B Corp requirements have changed. With more rigorous standards now in place, many purpose-driven businesses are asking what’s changed, why it matters, and how to prepare. We sat down with Jo Balchin, our Sustainability Strategist, to unpack the updates and share expert answers to the questions we’re hearing most from our clients.
1. What’s changed in the new B Corp standards?
The new standards are a real step up. Gone is the old points-based system – now, every company must meet a set of clear, non-negotiable requirements across seven core Impact Topics, as well as foundational requirements across eligibility, governance, and risk assessment. The shift is about raising the bar for everyone, ensuring B Corps truly lead on issues like climate action, equity, and transparency.
2. Why did B Lab make these changes?The world is facing huge challenges – from the climate crisis to increasing inequality – and businesses have an opportunity to act. B Lab’s overhaul responds to these realities, alongside regulations (like the EU’s green transition rules) and feedback that the old system wasn’t tough enough. The aim is to ensure B Corp Certification remains credible, relevant, and a true mark of leadership.
3. What are the seven Impact Topics every B Corp must address?
Every business must now show meaningful action in all of these areas:
- Purpose & Stakeholder Governance
- Climate Action
- Human Rights
- Fair Work
- Environmental Stewardship & Circularity
- Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI)
- Government Affairs & Collective Action
Each topic has tailored criteria depending on your size, sector, and location, so the standards are both ambitious and achievable.
4. Which change are you most excited about?
We’re all about turning talk into action and helping others do the same. While every Impact Topic matters, I’m most excited about Government Affairs and Collective Action. It’s about leading the way, not just by doing but by inspiring others to step up, too. It’s a blend of thought leadership and impact, where purpose meets progress and where your story can make real change.
5. How will this affect our communications and reporting?
Transparency is non-negotiable. The new standards require robust disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), climate action plans, and, for large companies, country-by-country tax reporting. This means your impact claims in all communications must be clear, consistent, and ready for third-party verification.
6. What’s new about the certification process itself?
Certification is now a phased journey. Companies must meet “Year 0” requirements to certify, then demonstrate ongoing improvement in Years 3 and 5. All assessments are now externally verified, making the process more robust and thorough. It will result in more trust in the B Corp badge (but also more preparation and documentation for applicants).
7. What are the biggest challenges and how can Enviral help?
The biggest challenge is getting to grips with the new requirements and embedding them across your business. For some, it’s about collecting better data or formalising policies; for others, it’s crafting stories that stand up to scrutiny. We’re here for the whole journey. From aligning your sustainability strategy with B Corp standards to developing messaging, rolling out creative campaigns, and building impact reports, we help businesses navigate the complexity and turn requirements into real business value.
8. What advice do you have for brands considering B Corp certification now?Start early, and don’t do it alone. Engage your teams and stakeholders, map your current practices against the new standards, and bring in expert support. Align your internal comms with your external messaging, and make sure your story stands up to scrutiny. The earlier you start, the more time you have to build it into the core of your business and brand.
Looking for more information or support?
At Enviral, we’re on a mission to save the world from boring sustainability stories. In a world facing urgent environmental and social challenges, how we communicate has never mattered more. If your brand is looking to deliver bold, engaging, and effective sustainability communications, get in touch. We’d love to help you make your message matter.