A framework for VSME x B Corp

Sustainability certifications such as B Corp are increasingly moving towards European legislation. B Corp has recently updated its standards: the pillars have been adjusted and you now have to achieve a minimum score on all of them. Compensation with outstanding scores for lower scores is no longer possible. 

These new B Corp pillars fit in well with the European VSME framework: a reporting format for SMEs that voluntarily want to be transparent about their sustainability. This information is increasingly requested by customers, banks, investors or parties in the value chain. 

However, there is still no integrated framework that combines both approaches. TOSCA offers a solution for this:

A method that connects B Corp certification requirements and VSME reporting in a five-step plan for an impact report.

The benefits
B Corp and VSME deal with the same kind of sustainability themes, such as water, energy consumption, fair wages, circularity and governance, but each offer its own benefits:

• B Corp shows that you are part of a global network of companies that focus on positive impact. It puts you on the map with potential customers, partners and talent.
• VSME offers a structured and numerical reporting format that inspires confidence among investors, banks and large buyers.

By combining both frameworks into one Impact Report:

• Increase the value of your B Corp certification – provide insight into what you actually do.
• You substantiate your initiatives with data, KPIs and policy – you increase the VSME's standardized data.
• It creates a credible message to your stakeholders – doing good and showing good are two different things. 

Five steps to an integrated impact report

1. Determine your ambition - Determine which B Corp requirements apply to your company and whether you want to prepare a basic or comprehensive VSME report.
2. Compare the frameworks - Compare the VSME and B Corp requirements. This way you can see where there is overlap and where the differences are.
3. Choose what you want to report - Decide which themes you want to include in your report. This also includes a choice between reporting "VSME compliant" or writing an Impact Report with VSME elements.
4. Conduct a gap analysis - Make an inventory of which policy documents, data or evidence are missing and what steps are needed to complete them.
5. Collect content and write the report - Collect all content and translate it into a clear story. Formulate your public message to customers, partners and financiers. 

What are the results?

• A complete framework for an impact report that (partially) meets the transparency requirements of the VSME and at the same time builds on the action-oriented requirements, ambitions and insights from the B. Corp certification.
• Strengthening your B. Corp certificate through substantiated reporting that shows that you not only claim sustainability, but also make it transparent.
• A strategic communication tool towards customers, partners, financiers and investors.

Curious about what we can do for your organization? 
Please contact: Nicolette Loonen | +316 53288506 | nicolette@toscatribe.nl