In today's world, where the sustainability and the corporate social responsibility are increasingly relevant issues, the organization B Lab stands out as a benchmark in the promotion of ethical and sustainable economy.
Founded 17 years ago in the United States by three friends with a broader business vision, this organization has expanded its reach globally, promoting an economy where companies not only seek financial success, but also share to build a more just and equitable world.
Since its inception, B Lab has insisted on the importance of measuring the economic, social and environmental impact of companies. Its assessment tool, used by more than 8,200 companies in 96 countries, has evolved over time to reflect more demanding standards.
This evaluation, based on a digital questionnairenot only helps companies to measure their impact, but also to identify areas for improvement in order to obtain the coveted certification as Company B o B Corp.
Javier Herrerodirector of System B MexicoThe company emphasizes that this certification goes beyond superficial corporate social responsibility, encompassing aspects such as the governancethe labor and community relationsthe environmental impact and the customer satisfaction. Once certified, companies must renew their certification every three years, which implies a continuous commitment to improvement.
"We are currently working on what will be a new evolution, on a global open consultation so that the different audiences of interest can give their feedback," he says.
The benefits make it worthwhile
Companies such as SAD GroupThe company, dedicated to the printing of packaging, has undergone significant transformations to obtain and maintain certification as a Company B.
Although the process can be long and costly, the long-term benefits, such as employee retention and attracting conscientious customers, make it worthwhile, its founder says. Alejandro Perez.
"We have always been committed to this issue and to the community. That interest led us to have the best practices. We had good practices, but achieving the first certification took us two and a half years," he says.
Grupo SAD has internal recycling systems to collect rainwater and reduce consumption, and invested in equipment to regulate the voltage of its electronic equipment to reduce energy consumption, among other things.
In the case of Viva Beachan eco-friendly hotel located in the village of Juluchucanear Ixtapa-Zihuatanejoin Guerrerocertification as a Company B has validated its commitment to the environment and the community.
David LeventhalThe operating director explains that Playa Viva was born in 2008 as a green, ecological, sustainable and regenerative hotel, so it already had in its DNA the philosophy of environmental care and positive social impact promoted by the B Companies.
"Regenerative is doing even less harm than sustainable, (but) you have to check everything you say you have and do, and the more you say you do, the more you have to check," he stresses.
They began the process and obtained certification in January 2023. Although the process was rigorous, recognition as a sustainable company has attracted more clients and facilitated access to investment to expand, notes Leventhal.
Javier Herrero says that certification not only validates the commitment of the companies with the sustainabilityThe company's business model is not only a cost-effective one, but also provides tangible long-term benefits, both in terms of reputation and profitability. B Lab is a key driver in the transformation towards a more ethical and sustainable economy globally.
Source: El País
