Our Thinking
The Impact Edit: Communicating Impact in a World That’s Tired of Promises
Legal teams are wary and boards are cautious, leading many to pause their impact reporting. But the erosion of trust didn't come from inaccuracy—it came from irrelevance. This post explores why silence is actually the riskier move and how to rebuild trust through precision, not promises.
The Impact Edit: The Three Proof Points Every Impact Report Needs in 2026
Stakeholders aren't asking for longer reports; they are asking for clearer evidence. This post outlines the three specific proof points—relevance, verifiability, and impact—that define whether an impact report actually builds trust in 2026.
The Impact Edit: The Quiet Friction Shaping Our Decisions
Why do teams choose the familiar path over the better one? It isn't a lack of motivation—it’s a friction problem. From coordination costs to status quo bias, this post explores the three invisible friction patterns that derail social sustainability and offers actionable ways to redesign them for operational reality.
The Spark #29: Greener Schoolyards, Sustainability Recession and Heatrisk Tools
Corporate sustainability is shifting from bold promises to real accountability. From B Lab’s revocation of a B Corp certification over fossil fuel ties to Denver’s greener schoolyards and the CDC/NOAA HeatRisk tool, this week highlights the tension between ESG reporting, genuine action, and climate resilience.
The Spark#30: Hot House Syndrome, Heat Protection and Sustainability for the LA 2028 Olympics
From extreme indoor heat in Britain to garment workers facing rising risks in Asia, heat stress is emerging as a global social sustainability challenge. Meanwhile, the LA 2028 Olympics are planning a “no car” model for sustainable hosting, and new studies show the unexpected role of trees in reducing methane. Here are the key shifts in social, environmental, and corporate responsibility this week.
The Impact Edit: Can a Building Have an ESG Score?
Buildings don’t get ESG scores—but they’re absolutely being evaluated through an ESG lens. From energy use to labor practices, governance to community impact, projects are under increasing scrutiny. Certifications like LEED and WELL help quantify progress, but the real value lies in how buildings serve people, planet, and long-term resilience.
The Impact Edit: So… You’re Staring Down Your First Impact Report
Most impact reports fail before they begin—not because of weak data or design, but because teams never define the purpose. An effective report isn’t just a glossy PDF, it’s a strategic tool that influences behavior, wins credibility, and shapes the future. Done right, your impact report becomes more than compliance—it becomes a catalyst.
The Impact Edit: You Got Your WELL Certification—Now What?
Getting WELL (or any building certification) is a milestone, but it’s not the finish line. Certifications validate performance, yet they don’t automatically create connection or culture. The real work is translating technical specs into lived experiences people can feel, understand, and value—turning metrics into meaning.
The Impact Edit: Why Fair Labor is the Missing Link in Your Sustainability Strategy
Fair labor isn’t just an ethical checkbox—it’s the foundation of true sustainability. Without safe, respected, and fairly compensated workers, even the most advanced green innovations collapse. Liveable’s Thrive Pyramid offers leaders a framework to connect climate action with social sustainability, ensuring fair labor practices drive resilience and impact.
The Impact Edit: We’re Investing Millions to Hit Net-Zero. But Are We Missing the Most Critical Factor?
Net-zero strategies often focus on emissions, renewable energy, and infrastructure. But without protecting the workers who make these goals possible, progress can stall. Climate risks—heat stress, injuries, inequality—are already impacting frontline workers. Building resilience into workforce strategies is the critical missing factor for achieving true sustainability.