B Corps - A Guide to Sustainable Business Practices with Jump
Introduction to B Corps
Jump has long been committed to sustainability and responsible business practices. From planting over a quarter of a million trees to contributing more than 1,000 volunteer hours to support environmental and social causes, Jump prioritises creating a positive impact. As a Living Wage employer, we ensure fair treatment of our team members and actively measure and monitor our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (a.k.a. carbon footprint) and waste management to continuously reduce our environmental impacts. We take pride in embedding sustainability into every aspect of our operations, driving continuous improvements in our positive social and environmental impact.
B Corps, short for Benefit Corporations, represents a global movement of businesses prioritising purpose and profit. These organisations meet the highest verified social and environmental performance standards, public transparency, and legal accountability. In today’s market, where consumers and stakeholders increasingly value ethical and sustainable practices, B Corp certification stands out as a badge of credibility. The certification goes beyond marketing, proving that businesses can balance profit with purpose.
For companies like Jump, aligning with B Corp values means embedding environmental and social impact into every aspect of our operations. By becoming part of this movement, we demonstrate our commitment to using business as a “force for good” and inspireothers to follow suit. Joining the B Corp community allows Jump to lead by example, influencing peers and partners to adopt similar responsible practicesand collectively contribute to a better world.
What Is a B Corp?
A B Corp is a business that balances purpose and profit. B Corps aims to positively impact society, workers, communities, and the environment, adhering to a triple-bottom-line approach: people, planet, and profit. Certification is not just about compliance; it’s about embracing a mission to create long-term value for all stakeholders.
What sets B Corps apart from traditional businesses is their holistic focus. While conventional companies primarily aim to maximise shareholder returns, B Corps strive to benefit all stakeholders, including employees, suppliers, customers, and the planet. This shift represents a broader definition of success. One that considers long-term value creation over short-term gains. B Corps are unique because they commit to transparency and legal accountability, ensuring their mission remains at the forefront of decision-making.
B Corps are held to rigorous standards of accountability and transparency. Certification, governed by the non-profit organisation B Lab, requires businesses to complete the B Impact Assessment, a detailed evaluation of their social and environmental performance across governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. This assessment ensures that certified companies genuinely embody the principles they promote.
Examples of leading B Corps include Patagonia, known for its environmental activism and sustainable products; Ben & Jerry’s, celebrated for its advocacy on social issues; Tony’s Chocolonely, committed to ending child labour in the cocoa industry; and Mindful Chef, which promotes healthy, sustainable eating. These companies exemplify how B Corps drive meaningful change while achieving commercial success. For instance, Patagonia’s efforts to repair used clothing and Ben & Jerry’s focus on fair trade ingredients highlight the transformative power of the B Corp ethos.
The growing recognition of B Corps signifies a shift in global business priorities. Companies that align their practices with ethical and sustainable values are well-positioned to thrive in an increasingly conscientious market, making B Corps the vanguard of a new economic paradigm.
The B Corp Certification Process
Becoming a Certified B Corp is a rigorous yet rewarding journey for businesses. The process ensures that only companies committed to meaningful social and environmental impact achieve certification, distinguishing them as leaders in ethical business practices. Below is an expanded overview of the eligibility requirements and steps to achieve B Corp status.
Eligibility Requirements
B Corp Certification is open to for-profit businesses of all sizes and industries, but not every company qualifies. To be eligible, businesses must demonstrate a commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability. This commitment goes beyond words; it requires real, measurable impact.
A key eligibility criterion is the requirement that companies operate for at least 12 months before applying. This ensures they have sufficient operational data to evaluate their performance against the B Corp standards. Moreover, businesses must align their values and practices with the B Corp principles of creating positive impact for all stakeholders — employees, customers, communities, and the planet — not just shareholders.
While the certification is attainable across industries, it particularly appeals to companies prioritising sustainability, equity, and stakeholder engagement. The B Corp framework provides a clear roadmap for improvement for companies in the early stages of implementing these practices, making it an ideal tool for fostering long-term impact.
Certification Steps
1. B Impact Assessment (BIA):
The certification journey begins with the BIA, a comprehensive evaluation of a company’s social and environmental performance across five key areas:
● Governance: Focuses on ethical leadership, accountability, and transparency in decision-making.
● Workers: Examines employee treatment, wages, benefits, professional development opportunities, and overall wellbeing.
● Community: Assesses the company’s economic and social contributions to local and global communities, supplier diversity, and support for underrepresented groups.
● Environment: Measures efforts to reduce environmental harm, including emissions, resource use, waste management, and sustainability initiatives.
● Customers: Evaluates the ethical considerations of the company’s products or services and their overall impact on customers.
The BIA is tailored to reflect a company’s industry, size, and geography. For example, a design and print company like Jump might focus on reducing waste and adopting eco-friendly materials, while a hospitality business might concentrate on minimising water and energy usage or promoting local economies. Completing the BIA provides actionable insights, helping companies identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth.
2. Verification Process:
After submitting the BIA, B Lab reviews the responses and verifies their accuracy through detailed documentation checks. Companies must score at least 80 out of 200 points to achieve certification. The verification process is designed to uphold the credibility of the certification and ensure that businesses meet the rigorous standards required.
3. Legal Accountability:
Certified B Corps are required to amend their governing documents to include a “mission lock.” This ensures that all decision-making considers stakeholders beyond shareholders, such as employees, communities, and the environment. The mission lock also safeguards the company’s values during leadership changes or ownership transitions, embedding purpose into its DNA.
4. Continuous Improvement:
Certification is not the end of the journey; it’s a commitment to continuous improvement. Companies must recertify every three years, providing evidence of their ongoing dedication to social and environmental progress. This requirement ensures that B Corps remain at the forefront of impact-driven business, continually evolving to meet new challenges.
The Value of Certification
The B Corp Certification process is intentionally challenging, adding to its credibility and prestige. It demands measurable, verifiable results, ensuring that only companies with genuine impact are recognised. For Jump, this process has been transformative, enhancing our operations and reinforcing our sustainability leadership role.
Certification delivers tangible benefits, including improved credibility, operational insights, and strengthened stakeholder trust. It also fosters a sense of purpose that resonates with employees, customers, and partners. Employees report higher engagement and pride in working for a certified company, while customers often choose B Corps because of their shared values.
For Jump, achieving B Corp Certification has been a powerful affirmation of our mission to use business as a force for good. The process has challenged us to innovate, build stronger connections with stakeholders, and amplify our positive impact in the design and print industry. Certification is not just a badge - it’s a commitment to continuously striving for a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable future.
Key Benefits of Being a B Corp
Achieving B Corp certification is a comprehensive commitment to balancing purpose and profit. By meeting the highest standards of social and environmental impact, businesses gain a competitive edge, foster meaningful relationships, and drive long-term success.
Becoming a B Corp is a transformative journey that offers far-reaching benefits. It enhances brand reputation, opens doors to a supportive global community, and drives operational efficiencies that translate into financial savings. Certification also positions businesses as leaders in sustainability, attracting clients, partners, and top-tier talent.
At Jump, our B Corp certification has not only strengthened our operations but also deepened our purpose. It is a testament to our dedication to creating a positive impact - both within our industry and in the broader world. For businesses looking to thrive in a values-driven market, B Corp certification is more than a credential; it’s a pathway to meaningful, sustainable success.
Here’s an in-depth exploration of the key benefits of being a B Corp:
1. Enhanced Brand Image and Credibility
In an era where consumers are increasingly values-driven, B Corp certification signals that a business is serious about sustainability and ethical practices. It reassures customers, employees, and partners that the organisation prioritises accountability, transparency, and measurable impact.
The B Corp logo serves as a trusted seal of authenticity, cutting through the noise of greenwashing and establishing credibility. This is especially important as trust in corporate claims about sustainability often remains low. For example, at Jump, the certification has strengthened client relationships by clearly communicating our commitment to meaningful, impactful actions rather than superficial promises.
A strong, values-driven brand not only attracts customers but also inspires loyalty. Research consistently shows that people are more likely to support companies whose values align with their own. This alignment amplifies brand visibility and positions the business as a leader in ethical practices.
2. Access to a Supportive and Innovative Community
Becoming a B Corp means joining a global network of over 7,000+ like-minded businesses committed to using their influence for good. This community fosters collaboration, sharing of resources, and co-creation of solutions to shared challenges.
Networking opportunities abound through events, online forums, and joint initiatives. These interactions spark innovation, enabling businesses to pool ideas and tackle pressing social and environmental issues collectively. At Jump, our partnerships with other B Corps have been transformative, opening doors to impactful projects and fostering a sense of camaraderie with businesses that share our mission. We have delivered workshops at B Local events; joined large B Corp annual meet-ups; and engaged in meaningful community engagement projects.
The community provides a platform for learning and growth. Insights from peers can help refine strategies, while the collective knowledge and expertise ensure continuous improvement. Being part of this ecosystem inspires businesses to push boundaries and set even higher standards for impact.
3.Operational and Financial Benefits
The certification process thoroughly assesses a company’s operations, encouraging improvements that often lead to cost savings and greater efficiency. Adopting sustainable practices, such as reducing energy use, optimising supply chains, and minimising waste, can significantly lower operational costs.
For instance, at Jump, incorporating eco-friendly processes has reduced our carbon footprint and delivered tangible financial benefits. Streamlining our supply chain allowed us to cut emissions while simultaneously enhancing service delivery. These operational efficiencies demonstrate that sustainability is not just a moral obligation but also a smart business decision.
Furthermore, B Corp certification helps businesses future-proof themselves by anticipating regulatory changes and market shifts towards greater sustainability. It ensures companies stay ahead of the curve, avoiding risks associated with outdated, unsustainable practices.
4. Competitive Advantage in the Marketplace
B Corp certification provides a critical differentiator in industries wheresustainability and social responsibility are increasingly prioritised. It helpsbusinesses stand out by showcasing their genuine commitment to responsiblepractices.
Certification can attract clients, customers, and partners who value ethics and transparency. Government contracts, for example, increasingly favour companies with verified sustainability credentials.
At Jump, B Corp certification has strengthened our position in the design andprint industry, where clients often look for suppliers aligned with their ownsustainability goals. In 2023, over 30% of our turnover came from impact - driven businesses - B Corps, charities, non-profits and educational institutions.
This competitive edge extends beyond winning contracts. B Corps are often seen as innovators and thought leaders in their industries, elevating their reputationand opening doors to new opportunities.
5. Talent Attraction, Retention, and Engagement
Today’s workforce, particularly younger generations, is motivated by purpose and meaningful work. Employees seek organisations that align with their values, prioritising impact over profit alone. B Corp certification signals that a company cares about making a difference, which helps attract passionate, mission-driven individuals.
At Jump, our B Corp status has been instrumental in building a skilled team that is deeply committed to our shared mission. This alignment of values fosters a sense of purpose, leading to higher employee engagement, job satisfaction, and retention.
Beyond recruitment, the certification also creates a positive workplace culture. Employees take pride in working for a company dedicated to social and environmental responsibility, which enhances morale and productivity. A strong, values-driven culture translates into a motivated workforce united in driving positive change.
6. Measuring and Demonstrating Impact
BCorp certification provides a robust framework for assessing and improving acompany’s social and environmental performance. The certification processrequires companies to track and report their impact, creating transparency and accountability.
This data-driven approach not only builds trust with stakeholders but also provides businesses with valuable insights into their operations. By understanding areasfor improvement, companies can set goals, monitor progress, and celebrate achievements. For example, at Jump, our annual impact reports have become acornerstone of our communication with clients and partners, showcasing our commitment to continuous improvement.
B Corps and Environmental Responsibility
B Corps are recognised globally for their commitment to environmental responsibility, setting the standard for sustainable business practices across industries. These organisations prioritise purpose alongside profit, embedding environmental stewardship into their core operations and driving systemic change in how businesses address sustainability.
Sustainable Practices Across Industries
B Corps demonstrate that every industry can adopt sustainable practices tailored to its unique challenges. Whether through reducing waste, sourcing sustainable materials, or minimising carbon footprints, certified businesses are committed to operating with a lighter environmental impact. For instance, some companies in the design and manufacturing sectors are adopting biodegradable materials or water-efficient production methods, while those in the food industry are focusing on reducing food waste and adopting sustainable sourcing practices.
Incorporating innovation is key to this progress. Many businesses are exploring renewable energy options, transitioning to electric fleets, or implementing closed-loop systems to minimise waste. These initiatives reflect a commitment not only to compliance but also to leadership in environmental responsibility.
Carbon Balancing and Waste Reduction
Carbon management (GHG emissions) is central to the environmental mission of B Corps. Many companies offset their emissions by investing in conservation and reforestation projects, preserving vital ecosystems and reducing atmospheric carbon. However, offsetting alone is not enough. B Corps are also committed to reducing emissions at their source. This involves improving operational efficiency, transitioning to renewable energy, and adopting cleaner technologies.
Waste reduction is another cornerstone of B Corp practices. Across industries, companies are embracing circular economy principles by designing products and processes that minimise waste and maximise resource recovery. For example, recycling rates exceeding 90% are becoming a benchmark for organisations aiming to achieve Zero Waste to Landfill. Collaborative efforts with suppliers and waste management partners ensure that materials are responsibly recycled or repurposed, further reducing environmental impact.
Encouraged Practices and Industry-Wide Change
B Corp certification encourages a comprehensive approach to environmental responsibility, offering a framework that businesses across sectors can adapt to their specific needs. Key practices include:
● Monitoring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions: Accurate measurement across Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions enables businesses to identify areas for improvement.
● Improving energy efficiency: From optimising manufacturing processes to retrofitting buildings, energy-saving initiatives reduce costs and carbon footprints.
● Water conservation: Industries like agriculture and manufacturing are exploring innovative solutions to minimise water usage and prevent pollution.
● Adopting circular economy principles: Designing for recyclability and reusability helps extend the lifecycle of products and reduces dependency on virgin materials.
These practices not only minimise harm but also empower companies to contribute positively to environmental regeneration.
Leading by Example
B Corps are reshaping the role of businesses in environmental protection, proving that profitability and sustainability can coexist. By setting ambitious targets, transparently sharing progress, and fostering collaboration, B Corps inspire change far beyond their own operations.
Industries like technology, retail, and hospitality have shown that embedding sustainability into operations not only reduces environmental impact but can also enhance customer loyalty and brand reputation. Companies that integrate these principles report improved employee satisfaction and stakeholder trust, further proving that a sustainable approach benefits both the planet and business.
Environmental leadership requires more than meeting standards - it demands innovation, collaboration, and accountability. B Corps are at the forefront of this movement, showcasing that industries of all types can thrive while driving meaningful, measurable progress toward a more sustainable future.
Social Impact and B Corps
The B Corp movement represents a profound commitment to using business as a force for good, integrating social and environmental responsibility into the fabric of organisational decision-making. Central to this ethos is the focus on creating positive social impact, reflecting how businesses treat their employees, engage with their communities, and promote equity and inclusion. B Corps are not just about profits; they are about creating value for all stakeholders, including employees, customers, and society at large.
Employee Wellbeing and Fair Labour
B Corps prioritises its employees' well-being by fostering equitable, supportive, and empowering workplaces. This includes offering fair wages, inclusive policies, and personal and professional growth opportunities. Paying fair wages and offering benefits such as healthcare, retirement savings, and paid leave are foundational elements of this commitment. B Corps invests in employee development through training programmes, mentoring, and career progression opportunities to ensure that employees feel valued and supported. By creating an environment where team members have the chance to grow, B Corps empower employees to contribute their best work and align their professional development with the company’s broader social and environmental goals.
Community Engagement
B Corps actively engage with local communities and understand the importance of creating social value beyond their immediate business operations. This commitment is demonstrated through volunteering, financial support, and partnerships with community organisations that address local needs. Many B Corps support environmental causes, such as tree-planting initiatives, ecosystem restoration projects, and sustainability education. By actively participating in these activities, businesses contribute to the restoration of local environments and help foster a stronger connection between the business and the community.
In addition to environmental work, B Corps also focus on social causes, often through educational initiatives, donations, and volunteerism. These efforts can include supporting local schools, providing educational resources, and fostering community engagement through collaborative projects that promote a more sustainable and equitable society. B Corps are committed to making a tangible, positive impact in the areas where they operate, demonstrating that businesses can thrive while giving back to the communities that support them.
Equity and Inclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are at the heart of the B Corp ethos. B Corps is committed to creating workplaces where people from all backgrounds feel valued and empowered. This commitment to equity goes beyond simply adhering to anti-discrimination policies; it involves creating systems and structures that enable all individuals to thrive. Inclusive hiring practices, fair promotion policies, and a focus on reducing barriers to participation are some of the ways B Corps work towards achieving DEI.
B Corps recognise that diverse teams bring innovative solutions and diverse perspectives, which lead to more creative and effective business strategies. Through DEI initiatives, B Corps aim to drive systemic change that improves their organisations and contributes to broader societal shifts towards greater equality and representation.
Volunteering for Social and Environmental Causes
Volunteering is a key pillar of the B Corp movement, allowing businesses to directly contribute to social and environmental causes that align with their values. B Corps actively encourages employees to volunteer their time and expertise to support initiatives that benefit the community and the environment. These initiatives might include environmental clean-ups, social outreach programmes, and efforts to reduce local poverty or support education.
By participating in these activities, B Corps fosters a sense of community within its workforce, helping employees connect with one another and feel a deeper sense of purpose in their work. Volunteering also has a positive impact on employee morale, increasing job satisfaction and overall well-being. These efforts extend beyond the company, inspiring customers, clients, and other stakeholders to engage in social and environmental causes themselves.
B Corps understand that every action counts, whether big or small, and empowering employees to volunteer, they help create lasting positive change. These efforts contribute to a sustainable and just world, where businesses strive for profit and work towards a greater social good. Through volunteering and supporting causes that matter, B Corps demonstrate that businesses can be a force for positive social and environmental change.
How B Corps Differ in Business Structure and Ethics
B Corps are distinct from traditional companies in their commitment to balancing profit with purpose. One of the key differences is the legal obligation for B Corps to consider the impact of their decisions on all stakeholders, not just shareholders. This broader stakeholder model requires businesses to account for their impact on workers, communities, the environment, and customers rather than focusing solely on maximising shareholder value. By integrating social and environmental considerations into their business strategy, B Corps align their practices with a long-term, sustainable vision rather than short-term financial returns.
This holistic approach is supported by a legal framework known as "mission lock," which ensures that companies cannot easily abandon their social or environmental goals for the sake of profit. For B Corps, maintaining a commitment to people and the planet is a core part of their business model. Unlike traditional companies, which may be more vulnerable to external pressures prioritising profits over purpose, B Corps are shielded through their certification process and legal structure.
The legal requirement for B Corps to consider social and environmental factors in their decision-making creates a framework for responsible governance. This ethical approach encourages companies to implement practices that promote sustainability and social good rather than merely meeting legal obligations or achieving financial success. The B Corp model fosters an environment of ethical leadership, where business decisions are made with a broader view of long-term societal and environmental impact, ensuring accountability at all levels of the organisation.
In essence, B Corps are not just businesses but agents of change, striving to create a positive impact while achieving sustainable profitability. By adopting a multi-stakeholder approach and integrating ethics into its core operations, B Corps demonstrate that achieving business success while serving the greater good is possible.
Why Should Businesses and Consumers Support B Corps?
The demand for sustainable and ethical business practices is growing. Consumers increasingly prefer companies that align with their values, and B Corps provide a trusted benchmark.
Supporting B Corps contributes to a larger movement for positive change. By choosing to work with or purchase from these organisations, individuals and businesses can amplify their own impact, driving momentum for systemic improvement.
Real-life examples, such as B Corps investing in renewable energy or fighting for social justice, demonstrate the tangible difference this movement makes. Together, businesses and consumers can create a more equitable and sustainable future.
The Future of B Corps and Sustainable Business
The B Corp movement is rapidly gaining momentum, driving a fundamental shift in business operations. As more organisations recognise the importance of balancing profit with purpose, the B Corp certification is becoming a powerful symbol of social and environmental responsibility commitment. Companies that are certified B Corps demonstrate that it's possible to achieve financial success while positively impacting people, communities, and the planet.
Policy changes, such as mandatory sustainability reporting, are expected to accelerate this trend in the coming years. Governments worldwide increasingly recognise the importance of transparency and accountability in corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. These changes will likely push more businesses to adopt sustainable practices and pursue B Corp certification to stand out in a competitive marketplace. As more companies follow suit, the B Corp movement will continue to reshape the future of business, encouraging others to prioritise long-term positive impact alongside short-term profits.
Evolving B Corp Standards
As the B Corp movement evolves, new standards are being developed to ensure the certification remains relevant and rigorous in an increasingly complex global landscape. These updated standards, set to be released in 2025, will reflect the growing demand for more comprehensive and meaningful business practices across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) areas.
The updated B Corp standards aim to enhance the assessment framework, ensuring that certified companies meet higher sustainability, equity, and accountability expectations. One key area of focus will be greater emphasis on climate action, requiring businesses to take more substantial steps to reduce their carbon footprints, manage resource usage, and adopt strategies for climate resilience. Additionally, there will be a stronger push for companies to demonstrate their impact on supply chain transparency and fair labour practices, ensuring that environmental and social standards are upheld within a company’s operations and across its entire network of suppliers.
Another significant change will be the integration of new metrics for measuring the long-term impact of B Corps on their communities and ecosystems. These standards will encourage businesses to surpass traditional business goals and assess their contribution to societal well-being and environmental restoration.
The 2025 B Corp standards will raise the bar for companies striving to become certified, fostering a new wave of responsible businesses that are equipped to face future challenges and lead the way in sustainability and ethical practices.
Conclusion
B Corps represent a powerful force for good, challenging the traditional definition of business success by balancing profit with purpose. These organisations are in charge of creating a more sustainable and equitable world, holding themselves accountable for their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts. Through rigorous certification processes, B Corps are recognised for their commitment to transparency, sustainability, and ethical practices, setting new benchmarks for responsible business.
At Jump, we’re incredibly proud to be part of this growing movement. Our dedication to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and ethical business practices is integral to everything we do. From implementing sustainable waste management practices and measuring carbon emissions to ensuring that our supply chain meets high moral standards, we are committed to making a positive difference. We believe that businesses have the power to transform industries and communities for the better.
By supporting B Corps, you’re choosing quality and helping drive meaningful, long-term change in your community and beyond. When you choose Jump, you can be confident that you're partnering with an organisation that aligns with your values, balancing business success with a genuine commitment to making the world a better place.
Learn more about our sustainability efforts and discover how Jump combines quality and responsibility to deliver exceptional design and print services.
