Q&A with Ally Hellenga: What does it mean to be a B Corp?

We are beyond excited that we recently earned our official B Corporation (B Corp) certification! This makes us only the 16th brewery in the country to achieve the certification. We’re proud to join over 4,000 for-profit companies committed to being a force for good by using the power of business to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. B Corps meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.  
 
Our incredible team got us here through their relentless efforts to make our company and community better. Becoming a B Corp means that we celebrate what we do well while staying focused on what we can continuously improve. 
 
Check out our Q&A with Community Manager Ally Hellenga if you’re curious to learn more about B Corp and why we pursued the certification.  

“Going through the B Corp certification process is not an easy feat. Obtaining this status is difficult for all the right reasons and that’s why we wanted to put the time and energy behind it.”
– Ally Hellenga Creature Comforts’ Community Manager

What is a B Corp? 

According to B Lab, the third-party certifying authority, B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. In short, a B Corp is a business that is a force for good. B Corp status is similar to what Fair Trade certification is for coffee, or LEED certification is for green construction. 

How does a company become a certified B Corp? 

B Corp Certification is the only third-party evaluation that measures a company’s entire social and environmental performance. There are two components to certification: Completing the B Impact Assessment and meeting the legal requirements. 
  

• Complete the B Impact Assessment: This is a 200-question survey that evaluates how a business model and operations impact employees, community, customers, and the planet. From our supply chain to community initiatives to employee benefits, B Corp Certification proves we are meeting the highest standards of excellence across the board. There are 200 available points in this assessment, and a company needs at least 80 for certification. 
• Meet the legal requirements: This certification commits our company to consider long-term stakeholder impact by incorporating it into our legal structure. 

Why did Creature Comforts pursue this certification?  

We believe that good companies are good citizens. We’ve always been deeply committed to our employees, communities, and the planet. Ultimately, these self-imposed guidelines will ensure that we measure our success with even greater transparency and accountability. The rigor of B Corp standards will also continually challenge us to uphold our values of “Making It Better” and “Leaving a Legacy.” 

Still curious about our B Corp certification? Learn more on our B Impact Report here.