Behind the scenes: Nexio Projects’ journey through B Corp recertification 

In 2019, Nexio Projects achieved a significant milestone: our first B Corp certification. This recognition validated our commitment to using business as a force for good. As any sustainability-focused organisation knows, the journey does not end there. Fast forward to 2024, and we found ourselves at the threshold of recertification. The excitement was palpable as our team gathered to embark on this crucial process. Our recertification journey pushed us to scrutinise our practices, celebrate our achievements, and identify areas for growth. As we navigated the complexities of the B Corp assessment, we uncovered valuable insights and strategies that not only strengthened our own practices but could also benefit other organisations on similar paths. Our experience reaffirmed that B Corp certification is more than a badge – it is a continuous commitment to improvement and positive change. 

Setting the stage: Planning and structure 

Our first step was to establish a clear structure for the recertification process. Drawing inspiration from previous successful projects, we created a dedicated project board on Monday.com. This allowed us to quickly implement a process with which we were already familiar. Key to this stage was defining roles and responsibilities. We also established a realistic timeline, aiming to complete the recertification well ahead of the deadline. The earlier you start, the better. 

• Tip: Utilise existing frameworks – adapt templates or project structures that you’ve successfully used in other sustainability initiatives. This saves time and leverages your team’s existing knowledge. 

Teamwork and collaboration: Making it all work 

Collaboration was essential to our recertification process. Key team members took ownership of specific areas, ensuring a thorough and accurate assessment. In general, it is critical to have a well-established team where all team members can easily contribute and communicate effectively. Giving this right is critical for team happiness. We scheduled an internal kick-off call to align everyone on objectives, timelines, and individual responsibilities. This call involved many people within our company and was essential for keeping everyone on the same page. We created dedicated Slack channels to ensure seamless communication, quick updates, and efficient problem-solving throughout the project. This helps to build a positive atmosphere where all members are supported and recognised. 

• Tip: Foster cross-departmental connections. Use the B Corp process as an opportunity to involve teams from different areas of the company, breaking down silos and fostering a shared sense of purpose. This builds trust and shared ownership. 

Key challenges and lessons learned 

Our experience has shown that even with meticulous planning, unexpected challenges are inevitable. The key to success lies in our ability to adapt swiftly and effectively. We adopted an agile approach to navigate these challenges, breaking down the recertification process into manageable sprints. This allowed us to: 

1. Respond quickly to new information or changing requirements 

2. Reprioritise tasks based on emerging insights 

3. Continuously improve our approach through regular retrospectives 

Our agile mindset extended beyond project management. We found that flexibility in our thinking was equally crucial. When faced with complex assessment questions, we encouraged our team to approach problems from multiple angles, often leading to innovative solutions that strengthened our overall impact. 
Ideas:  

• “Agile impact sprints”: Organise short, focused sprints dedicated to specific B Corp assessment areas. This allows for quick pivots and reprioritisation based on emerging challenges or opportunities. 

• “Adaptive assessment hour”: Schedule a weekly hour where the team involved in the assessment comes together to address the most pressing B Corp-related challenges, allowing for real-time problem-solving and resource reallocation. 

Results and future plans 

We proudly achieved an overall score of 117.9. This score significantly surpasses the median score of 50.9 for ordinary businesses that complete the assessment and well exceeds the 80-point threshold required for B Corp certification. Our strong performance across key areas such as Governance (19.9), Workers (34.3), Community (24.5), Environment (12.4), and Customers (26.6) reflects our holistic approach to sustainability and social responsibility. This result not only validates our efforts but also motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a purpose-driven business in today’s world. 

Conclusion: Embracing the B Corp commitment 

At Nexio Projects, B Corp recertification is more than just a tick-box exercise; it’s a reflection of our core values and our commitment to using business as a force for good. By embracing transparency, fostering collaboration, and continually striving for improvement, we’re not just meeting the B Corp standards —we’re embodying them. Do you need support with your B Corp assessment? Is B Corp certification right for your company? Let’s talk. Contact us today to learn more! 

As part of our journey, we’re thrilled to be collaborating towards becoming a B Local in South Holland with Salacia Solutions and Verstegen. If you’re a fellow B Corp in the South Holland region, we’d love to connect!  

From our sustainability blog, you can read more about the ‘what, why and how’ of B Corp certification. Additionally, if you are curious about the differences between EcoVadis and B Corp certification, and which is the better fit for your organisation, this article is for you.