B Corp, one of the most well-known sustainability certifications, is tightening its standards. If you want to obtain a B Corp certification, you will need to do more. You must calculate your CO₂ footprint and gain insight into your scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. In this article, you will discover how to meet these B Corp specifications.
Context: How to become a B Corp?
The B Corp logo is appearing more frequently—on packaging, websites, and company materials. This certification, based on social and environmental standards, is rapidly gaining popularity. The Benelux region now has over 480 B Corps, and globally, there are more than 8,000.
To become B Corp certified, you must score at least 80 points on a scale of 200. These points are awarded based on social and environmental performance. Every three years, a mandatory recertification takes place to assess whether you can retain the status.
Carbon Accounting as the key to B Corp
B Lab, the organization behind B Corp, is raising the standards. It published a draft version of the new standard last year, which is likely to come into effect in 2026. This article is based on this draft. For the full details, see the official publication here.
A lot is going to change. Meeting the new requirements will be more challenging, but with the right tools, such as Carbon Accounting and the Hedgehog Carbon Platform, it becomes much easier. With Carbon Accounting, you gain control over your emissions, save costs, and effortlessly meet B Corp requirements. Later in this article, you will discover how this works.
What do these changes mean for current B Corps and companies seeking certification?
Two changes in B Corp standards stand out
1. Minimum score per Impact Category
The current threshold of 80 points will be abolished. Instead, you must achieve minimum scores within each individual "Impact Topic."
This prevents low scores in one area (such as climate) from being compensated by high scores in another (such as employee well-being). Previously, themes such as diversity and CO₂ reduction were sometimes ignored, but this is no longer possible.
The nine impact categories are:
- Purpose & Stakeholder Governance
- Workplace Culture
- Fair Wages
- Justice, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Human Rights
- Climate Action
- Environmental Stewardship & Circularity
- Government Affairs & Collective Action
- Commitment to Continuous Improvement
2. Improvement is mandatory
A second interesting change is that you must demonstrate improvements. This ensures that B Corp is not a one-time stamp, but that you continue to improve.
Previously, companies could retain their certification as long as they stayed above 80 points. From 2026, they must show that they have made concrete improvements compared to previous years. This can be done by setting measurable goals and reporting progress in areas such as CO₂ reduction, diversity & inclusion, or living wages.
With the new standard, you are required to share your progress publicly. This enhances the credibility of B Corps and prevents "greenwashing." If you cannot demonstrate that you have made improvements, the certification may be revoked.
Carbon Accounting and B Corp
Obtaining a B Corp certification requires meeting minimum requirements in various impact areas, including Climate Action. Specifically for this impact category, you must have detailed insight into your energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.
An effective method to measure and manage consumption and emissions is through Carbon Accounting. This gives you direct insight into your climate impact and allows you to take targeted reduction measures. Additionally, this directly aligns with the B Corp requirements, which obligate companies to measure their emissions, set reduction targets, and transparently report on their progress. Two for the price of one!
A detailed explanation of carbon accounting can be found here: Quantifying Sustainability: A Complete Guide to Carbon Accounting
Impact Topic 6: Climate Action
Let's zoom in on the topic of Climate Action. Previously, this category was often overlooked by companies, partly because collecting and managing the correct emission data is time-consuming. Now that you can no longer "offset" different impact topics against each other, these insights have become an essential part of B Corp certification.
You must map your CO₂ emissions and set reduction targets based on scientific guidelines, such as Science Based Targets (SBTi) or the GHG Protocol. This means that you must submit an annual emission report and make your progress transparent.
What insights do you need to meet B Corp requirements?
Based on the draft version of the B Corp standard, we outline the three requirements for the Climate Action theme
1. Annual CO₂ Measurement and independent verification according to the GHG Protocol
Companies must annually measure their total CO₂ emissions according to the GHG Protocol, divided into three scopes:
- Scope 1: Direct emissions (e.g., fuel consumption).
- Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased energy.
- Scope 3: Indirect emissions from the value chain.
What do you need to submit?
- Total emissions per scope (in metric tons of CO₂ equivalent).
- CO₂ intensity per euro of revenue.
- A description of the measurement methods and tools used.
- A statement on improvements in the accuracy of the measurements.
How do you comply?
You can choose your own measurement method as long as it complies with the GHG Protocol. For Scope 3, various methods can be used, such as estimates based on expenditures, average industry values, or data from suppliers. B Corp expects companies to continuously improve the accuracy of their measurements and transparently report on missing data.
2. A scientifically based reduction target to keep warming below 1.5°
The second requirement means that you must set targets to keep global warming below 1.5°C. You must formulate a net-zero target for 2050 and set interim targets every five years, with a significant milestone in 2030.
This applies to your direct emissions (Scope 1 and 2) and at least 90% of your indirect emissions (Scope 3). The goal is to reduce your emissions by 90%.
How do you comply?
You must share your emission data, have an official net-zero target, and show how you are reducing your emissions in the interim. You can follow recognized methods and guidelines. Carbon offsetting does not count; companies must actually reduce their emissions.
3. A climate transition plan with clear goals and reporting on progress
This requirement means that companies must have a climate transition plan to achieve their net-zero target. This plan shows how they will gradually reduce their emissions and align with the 1.5°C target. It must contain concrete actions, timelines, and resources.
How do you comply?
You must document the plan, update it regularly, and show how you are implementing it. You must measure and report progress according to recognized standards. The plan must be credible and show how your company contributes to global climate goals.
Monitor your own emissions. Use the Hedgehog Carbon Platform
Correctly collecting and managing CO₂ data is a challenge. Where do you get the data from? How do you measure emissions? How do you present the figures clearly? Hedgehog offers a practical solution: the Carbon Platform.
This online platform helps companies measure, manage, and reduce their CO₂ emissions. Whether you are just starting with sustainable entrepreneurship or already have ambitious climate goals, the platform provides the tools and guidance needed to meet B Corp requirements.
What Does the Carbon Platform Offer?
- CO₂ Measurements According to International Standards: Calculate Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions fully in line with the GHG Protocol.
- Data Analysis and Reduction Strategies: Insight into emission data and recommendations for reduction measures.
- Reporting and Compliance: Complies with CSRD, SBTi, B Corp, and other sustainability standards.
- Smooth Data Collection: Our dynamic platform ensures that you always collect available and relevant data.
- Easy Collaboration: Manage users and grant access to colleagues, accountants, auditors, consultants, etc.
- Carbon Dashboard: Identify CO₂ hotspots and implement reduction measures directly
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With the free version of the platform, you can easily enter your Scope 1 and 2 emissions and certain Scope 3 emissions (such as business travel and commuting). The pro version offers advanced features and a detailed database for in-depth analyses.
Check out the platform yourself!
Verification
To obtain a B Corp certification, emission reports must be independently verified. How Does Verification Work? Submit a copy of your most recent CO₂ report. Ensure that the report is complete and accurate. Mark the pages and signatures that show an independent party has verified the report.
Hedgehog helps
- Registration with SBTi for B Corp Certification.
- Guidance on Carbon Accounting and Reporting.
This makes it easier to meet the B Corp standard and make a real impact.
Do you want to get started with carbon accounting and prepare for the new B Corp standard? Try the free version of the Hedgehog Carbon Platform and experience the convenience!
