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Becoming a Certified B Corporation has long been a gold standard for companies committed to balancing profit with purpose. As of 2026, the path to B Corp certification has evolved significantly, raising the bar for accountability, transparency, and measurable impact. Companies pursuing certification must now meet mandatory standards, demonstrate continuous improvement, and prepare for independent third-party verification.
These changes reflect a broader shift in sustainability expectations, where stakeholders increasingly demand credible, auditable proof of social and environmental performance.
What changed in B Corp certification after 2025
The most significant update is B Lab’s transition to the new standards framework (Version 2.1). This shift replaces the former points-based B Impact Assessment model with a standards-based approach.
Key updates include:
- Mandatory performance requirements across all impact areas
- Elimination of the 80-point scoring threshold
- Phased improvement expectations over time
- Independent third-party verification
Together, these changes make B Corp certification more rigorous and more aligned with global sustainability and ESG reporting standards.
From points to standards
Under the previous system, companies could offset weaker performance in one area with stronger performance in another. That is no longer the case.
Today, organizations must meet minimum requirements across 7 core impact areas, including:
- Purpose & Stakeholder Governance
- Fair Work
- Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI)
- Human Rights
- Climate Action
- Environmental Stewardship & Circularity
- Government Affairs & Collective Action
Failure to meet expectations in any required area can delay or prevent certification.
Third-Party verification is now required
Beginning in 2026, B Corp certification assessments are verified by accredited third-party auditors. This change strengthens credibility but also increases the need for accurate documentation, audit-ready data, and defensible sustainability claims.
Companies should expect:
- Longer certification timelines
- Greater documentation requirements
- Increased scrutiny of environmental and social data and ongoing actions
Continuous improvement is the new standard
B Corp certification is no longer a one-time achievement. Organizations are expected to show progress annually, with structured improvement milestones in years three and five of certification.
This approach ensures companies continue to advance their social and environmental impact rather than maintaining the status quo.
How Greenplaces supports the path to B Corp certification
Greenplaces is a Certified B Corporation, meeting the same rigorous standards required of all B Corps. Beyond certification, Greenplaces helps companies build the systems and processes needed to succeed under the new framework.
Greenplaces supports organizations by:
- Measuring and managing greenhouse gas emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3
- Aligning emissions data with B Lab standards and the GHG Protocol
- Automating data collection and impact reporting against global frameworks
- Supporting continuous improvement across impact topics
- Preparing audit-ready documentation for third-party verification
By embedding sustainability into daily operations, companies can reduce risk, improve performance, and streamline their path to B Corp certification.
Getting Started in 2026
Companies considering B Corp certification should begin by assessing their risk profile and understanding which standards apply to their size, sector, and operations. From there, building reliable data systems and clear governance structures is essential.
The earlier organizations start preparing, the more manageable the certification process becomes.
Final Takeaway
B Corp certification in 2026 reflects a new era of corporate accountability. The updated standards prioritize meaningful impact, continuous improvement, and verified performance.
With the right strategy, tools, and support, certification becomes more than a badge — it becomes a foundation for long-term business resilience and trust.
Greenplaces helps companies navigate this journey with confidence, credibility, and clarity.
