B Corps are a rapidly growing movement of purpose-led businesses who are driving the shift to a new kind of economy. The certification is a way of seeing the world, and leading for good.  

This year, B Corps are celebrating ‘Gen B’, the generation of people using business that is rooted in action, inspiration and a belief in doing better. This theme is one that is very closely aligned to the work we do at Triodos - as a bank we’ve been doing things differently for over 40 years.

We’re proud to be a B Corp bank

As a business founded on principles of sustainability, it was an obvious step for us to join the B Corp community. In April 2015, Triodos Bank Group was certified by B Lab following a thorough evaluation of how our practices impact our customers, stakeholders, the environment and co-workers. We’re very proud to have achieved a score of 131.3.

An audit by an independent organisation such as B Corp helps us to test our sustainable mission against strict international requirements in the field of corporate social responsibility. To certify as a B Corp, you’re also required to make a commitment to consider your company’s impact on its stakeholders, now and in the future, by building it into your legal structure.

Raising the bar

It’s important to recognise that there has been some criticism of the B Corp certification. Just last month, Dr Bronner’s, the highest-scoring B Corp, announced its departure from the certification after years of calling for reforms, citing concerns about ethical standards and transparency. Some have questioned large corporate organisations joining the movement.

B Corp’s answer to this criticism is that they believe that bigger companies also need to come on this journey, and they are introducing more rigorous standards. These new standards shift away from the previous flexible scoring system, where companies needed to achieve an overall score of 80 on the B Impact Assessment, to a more holistic model. This requires companies to meet explicit criteria tailored to their size, sector, and location across all impact topics. This includes climate action, fair work and purpose and stakeholder management.

We welcome this change, because it will ensure that all B Corps are working on positive impact across multiple areas. Previously, a good score in one part of the assessment could balance out a less good score elsewhere.

Celebrating the B Corp community

B Corp is all about community and to celebrate ten years of being a B Corp, we wanted to share the love by showcasing ten Triodos Bank customers in the UK and across Europe who are also B Corp certified. 
 
House of Hackney is a B Corp interiors brand that inspires people to protect our common home by bringing the beauty of nature into theirs. The brand is evolving from a sustainable brand to a regenerative one, actively creating positive social and economic change, and promoting the restoration and regeneration of natural resources and social systems.

Cafédirect works with independent charity Producers Direct to support more than a million farmers and their families. They developed the Farm Direct App, which connects farmers directly with buyers, boosting incomes and building resilience. Cafédirect demonstrates remarkable governance and rigorous B Corp certification standards, ensuring ethical practices throughout the supply chain.

Naïf is a Dutch babycare brand that uses ingredients of natural origin and made with the most sensitive skin in mind. Its products are made with natural ingredients that are not only good for babies’ skin, but also good for the planet. 

Forest is a London-based e-bike sharing company dedicated to providing sustainable and affordable urban mobility. By reducing traffic, air pollution, and noise, Forest is helping to create cleaner and more liveable cities. Their operations are zero emission, and they are one of the few micromobility companies globally to have B Corp accreditation.

Yumeko is a dutch company that offers a sustainable alternative for products in the bedroom and bathroom – produced without pesticides, down from live-plucked geese or exploitation of workers. Duvets, pillows, bed textiles, mattresses and towels are made with fair and sustainable materials, such as organic and Fairtrade cotton and organic wool. 

incognito® is the UK’s #1 natural insect repellent, and provides 100% natural, clinically proven protection against biting insects worldwide. Their mission goes beyond protection—sustainability is at the core of everything they do. By offering an effective, plant-based alternative to synthetic repellents, incognito® helps people stay safe from insect-borne diseases while minimising environmental impact.

Ecosia is a German non-profit technology company and search engine that plants and protects trees. As of February 2024, profits from affiliate links have been used to plant more than 200 million trees in more than 35 countries and fund other environmental projects since the company was founded in December 2009. 

Thrive Renewables is a renewable energy investment company on a mission to drive the UK's transition to a sustainable energy future. They invest in various renewable energy projects, including wind, hydro, solar PV, geothermal, and battery storage. Thrive Renewables aims to create positive environmental impact and promote the use of clean energy.

Resource Futures is a regenerative change organisation focused on high quality data collection and visualisation, consultancy support, and community action. They help their clients to rebalance their relationship with resources, change behaviours, and accelerate the shift towards a circular economy.

Ecoalf is a sustainable fashion brand and is recognised as the most environmentally responsible company in Spain in 2022 and 2023 (Merco ranking). Leading the shift towards sustainable, timeless, and functional fashion while protecting the planet’s natural resources.