B Corp Certification vs Ecovadis vs ISO 14001
Introduction
With heightened concern over climate change, resource depletion, and social inequalities, consumers, investors, and regulatory bodies are placing greater emphasis on corporate responsibility.
As a result, businesses are recognising the need to demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship, ethical labor practices, and community engagement through formal certifications. These certifications not only serve as badges of credibility but also provide tangible benefits such as enhanced brand reputation, access to new markets, and improved stakeholder relationships.
Three of the most widely known of these certifications are B Corp, EcoVadis and ISO 14001.
Although they all are driving towards a common goal of sustainability in business, they differ slightly in their audience and use cases. This article will explain their differences and help you decide which is best for your organisation.
Certification Descriptions
B Corp Certification
B Corp certification is awarded to companies that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Administered by the non-profit organization B Lab, the certification process evaluates various aspects of a company's operations, including its impact on workers, customers, community, and the environment.
EcoVadis
EcoVadis is a leading provider of sustainability ratings and performance improvement tools for global supply chains. Their platform assesses the environmental, social, and ethical performance of companies across various industries. EcoVadis evaluates companies based on international sustainability standards and criteria, including environmental impact, labor practices, human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. They then receive a scorecard with badges and medals awarded to businesses acheiving high standards
ISO 140001
ISO is the International Organization for Standardization. Among the three certifications, this one stands out as the most unique. It is focussed on environmental topics only and evaluates the business processes involved in measuring environmental impact, rather than directly assessing the environmental impacts of your business operations themselves. The process involves developing an Environmental Management System (EMS) to set requirements, then being audited by ISO accredited organisations.
B Corp vs EcoVadis
B Lab and EcoVadis both advocate for the idea that businesses should be agents of positive change. They share a commitment to facilitating companies' transition to sustainability and acknowledge and support those leading the charge in this transition.
Both organisations envision an economic system and marketplace where companies operate sustainably and contribute positively to people, communities, and the planet. They are dedicated to empowering businesses to enhance their practices through sustainability ratings, certifications, and additional tools offered.
The main differences between B Corp Certification vs EcoVadis:
Outcomes: EcoVadis will provide a scorecard regardless of performance on sustainability criteria, but B Lab (the B Corp certifying body) will only award the certification to the highest performing businesses
Use: With B Corp Certification businesses can use the B Impact Assessment, to manage, compare, and improve their company’s positive impact performance. In addition to this, EcoVadis’ engagement platform also allows users to collaborate with their value chain partners to continuously improve their sustainability practices.
Summary Table Information
We have summarised information on topics, question information and certification processes in the table below.
(Click to enlarge or download)
For more information, or if you are looking for support with any of the above certifications, please reach out at enquiries@evolvconsultants.co.uk
