New B Corp Standards: First Impressions, Highlights, and Key Takeaways

Following the release of the new B Corp standards, this conversation highlights key changes, what remains the same, and the most important takeaways.

Join Ryan Honeyman and Emmy Allison as we unpack the process that B Lab has gone through to establish these new standards and how best to understand, apply, and maintain them. Discussing the history of B Corp standards, we explore what the next chapter might look like. You’ll learn why this update is exciting and what we can look forward to seeing as implementation begins.

Our conversation touches on climate and wage-related standards, and we talk about why, even though these regulations are already hard to meet, we should continue to raise the bar.  Join us for more. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Understanding the process B Lab has gone through to reach this point. 
• How these changes may impact the future of building a more supportive economy.
• A tool to confirm your research guidelines according to size and category. 
• How the B Impact platform works and what it can be used for. 
• What businesses must do to maintain B Corp status. 
• What has changed to allow companies to phase in new standards.
• Material involvement in industries that undermine B Lab’s theory of change.
• Regulations for extra large companies and why these are relevant considerations for everyone.
• The challenge of meeting current standards for wages and the need to continue to raise the bar.
• Meeting climate action requirements as a small company. 
• Why it is so positive that these new standards have landed.

Quotes

 “I am really excited for these standards, I really do think that they are helping us to really, truly move the needle towards an economic system that is truly for the benefit of all life.” — Emmy Allison [0:04:04]

“B Lab is not saying they’re not going to have impact business models. They’re just saying that it hasn’t happened yet just because of the need to prioritize other things.” — Ryan Honeyman [0:15:00] 

“It’s no small feat to come to collectively bargained wages and so I don’t think companies are getting off easy in this regard in any way, shape, or form, however, I look forward to continuing to raise the bar with these standards.” — Emmy Allison [0:27:41]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• B Lab’s New Standards: https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/standards/performance-requirements/
• Guidance for All B Corps Due to Recertify in 2025/2026: https://kb.bimpactassessment.net/en/support/solutions/articles/43000753161-guidance-for-all-b-corps-due-to-recertify-in-2025-2026
• B Corp Recertification Pathway Tool: https://form.typeform.com/to/wLbuVne4?typeform-source=usca.bcorporation.net
• Can Your Clients Jeopardize Your B Corp Certification: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/can-your-clients-jeopardize-your-b-corp-certification
• B Impact Assessment: https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/programs-and-tools/b-impact-assessment/
• Emmy Allison on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mnallison/
• Ryan Honeyman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanhhoneyman/

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B Corp Consultant

Interested in certifying, recertifying, or maximizing the value of your B Corp certification? Learn more about our B Corp consulting services at LIFT Economy.

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