The movement towards dual certification as a B Corporation and a 1% for the Planet member is gaining traction, as more organizations recognize the value of combining these two impactful commitments. Holding both certifications—referred to as B1 status—positions your organization as a leader in social and environmental responsibility. This blog explores what it means to become B1 certified, why it’s beneficial, and how your organization can achieve this status.
What is B1 Status?
B1 status is a unique designation for organizations that have achieved dual certification as both a B Corporation and a 1% for the Planet member. This status reflects a comprehensive commitment to both social and environmental responsibility, signaling that your organization not only meets high performance standards but also reinvests a portion of its revenue into environmental causes. B1 organizations are recognized for their holistic approach to impact, making them stand out in a crowded marketplace.
B1 status goes beyond just meeting standards; it embodies an organization’s dedication to aligning purpose with profit. This dual commitment enhances credibility, demonstrating to stakeholders—employees, customers, and partners alike—that your organization is serious about making a positive difference.
Why Dual Certification?
Pursuing both B Corp certification and 1% for the Planet membership creates a powerful synergy that amplifies your organization’s credibility and impact. While B Corp certification ensures your company meets rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, 1% for the Planet emphasizes direct financial contributions to environmental causes. Together, these certifications provide a balanced and comprehensive approach to impact, enhancing your organization’s reputation and appeal to conscious consumers.
In an increasingly competitive marketplace, the ability to differentiate through authentic impact commitments is invaluable. B1 status offers this differentiation by combining the strengths of both certifications, which in turn helps build trust, attract top talent, and foster deeper connections with consumers.
What Does It Mean to Be a B Corp?
B Corp certification is awarded by B Lab to organizations that meet rigorous standards of performance, accountability, and transparency. This certification evaluates various aspects of your business, including employee benefits, charitable giving, supply chain practices, and sustainability efforts. Achieving B Corp status not only builds trust with stakeholders but also connects your organization to a global community committed to positive change.
The B Corp assessment covers five key areas: Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers. By scoring well across these categories, your organization demonstrates a commitment to considering the impact of every decision on employees, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. This comprehensive approach ensures that your business operates with the highest levels of integrity and purpose.
What Does It Mean to Be a 1% for the Planet Member?
1% for the Planet membership is a pledge to donate 1% of your revenue to environmental organizations within the 1% for the Planet network. This commitment reflects a belief in reinvesting in the Earth’s resources, ensuring your business contributes to environmental preservation. Joining 1% for the Planet is straightforward, yet it sends a powerful message to consumers about your dedication to environmental stewardship.
Membership in 1% for the Planet involves a straightforward commitment: contributing at least 1% of annual sales to environmental causes. At least half of this contribution must be monetary, while the rest can be fulfilled through in-kind donations, volunteer hours, or other non-monetary contributions. This flexibility allows businesses to align their giving strategies with their unique capabilities while ensuring meaningful impact.
Synergies Between B Corp Certification and 1% for the Planet Membership
The overlap between B Corp certification and 1% for the Planet membership creates a streamlined path to maintaining both. For example, contributions to 1% for the Planet can fulfill certain B Corp assessment criteria, particularly in the areas of charitable giving and volunteerism. These contributions are recognized in the B Corp assessment, automatically placing your organization in a favorable bracket for scoring.
Additionally, volunteer hours dedicated to organizations within the 1% for the Planet network can count toward both certifications. This synergy not only simplifies the process of maintaining dual certification but also enhances your organization’s impact across multiple dimensions. Engaging with both communities fosters a deeper connection to the broader movement of socially and environmentally responsible businesses.
The Benefits of Becoming a B1
Achieving B1 status positions your organization as a leader in both social and environmental impact. It signals a comprehensive commitment to doing good, which resonates with today’s values-driven consumers. Organizations like Patagonia and New Belgium Brewing exemplify the success that comes with B1 status, earning loyal followings by prioritizing impact. For your organization, joining the ranks of B1 companies is not only a source of pride but also a strategic advantage in building a brand that stands for more than just profit.
By achieving B1 status, your organization demonstrates a robust commitment to purpose and profit. This dual certification amplifies your credibility and appeal, setting your brand apart in the eyes of consumers who prioritize ethical and responsible business practices. Additionally, being part of both the B Corp and 1% for the Planet communities offers invaluable networking opportunities, resources, and support that can help drive your organization’s impact even further.
Where to Start
Whether your organization is new to these certifications or currently holds only one, the journey to B1 status can begin today. Joining 1% for the Planet is a straightforward process, and pursuing B Corp certification can be made easier with the guidance of an impact consultant. For those interested in expanding their commitment to B Corp certification, this blog offers valuable tips to kickstart the process. Our team at Campfire Consulting is ready to assist you in achieving B1 status, ensuring your organization maximizes its impact. Contact us to learn more about how we can support your goals.
