What it means to be a B Corp

In honour of our Best for the World Challenge, we’re taking a closer look at all the ways that Salt Spring Coffee strives to make a difference when it comes to sustainability. This week, what it means to be a Certified B Corporation.

What is a B Corp?

A Certified B Corporation, or B Corp for short, is a for-profit company that has been independently certified to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.

Salt Spring Coffee has been a Certified B Corp since 2010—and we renew our certification every two years. For us, being a B Corp means focusing on more than just coffee. We care about the impact we have on our workforce, our suppliers, our community and our planet.

Big-name B Corps

The B Corp movement was founded in 2006 and the very first B Corp was certified in 2007. As of January 2017, there are 2,014 B Corps in more than 130 industries and 50 countries around the globe. In Canada alone, there are 170 BCorps. Not only is the B Corp team strong and growing, it also includes some pretty big names—businesses like Ben & Jerry’s, Etsy, Kickstarter, Patagonia and Seventh Generation. Needless to say, Salt Spring Coffee is in good company.

B the change (you want to see in the world)

In fall 2016, Salt Spring Coffee was one of just 143 companies around the world named Best for the Environment in B the Change Media’s 2016 Best for the World lists. The award recognizes businesses in the B Corp community that are working hard to have a positive impact on our environment. Salt Spring Coffee scored in the top 10% based on an independent and comprehensive assessment.

It wasn’t our first time. In 2012, Salt Spring Coffee was one of just five Canadian companies whose commitment to the environment was recognized in the very first Best for the World list. As the B Corp movement grows, the bar continues to rise. Being named Best for the Environment was a huge honour then—and it’s an even bigger deal now.

What’s next for us?

As a B Corp, our work is never done. This year, B Lab—the nonprofit organization that certifies B Corps and compiles the Best for the World lists—has launched the B Corp Inclusion Challenge. The goal? To reduce inequality, improve workplace diversity and move toward a more inclusive economy.

Salt Spring Coffee has accepted the challenge. We want to: (1) improve our company culture by attracting and engaging great employees, and (2) be a leader in environmental standards for other businesses. Right now, we’re determining how best to measure our progress over time. Stay tuned for details!

What can you do?

You don’t have to be a B Corp to make a difference. If you haven’t yet joined Salt Spring Coffee’s Best for the World Challenge, there’s still time. Say no to disposable cups for 21 days for a chance to win a year’s supply of Salt Spring Coffee and six handcrafted mugs.

Take our Best for the World Challenge

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