Introduction to B Corp Certification – Business as a Force for Good

B-Corp Certification is a globally respected designation awarded to companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Administered by the non-profit B Lab, this certification redefines success in business by balancing purpose and profit—encouraging companies to operate in a way that benefits all stakeholders, not just shareholders.

Certified B Corporations (B Corps) are part of a growing movement of businesses committed to using their operations as a force for good—driving positive impact across people, planet, and prosperity.

Key Areas Assessed in B Corp Certification:

• Governance – Ethics, transparency, and accountability
• Workers – Fair wages, benefits, engagement, and well-being
• Community – Diversity, equity, inclusion, and local economic impact
• Environment – Sustainability practices, emissions reduction, and stewardship
• Customers – Responsible marketing, value creation, and privacy

To become certified, companies must:

• Complete the B Impact Assessment (BIA) and achieve a score of 80 or above
• Amend legal frameworks to consider stakeholder interests
• Undergo verification and recertification every three years

Benefits of B Corp Certification:

• Builds credibility and trust with conscious consumers and investors
• Strengthens brand identity and employee engagement
• Supports alignment with SDGs, ESG goals, and impact reporting frameworks
• Connects businesses to a global community of mission-driven organizations

With B Corp Certification, companies not only demonstrate their commitment to doing business responsibly, but also actively lead the change toward a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable economy.

Introduction

The Unilever Responsible Sourcing Audit (URSA) is a comprehensive audit framework developed by Unilever to assess and ensure that its suppliers adhere to ethical, social, environmental, and governance standards as outlined in the Unilever Responsible Sourcing Policy (RSP).

URSA is a key part of Unilever’s commitment to responsible business practices and sustainable supply chain management. It helps ensure suppliers operate in compliance with international human rights, labor, environmental, and anti-corruption standards — aligning with global frameworks such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions.

Key Highlights of URSA

1. Policy Foundation:
   Based on Unilever’s Responsible Sourcing Policy (RSP) and aligned with global ethical standards.
2. Customized Audit Tool:
   Goes beyond generic audits like SMETA, with Unilever-specific criteria and stricter thresholds on non-compliance.
3. Comprehensive Scope:
   • Labour rights: No child/forced labor, fair wages, working hours, and freedom of association.
   • Health & safety: Workplace safety, accident prevention, and employee wellbeing.
   • Environmental protection: Resource efficiency, waste management, and pollution control.
   • Business integrity: Anti-bribery, transparent practices, and fair competition.
4. Audit Process:
   • Desk review of documents.
   • On-site inspections.
   • Worker interviews (confidential and independent).
   • Corrective Action Plan (CAP) development and follow-up.
5. Risk-Based Approach:
   Suppliers are prioritized based on risk geography, industry, and historical compliance.
6. Third-Party Verified:
   Conducted by Unilever-approved, independent auditing bodies trained specifically on URSA protocols.
7. Continuous Improvement:
   URSA encourages suppliers to not only meet, but exceed compliance by promoting long-term responsible practices.