Organisations aiming for or maintaining B Corp certification are committed to balancing profit with purpose.
Organisations targeting or maintaining B Corp certification are required to demonstrate responsible social and environmental practices. Under the updated April 2025 standards, the assessment framework emphasises mandatory minimum performance across several Impact Topics, including Climate Action and Environmental Stewardship & Circularity.
Meeting B Corp Standards
To become B Corp certified, companies must demonstrate responsible environmental practices, including how they measure and manage their carbon footprint. Carbon accounting provides the data needed to assess emissions across operations, supply chains, and products.
As of April 2025, instead of using the points system, businesses must now meet baseline expectations in every one of the nine Impact Topics which include Climate Action, Environmental Stewardship & Circularity. It is worth noting current B Corps have been allocated a grace period to allow time for transitioning to the new standards.
Companies must develop a climate action plan aligned with limiting warming to 1.5 °C, disclose GHG emissions (Scope 1 & 2 for all, Scope 3 for many), and, where required, set science-based targets. Carbon accounting is therefore not optional but a core component of meeting the certification criteria.
Driving Continuous Improvement
Carbon accounting isn’t just about reporting—it’s about identifying opportunities for improvement. B Corps are expected to continuously reduce their environmental impact. By tracking emissions over time, businesses can set science-based targets, monitor progress, and implement meaningful changes such as switching to renewable energy, reducing travel emissions, or improving supply chain sustainability.
Enhancing Credibility and Trust
B Corp certification signals a commitment to transparency and accountability. Carbon accounting reinforces this by providing verifiable data that backs up sustainability claims. It helps avoid greenwashing and builds trust with stakeholders, including customers, investors, and employees who value climate-conscious brands.
Aligning with Global Movements
B Corps often align with initiatives like Net Zero, Race to Zero, or set science-based targets. Carbon accounting is foundational to participating in these movements and demonstrating leadership in climate action.
Want to know more?
Our Virtual Finance Office (VFO) offers a streamlined carbon accounting service tailored to startups and growing businesses. Whether you’re looking to attract investors, reduce costs, or build a sustainable brand, our team makes it easy to access insightful data for your business to achieve its ESG goals. Get in touch today to learn how our Virtual Finance Office can help your business take the first step toward a low-carbon future.
