Raising the Bar: B Lab's New Scoring System
Recognizing that the climate crisis has intensified and social inequality has only grown, B Lab has this year made some major changes to its scoring system. The old system of “80 points and you’re in” is gone, and has been replaced by a set of seven specific areas of achievement that every company must reach to qualify. While taking into consideration the company’s size, industry and location, each of these “Impact Topics” must be passed on at least the preliminary level. Goals for future achievement must also be established, and progress toward these goals will be tracked annually.
B Lab spent the last several years in research and careful consideration of these changes, and feedback from current B Corp companies was important to the process. They realize that some may find this scoring system more difficult, since all companies must meet baseline requirements in all categories. But make no mistake: what B Lab is doing is raising the bar, making the B Corp community an even more transparent and effective force for change as we move toward a sustainable future.
Purpose and Stakeholder Governance: Companies act in accordance with a defined purpose and embed stakeholder governance in decision making. By doing so, they contribute to an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economic system for all people and the planet.
Fair Work: Companies provide good quality jobs and have positive workplace cultures.
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Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (JEDI): Companies have inclusive and diverse workplaces and contribute to just and equitable communities.
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Human Rights: Companies treat people with dignity and respect their human rights.
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Climate Action: Companies take action to combat the climate crisis and its impacts.
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Environmental Stewardship and Circularity: Companies demonstrate environmental stewardship and contribute to the circular economy in their operations and value chain. They both minimize negative impacts, to help stay within ecological thresholds and pursue positive impacts.
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Government Affairs and Collective Action: Companies play a leadership role in fostering shared understanding and implementing solutions toward an equitable, inclusive, and regenerative economy. This role includes a fair and responsible contribution to their operating countries’ economies and infrastructure.