SEAM Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization led by commercial real estate veterans Rainey Shane and Alex Demestihas, has announced the world’s first social impact certification, accreditation and membership program. SEAM (Social Equity Assessment Method) Certification will provide a roadmap for developers, property owners and occupiers to maximize opportunities for positive social impact through the built environment.
“SEAM addresses a critical gap in understanding and metrics surrounding the social impact of commercial real estate,” said SEAM Inc. co-founder Rainey Shane, a 15-year veteran of the commercial real estate and nonprofit industries. “With SEAM Certification, organizations can differentiate themselves and their developments by meeting rigorous international standards for positive social impact in their communities and beyond.”
“Most importantly, SEAM offers a direct path to a more just and prosperous real estate industry over time,” added Demestihas, co-founder of SEAM Inc., also a 15-year veteran of the commercial real estate industry specializing in large corporate headquarters.
As a complement to green building certification programs like LEED, SEAM Inc. sets the bar for social equity in commercial real estate through project certification, professional accreditation and membership in a community of like-minded professionals.
The SEAM Standard focuses on a series of key objectives that support the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. Following internationally recognized standards and reporting frameworks, SEAM’s reporting framework can plug directly into an organization’s ESG, DEI and CSR strategies, providing a more accurate and compelling picture of the impact of their development across the entire supply chain.
Founded in 2018, SEAM Inc. has spent the last two years piloting SEAM Certification on projects in the U.S., Canada and Australia. Seattle-based Urban Visions was the first organization to register a SEAM Certification pilot project with its development, The Jack.
“A certification that solely focuses on social equity within the built environment is long overdue, and we are excited to support SEAM efforts on our projects and their continued success,” said Todd Lee, executive vice oresident at Urban Visions. “Urban Visions is honored to be completing the very first SEAM Certified building in the United States. The Jack, a 175,000-square-foot, eight-level building in historic Pioneer Square District in Seattle, will open mid-2023 and will have a SEAM Operations and Maintenance Certification. As a SEAM pilot partner, we have enjoyed the collaboration and constant learning from Rainey Shane and her team.”
Ahead of a formal launch of all programs in early 2023, SEAM is accepting early adopter pilot project enrollments for SEAM Certification and upcoming SEAM Accredited Professional education programs. Individuals and organizations can currently become members or Founding Sponsors as part of the group of initiators supporting the organization’s launch. Current Founding Sponsors include JLL, Interface, HITT Contracting, Jamestown L.P., and Leapley Construction.
