How we develop the B Lab Standard
Learn more about B Lab Standards governance, our oversight processes, and how we ensure our standards stay rigorous and trustworthy.
How B Lab sets standards
B Lab Standards governance
The B Lab Standards define leading social, environmental, and governance impact management practices. Keeping our standards relevant, equitable, and compliant with international best practices starts with robust governance. Our standards are overseen by an independent, multi-stakeholder council, with support from advisory and working groups, and a dedicated in-house B Lab Standards team.
The B Lab Standards V2
Evolving our standards is something that B Lab has always done, to ensure they remain a powerful catalyst for change, directly addressing the world’s most pressing and rapidly shifting social, environmental, and governance challenges. We develop and update the standards according to best practices, rigorous research, and diverse stakeholder input. The B Lab Standards V2, published in April 2025, are the biggest rewrite of the standards in our history, developed to mobilize businesses against urgent global crises and drive measurable, high-impact action.
Who is responsible for developing the B Lab Standards?
The Standards Advisory Council (SAC) is responsible for reviewing and endorsing the B Lab Standards, supported by the in-house B Lab Standards Team. The SAC is made up of members from backgrounds in business, government, academia, and the nonprofit sector, and are appointed by the B Lab Board, who holds final approval of the standards. The SAC is also supported by working groups and advisory groups, who contribute specific technical or regional expertise.
Who is responsible for developing the B Lab Standards?
The Standards Advisory Council (SAC) is responsible for reviewing and endorsing the B Lab Standards, supported by the in-house B Lab Standards Team. The SAC is made up of members from backgrounds in business, government, academia, and the nonprofit sector, and are appointed by the B Lab Board, who holds final approval of the standards. The SAC is also supported by working groups and advisory groups, who contribute specific technical or regional expertise.
How often are the B Lab Standards reviewed and updated?
The B Lab Standards are reviewed regularly to check they continue to be relevant and effective. Minor revisions, such as factual corrections, clarifications, or administrative updates, are undertaken by the B Lab Standards Team no more than once every six to twelve months. Major revisions, meaning any substantial changes, are likely to be released at least every five years, and require endorsement by the Standards Advisory Council and B Lab Board final approval. This may be more frequent after the release of V2, due to a heightened period of feedback and learning.
How often are the B Lab Standards reviewed and updated?
The B Lab Standards are reviewed regularly to check they continue to be relevant and effective. Minor revisions, such as factual corrections, clarifications, or administrative updates, are undertaken by the B Lab Standards Team no more than once every six to twelve months. Major revisions, meaning any substantial changes, are likely to be released at least every five years, and require endorsement by the Standards Advisory Council and B Lab Board final approval. This may be more frequent after the release of V2, due to a heightened period of feedback and learning.
Explore the standards in full
Download the B Lab Standards V2 here and get to know the Impact Topics.