Last updated
Last updated
It is important for organizations to promote well-being, equity, and resilience by assessing the social and community impact of their real estate portfolios on surrounding communities. Assessing social impact and equity within the built environment landscape serves as a foundation to sustainability because it ensures the effects of climate change and associated environmental harms are not displaced to underrepresented peoples. It also ensures the benefits of sustainable development are shared fairly among all segments of society, fostering social cohesion and stability.
Organizations with real estate portfolios can begin by investigating how their current actions create an impact and begin to make changes to address diversity, inclusion, accessibility, community engagement, environmental justice, empowerment and agency, health and well-being, and other critical issues.
Organizations that assess their social and community impacts, take steps to address those impacts and prioritize equitability contribute to inclusive communities in the areas in which they develop and operate.
Three metrics are available in the “Social Impact” category:
To promote well-being, equity, and resilience in communities surrounding a property or portfolio.
Social and Community Impact Assessment
The process of assessing and managing the intended and unintended social and community impacts, both positive and negative, of a real estate portfolio.
Percent or number of properties where a Social and Community Impact Assessment was completed.
Performance Approach A (absolute performance): Verification of the number or percentage of properties where a Social and Community Impact Assessment was completed across the defined portfolio in the reporting year.
Performance Approach B (performance change): Verification of the change from a baseline year in the percentage of properties where a Social and Community Impact Assessment was completed across the defined portfolio.
Provide the total number of properties within the portfolio where a Social and Community Impact Assessment was completed for the reporting year (Performance Approach A) and for the reporting year and baseline year (Performance Approach B).
Describe the methodology and/or any specific standard or framework used to complete the Assessments. Some acceptable industry standards and frameworks include:
Environmental and Social Management System | IUCN
The Social and Community Impact Assessments should include:
Identification of key goals (such as quality of life for local residents, fostering economic opportunities, or reducing negative social impacts) and social equity issues for the assessments (such as affordability, accessibility, inclusivity, health and wellness, community engagement, workforce impacts, diversity and representation, etc.).
Identification of and engagement with stakeholders.
Description of local context per each location included in the impact assessment. Local context can include qualitative and/or quantitative variables describing the social profile of a location, such as:
Demographics. For example, race and ethnicity, gender, age, income, employment rate, population density, education levels, household types and identification of nearby vulnerable populations.
Local Infrastructure and Land Use. For example, adjacent transportation and pedestrian infrastructure, adjacent diverse uses, relevant local or regional sustainability goals/commitments and applicable accessibility code(s).
Human Use and Health Impacts. For example, housing affordability and availability, availability of social services (e.g., healthcare, education, social support networks, etc.), community safety, local community groups, and supply chain and construction workforce protections.
Occupant Experience. For example, opportunity for daylight, views, and operable windows, environmental conditions of air and water, adjacent soundscapes, lighting, and wind patterns within the context of surrounding buildings (microclimate, solarscape, neighboring structures).
Other aspects: For example, economic status and safety statistics.
Identification and assessment of positive and negative social impacts, including benefits, opportunities and risks.
Description of methodology for data collection and assessment.
Development of programs or actions in response to the risks identified by the assessment.
Portfolio-Level Documentation:
Policies: If applicable, provide documentation (such as a narrative, policies, reports, letter from CEO, etc.) indicating the participating organization’s commitment to completing Social and Community Impact Assessments, including any specific targets and goals.
Assessment Methodology: Provide documentation describing portfolio-level procedures outlining the steps that the organization took to complete the Social and Community Impact Assessments across its portfolio. Include:
Frameworks or standards that were used for completing the assessments.
Information about the teams responsible for conducting the impact assessment, implementing actions identified as an outcome of the impact assessment and/or details of how quality control was maintained for the assessment (e.g., if it was completed in consultation with a third-party expert, if there were feedback mechanisms included in the process, etc.).
Description of methodology for data collection and assessment.
Copy of any template checklists used to complete the assessments in a consistent manner.
Property-Level Documentation:
Property-Level Data: Indicate the properties for which a social and community impact assessment was completed for the reporting year (Performance Approach A) and baseline year and reporting year (Performance Approach B) utilizing the PERFORM Property-Level Data Form provided. Alternative documentation (such as spreadsheets prepared for other reporting entities or internal tracking sheets etc.) may be provided if it includes the same information as the PERFORM Property-Level Data Form.
Property-Level Sample Documents: Provide completed Social and Community Impact Assessments for a representative sample of SQRT(n) properties, where ‘n’ is the total number of properties in the portfolio. A list of properties selected for sampling will be provided during the portfolio creation process via the Multiple Property Upload Template. Each Social and Community Impact Assessment submitted must clearly state:
The name and address of the property included in the assessment. Ensure the property is included in the Property-Level Data Form.
The date that the assessment was completed. Ensure the assessment was completed within the reporting year from time of submission for verification.
Alternative documentation showing compliance with LEED v4 O+M pilot credit Social Equity Within Community via certification scorecard/report may be provided in lieu of property-level documentation.
Percentage of Properties with Completed Assessments:
Calculated by dividing the number of properties where a Social and Community Impact Assessment was completed by total number of properties and multiplying the fraction by 100.
N = Number of properties where a Social and Community Impact Assessment was completed T = Total number of properties in the portfolio
Performance Change:
Performance change between the reporting year and a baseline year is calculated for this metric using the percentage point change formula:
RY = Reporting Year BY = Baseline Year
Social and Community Impact Assessment: Social and Community Impact Assessment includes the processes of analyzing, monitoring and managing the intended and unintended social consequences, both positive and negative, of a property in a real estate portfolio on its community. Its primary purpose is to bring about a more sustainable and equitable biophysical and human environment. (Source: International Association of Impact Assessment)
To encourage social interaction, promote civic engagement and enhance health and well-being within local communities by providing designated areas for community use within a building portfolio.
Area Designated for Community Use
Interior and/or exterior spaces designated across the portfolio for activities and services that benefit the public or local community. These areas can include spaces like auditoriums, gymnasiums, cafeterias, conference or multi-purpose rooms, playing fields and stadiums, parks or greenfield areas, and joint parking.
Community space area in feet, square meters, acres or hectares, or community space area as a percentage of total portfolio area.
Performance Approach A (absolute performance): Verification of the area or percentage area designated for community use across the defined portfolio in the reporting year.
Performance Approach B (performance change): Verification of the change from a baseline year in the percentage area designated for community use across the defined portfolio.
Provide the total area of indoor and/or outdoor spaces designated as community spaces for public use within the portfolio for the reporting year (Performance Approach A) and for the reporting year and baseline year (Performance Approach B). If tracking and reporting percentage area designated for community use, provide total site area of the portfolio.
Describe the methodology and/ or specific standard or framework used to determine and define the designated community spaces. Some acceptable industry standards include but are not limited to:
The designated community spaces must:
Be safe and available at no cost to the public, unless they are closed for specified reasons.
Accommodate the needs of those with physical disabilities.
Include access to restrooms with portables being acceptable.
Have availability be appropriately communicated via signage or other means to the larger community.
Portfolio-Level Documentation:
Policies: If applicable, provide documentation (such as narratives, policies, reports, letter from CEO, etc.) indicating the participating organization’s commitment to designating spaces for community use in its portfolio and specifying the requirements or criteria these spaces must meet, as indicated in Requirements section above.
Methodology: Provide documentation describing portfolio-level procedures outlining the steps that the organization takes to assess, identify and allocate spaces for community use. Include specific frameworks or standards that were used in the process. Include information about the teams or staff responsible for implementing the procedures and any quality control procedures followed.
Property-Level Documentation
Property-Level Data: Indicate the properties which have spaces designated for community use and their associated area, for the reporting year (Performance Approach A) and baseline year and reporting year (Performance Approach B) utilizing the PERFORM Property-Level Data Form. If pursuing verification of percentage area designated for community use, provide site area for each property. Alternative documentation (such as spreadsheets prepared for other reporting entities or internal tracking sheets, etc.) may be provided if it includes the same information as the PERFORM Property-Level Data Form.
Property-Level Samples: Provide documentation (such as drawings, photos, specifications, narratives) for a sample of SQRT(n) properties, where ‘n’ is the total number of properties in the portfolio to show the implementation of spaces designated for community use. A list of properties selected for sampling will be provided during the portfolio creation process via the Multiple Property Upload Template.
Ensure the documentation clearly demonstrates that community spaces at each property meet the requirements noted in the requirements section above.
Alternative documentation showing compliance with LEED BD+C New Construction v4.1 Innovation: Joint Use of Facilities through certification scorecards may be provided in lieu of property-level documentation.
Community Space Area for a Portfolio:
To calculate the area designated for community use within a real estate portfolio, identify all spaces across each property in the portfolio that are allocated for public or community purposes, such as parks, plazas, meeting rooms or recreational facilities. Measure the total square footage of each community space and sum these values across all properties.
Percentage of Community Space Area:
Divide the total community space area by the total site area of the entire portfolio and multiply by 100 to express the result as a percentage of the total portfolio area.
Performance Change:
Performance change between the reporting year and a baseline year is calculated for this metric using the percentage point change formula:
RY = Reporting Year BY = Baseline Year
Area Designated for Community Use: Interior or exterior spaces designated for activities and services that benefit the public or local community. These areas can include spaces like auditoriums, gymnasiums, cafeterias, conference or multi-purpose rooms, playing fields and stadiums, parks or greenfield areas and joint parking.
To address identified needs in the local community related to affordable housing, workforce development, economic development, food security, gender or racial equity, or other needs to promote inclusive development and rectify historical injustices.
Community Investment
Financial or non-financial investments made to support local communities near properties within the portfolio.
Percent or number of properties with community investment initiatives within the portfolio.
Performance Approach A (absolute performance): Verification of the number or percentage of properties where at least one community investment initiative was implemented across the defined portfolio in the reporting year.
Performance Approach B (performance change): Verification of the change from a baseline year in the percentage of properties where at least one community investment initiative was implemented across the defined portfolio.
Provide the total number of properties within the portfolio where at least one community investment initiative was implemented within the reporting year (Performance Approach A) and for the reporting year and baseline year (Performance Approach B).
Community investment initiatives may be financial or non-financial in nature. Examples of financial investment initiatives include but are not limited to charitable donations, partnerships with local organizations, and funding/sponsorship to local activities. Examples of non-financial initiatives include but are not limited to volunteer time off, community events, affordable housing units, and employment or educational opportunities provided to local communities.
Describe the methodology and/ or specific standard or framework used to identify the needs of the community, prioritize the investments made and determine the community investment initiatives. Some acceptable standards and frameworks include:
Community needs should be identified through a systematic process such as a community and social impact assessment. Refer to the requirements in the Social and Community Impact Assessment performance metric for more information.
Although not required for verification, to promote equitable outcomes for all, consider an inclusive investment approach to prioritize investments in disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and burdened by impacts of climate change utilizing frameworks like Justice 40 and the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool or other similar tools.
Portfolio-Level Documentation
Policies: If applicable, provide documentation (such as narratives, policies, reports, narratives, letter from CEO etc.) indicating the participating organization’s commitment to community investment initiatives across its portfolio.
Methodology: Provide a narrative or documentation describing portfolio-level procedures outlining the steps that the organization takes to assess community needs, determine investment priorities and implement community investment initiatives. Include any specific frameworks or standards that were used in the process. Include information about the teams or staff responsible for implementing the procedures and any quality control procedures followed.
Property-Level Documentation:
Property-Level Data: Indicate the properties where at least one community investment initiative has been implemented and the type of initiative for the reporting year (Performance Approach A) and baseline year and reporting year (Performance Approach B) utilizing the PERFORM Property-Level Data Form provided. Alternative documentation (such as spreadsheets prepared for other reporting entities or internal tracking sheets etc.) may be provided if it includes the same information as the PERFORM Property-Level Data Form.
Property-Level Samples: Provide documentation (such as a report, contract, policy, narratives, financial statement, volunteer hour records, receipts etc.) for a sample of SQRT(n) properties, where ‘n’ is the total number of properties in the portfolio to show the implementation of all the community investment initiatives indicated for each property. A list of properties selected for sampling will be provided during the portfolio creation process via the Multiple Property Upload Template.
Percentage of Properties with Community Investment:
Calculated by dividing the total number of properties where at least one community investment initiative was implemented by the total number of properties in the portfolio and multiplying the fraction by 100.
N = Number of properties where at least one community investment initiative was implemented T = Total number of properties in the portfolio
Performance Change:
Performance change between the reporting year and a baseline year is calculated for this metric using the percentage point change formula:
RY = Reporting Year BY = Baseline Year
:
Real Estate Benchmark: Indicator DSE5.2
-
(Equity Petal)
(Options 1 and 2)
(Core Imperative 18: Inclusion)