a reusable bin, print an E-Waste Recycling sign, and put it in your common area or kitchen – most office supply stores will take your e-waste for free, and your local waste company might even pick it up for you!
- Conduct an indoor air quality audit and make any suggested changes
Contact your local Clean Air Agency to schedule a free check-up today and learn what you can do to ensure good indoor air quality in your building.
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