Dimensions just re-applied for and was awarded the B Corp certification for another 3 years. Dimensions first completed the process and applied for certification in 2013. (You can see the red B Corp certification displayed on the book shelves!) Re-certification is required and we have been through the process several times. Plus, we had the pleasure of being selected as one of the annual percentages of companies chosen for an onsite audit in 2016. It was a great experience and clear demonstration of ensuring the standards are being met; companies can’t greenwash!
Are you familiar with Certified B? Corporations (B Corps) are for-profit businesses that meet high standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. B Corps use the power of business to do more than seek profit. They use their profits and growth to positively impact their stakeholders — and the planet.
B Corps are mission-driven companies that balance purpose and profit. B Corp is a legal corporate entity in 42 States. According to The B Lab, societies most challenging problems can’t be solved by governments and nonprofits alone. For-profit businesses play a critical role in shaping our future.
There are several reasons and benefits to considering becoming a B Corporation or a certified B Corp business:
- It is a global certification expanding across borders
- Certification differentiates good companies from what is just good marketing
- It demonstrates your mission and values to customers stakeholders, suppliers,
- Now, more than ever, workers are choosing to work for companies that reflect their values.
- The certification standards bake the values of the company into its DNA and ensure that profit isn’t the only bottom line.
B Corp has become an international symbol of businesses doing good for the workplace and the world! We look for the B Corp brand before making a purchase and are excited that many others do the same! You can review the B Corp list of businesses and can also look for the symbol on products you buy.
It is also worth just looking at the assessment and finding out how you score. You can do this without completing the certification process and then develop strategies to improve. Like ISO and OSHA VPP, consumers and stakeholders are looking for these symbols of excellence. And like ISO and VPP, the process requires effort, but there are resources available to assist.