The challenges of sustainable development today are unequivocal. The need for ethical, social and environmental transformation is setting the pace for the economy at an increasing rate. In this context, each company can and must contribute by transforming its practices. However, instigating and implementing change with internal and external stakeholders can be tricky, and the tools and knowledge are not necessarily known. And before changing, it is essential to know what to change. For this, B Lab sets a course with ambitious actions and standards.
B Lab creates and defines global standards, policies, tools and programmes for businesses. B Lab certifies companies called B Corp, which comply with these standards. The network of these companies and the unified vision of an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy for the benefit of all stakeholders is known as the B Corp movement.
The B Corp movement is booming internationally and is no exception in Luxembourg. Since October 2022, IMS Luxembourg has been the single point of contact for certified B Corp companies and companies interested in the movement in the Grand Duchy. Our objectives are threefold:
- Inform and communicate about the movement in general to companies and other interested parties.
- To bring together, in close collaboration with B Lab Benelux and B Lab Europe, the active members of the B Corp community in the territory to help them create synergies and improve their impact in a collaborative spirit.
- To assist organisations wishing to enter a certification process by providing contacts and information.
If you have any questions or require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
In a format of three episodes of around 20 minutes each, listen to the testimonies of Ramborn, A beautiful Green, CDCL, Bamolux, GO TO Freedom and Innpact at the microphone of IMS Luxembourg to learn how to move your company forward day after day towards a greater sustainable future!
B Lab is a non-profit organisation that aims to transform the global economy, making the economic system more inclusive, equitable and regenerative for all. As a pioneer of systems change, B Lab creates and establishes global standards, policies, tools and programmes for business.
B Lab certifies companies, called B Corporations, that meet these standards. Currently, more than 8,000 companies in 180 industries and 92 countries can claim the B Corp label. B Corp stands for "Benefit for all". The B Corp community is made up of companies that actively contribute to the well-being of people, communities and the planet. The aim is not to be the best in the world, but the best for the world.
First steps with the B Corp tool
What is the B Impact Assessment?
The BIA (B Impact Assessment) is a free and confidential assessment tool developed by B Lab. Designed in the form of a questionnaire, it allows each company to concretely evaluate the impact of its operations and business model around five pillars: Governance, Employees, Community, Environment and Customers.
Although it is imperative to be assessed according to the BIA to obtain B Corp certification, the reverse is optional: using the tool without being forced to undergo the certification process is possible. Today, over 200,000 companies and other organisations worldwide use the BIA, of which "only" 6,000 have gone on to certification.
Why use the BIA? What's the point?
This self-assessment tool is primarily intended to give an account of the state of the company's business model, to identify the areas for improvement and to highlight the good practices and actions already taken. The results of the BIA are also helpful for advancing the CSR process and reporting.
How does it work?
The questionnaire is divided into 5 clusters, each corresponding to a specific stakeholder. Each grouping is subdivided according to the different impacts that the company has. For governance, for example, separate sections include "mission and commitment" and "ethics and transparency".
As the questionnaire is completed, the company receives a detailed score out of 200 points. Depending on the result, it is possible to identify ways of improving the good practices already in place. To go further in the process and apply for B Corp certification, a minimum of 80 points is required.
FIRST STEPS WITH THE B CORP TOOL
Example of questions asked in the evaluation
- Example Governance: What proportion of your management is evaluated in writing on its performance on social, environmental and corporate objectives?
- Example Workers: What percentage of the company is owned by full-time workers (excluding founders/directors)?
- Example Community: What percentage of the management is from under-represented populations? (This includes women, minority/previously excluded populations, people with disabilities...).
- Example Environment: Does your company monitor and record its universal waste production?
- Customer examples: How do you check that your product improves the impact of your clients' organisations?
Click on the logo to access more information about the B Corp of your choice.
The logos are ranked from the most recent B Corp to the oldest.
No, the tool is a free resource offered by B Lab. However, this should be distinct from B Corp certification, which requires an annual fee based on turnover. You do not have to be a B Corp to use the BIA.
For B Corp certification, fee schedules are available on the B Lab Europe website.
The assessment is a prerequisite for B Corp certification. Companies wishing to take this initiative must achieve a minimum score of 80 out of 200 points and are then subject to an assessment review process. More information about B Corp certification.
No, the BIA is a user-friendly tool. In addition, some organisations offer coaching on how to complete the assessment best. Another resource for completing the evaluation is the B Leaders. List of Benelux B Leaders.
For any other questions: