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In a world where corporate social responsibility (CSR) is becoming increasingly important, the B Corp label stands out as a mark of credibility and commitment for Swiss organizations. Launched in 2006 in the United States and introduced in Switzerland in 2017, this label certifies companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and legal responsibility.
In Switzerland, CSR is no longer an option, but a necessity. Consumers, investors and employees expect companies to play an active role in resolving social and environmental challenges. In this context, the B Corp label offers a unique opportunity for Swiss organizations to demonstrate their commitment to a sustainable and responsible business model.
Key points of the article
What is the B Corp label?
The B Corp label, short for “Benefit Corporation”, is much more than just a certification. It’s a global movement that aims to redefine corporate success by placing positive impact on society and the environment at the heart of its mission.
To achieve B Corp certification, a company must go through a rigorous assessment process called the B Impact Assessment. This assessment examines five key areas: governance, employees, community, environment and customers. Companies must achieve a minimum score of 80 points out of 200 to be eligible for certification.
Certification criteria are demanding and cover a wide range of practices. For example, in the area of governance, the company must demonstrate financial transparency and ethical decision-making. For the environment, it must demonstrate its efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and manage waste. Employee well-being, community involvement and customer satisfaction are also assessed in depth.
Benefits of the B Corp label
International reach and worldwide recognition
B Corp certification offers international recognition and visibility, which is particularly advantageous for Swiss companies with global ambitions. With more than 8,000 certified companies in 96 countries, the B Corp label has become a globally recognized standard for excellence in sustainability and corporate social responsibility. This international recognition can open up new business opportunities, facilitate entry into new markets and reinforce your company’s credibility with international partners and customers. What’s more, B Corp certification enables you to benchmark and align yourself with global best practice in CSR, helping you to remain competitive and innovative on the international stage.
Increased credibility and confidence
Obtaining the B Corp label considerably a company’s credibility with all its stakeholders. In Switzerland, where trust is a fundamental business value, this certification acts as an independent seal of approval. It demonstrates that your company does more than just talk about sustainability: it takes concrete, measurable action.
For example, Ethos Services, a Swiss sustainable investment consultancy, recently successfully obtained its B Corp re-certification. This recognition strengthens the company’s position as a leader in the field of responsible investment and consolidates the confidence of its clients.
Access to an international community
By becoming a B Corp, your company joins a global network of over 8,000 certified companies in 96 countries. In Switzerland, more than 100 companies are already part of this dynamic community. This network offers unique opportunities to collaborate, learn and share best practices with like-minded companies.
The Swiss Impact Forumorganized annually by B Lab Switzerland, is a concrete example of the strength of this community. This event brings together B Corp business leaders and other committed players to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with positive corporate impact.
Market differentiation
In an increasingly competitive Swiss market, the B Corp label gives you a clear competitive edge. It signals to consumers, investors and business partners that your company adheres to the highest standards of social and environmental performance.
This differentiation can be translated into tangible commercial advantages. Here are some examples, Tipee SAa Swiss SME that creates software, has seen an increase in interest from customers and potential partners since obtaining its B Corp certification.
Attracting and retaining talent
Employees, especially the younger generations, are increasingly attracted to companies with meaning and positive impact. The B Corp label is a strong signal to potential talent that your company is committed to a mission that goes beyond mere profit.
In Switzerland, where the war for talent is particularly intense in certain sectors, this ability to attract and retain the best people can make a significant difference. B Corp companies often report an increase in employee commitment and satisfaction, which translates into higher productivity and lower turnover.
Swiss case studies
Several Swiss companies have already opted for the B Corp label and are reaping the rewards. Here are a few inspiring examples:
Globalance Bank
This Zurich-based private bank obtained B Corp certification in 2015. It found that the label enhanced its credibility with customers concerned about the impact of their investments. “B Corp certification underlines our message that the financial industry can be a powerful catalyst towards economic sustainability.” says Reto Ringger, founder and CEO of Globalance Bank.
Baabuk
This sustainable footwear company based in Lausanne will be certified in 2019. For Baabuk, the B Corp label was a way of structuring and formalizing its commitment to sustainability. “We feel honored to be part of the B Corp movement. The community is a true guide and companion on the path to continuous improvement in our efforts for people, planet and products.” explains Dan Witting, co-founder of Baabuk..
Too Good To Go
This app for combating food wastewhich has been present in Switzerland since 2018, was awarded B Corp certification in 2020. For Alina Swirski, Country Manager of Too Good To Go SwitzerlandB Corp is a powerful way of demonstrating that we care about the effect we have on the world. We fight food waste and sustainability is at the heart of our business. We’re also growing fast, and B Corp is a useful framework for ensuring that we maintain that sustainability.”
These examples show the diversity of Swiss companies that have chosen the B Corp route, from innovative start-ups to established financial institutions.
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Certification process
Achieving B Corp certification is a rigorous process that takes time and commitment. Here are the key steps:
- Initial assessment Start by completing the online B Impact Assessment. This free tool allows you to assess your company’s current performance in five key areas.
- Practice improvement Based on the assessment results, identify areas for improvement and implement actions to increase your score.
- Check Once you have reached the minimum score of 80 points, submit your evaluation for verification. The B Lab team will examine your answers in detail and request additional evidence if necessary.
- Modification of articles of association To obtain certification, you need to amend your company’s articles of association to include a commitment to stakeholders.
- Certification If all the conditions are met, your company obtains B Corp certification, valid for three years.
In terms of costs, B Lab has recently revised its pricing structure. Annual certification fees now range from 2,000 to 50,000 euros, depending on company sales. For small Swiss companies, this represents a significant but affordable investment, especially in view of the potential benefits.
The time required to obtain certification varies considerably according to the size and complexity of the company, as well as its initial level of CSR performance. On average, the process can take from 6 to 12 months.
Why now?
The time has never been better for Swiss companies to consider B Corp certification. Several trends are converging to make sustainability a strategic imperative:
- Increasing regulatory pressure: Switzerland is gradually tightening up its extra-financial reporting requirements. Although less restrictive than in the EU, this trend is pushing companies to formalize their CSR practices. B Corp certification can help you anticipate these regulatory changes.
- Consumer expectations: Swiss consumers are increasingly aware of sustainability issues. According to a Deloitte study, 30% of Swiss consumers have changed their purchasing habits for environmental reasons. The B Corp label is an effective way of communicating your commitment to these conscious consumers.
- Investor pressure: ESG criteria (Environment, Social, Governance) are becoming increasingly important in investment decisions. B Corp certification can help you attract responsible investors and access new sources of financing.
- War for talent: In a tight labor market, companies that demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability have an edge in attracting and retaining top talent.
- Resilience in the face of crisis: The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of corporate resilience. B Corp companies, with their holistic approach to performance, have often weathered economic turbulence better.
By choosing to undertake the B Corp certification process now, you position your company at the forefront of these trends, ready to seize the opportunities and meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
To conclude...
The B Corp label is more than just a certification. It’s a deep commitment to a business model that balances profit with positive impact. For Swiss companies, whether innovative startups or established players, the B Corp label offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate their leadership in sustainability.
The benefits are many: enhanced credibility, access to a dynamic international community, market differentiation and a major asset in attracting and retaining talent. Examples from Swiss companies such as Globalance Bank, Baabuk and Too Good To Go show that the B Corp label can be adapted to a variety of sectors and company sizes.
Admittedly, the certification process requires time, resources and a real commitment. But in a context where sustainability is becoming a strategic imperative, this investment can prove crucial to your company’s long-term survival and success. Don’t hesitate to ask for support!
B Corps label FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the B Corp label and their answers:
Is the B Corp label suitable for small Swiss companies and start-ups?
Yes, the B Corp label is available to companies of all sizes. Although the process may seem daunting for smaller structures, many Swiss start-ups and SMEs have already achieved certification. B Lab offers resources and support tailored to small businesses. What's more, the process itself can be beneficial in structuring and improving your practices right from the start of your business.
What's the difference between the B Corp label and other sustainability certifications?
The B-Corp label stands out for its holistic approach, which evaluates all of a company's practices, not just one specific aspect as is the case with some environmental certifications. It also requires a legal commitment to consider the impact on all stakeholders. What's more, B-Corp is an international certification, offering global recognition, unlike some national labels.
How is the B Corp label perceived by Swiss consumers?
Although awareness of the B-Corp label is growing, it is not yet as high in Switzerland as in some other countries. However, Swiss consumers are becoming increasingly aware of sustainability issues. B-Corp-certified companies have the opportunity to educate their customers about the meaning and importance of this certification, thereby reinforcing their image as a responsible brand.
Can a company lose its B Corp certification?
Yes, a company can lose its B Corp certification if it fails to maintain the required standards. Certification must be renewed every three years, which means retaking the full assessment. If a company fails to achieve the minimum score, or fails to meet its commitments, it can lose its certification. This rigorous approach ensures that the label remains credible and meaningful.
How does the B Corp label fit into the internationalization strategy of a Swiss company?
The B Corp label can be a valuable asset for Swiss companies aiming for international expansion. It offers global recognition of your sustainable practices, which can facilitate entry into new markets where consumers and business partners are sensitive to these issues. In addition, the international B Corp network can provide valuable contacts and collaboration opportunities in different countries.
