Unit 7: Case Studies in Social Impact Measurement in Real Estate
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certificate in Social Impact Measurement for Real Estate course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
A/B Testing refers to a method of comparing two versions of a product, se… #
In the context of social impact measurement in real estate, A/B testing can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of different strategies for reducing energy consumption or improving resident engagement. For example, a real estate company might use A/B testing to compare the effectiveness of different types of lighting in reducing energy consumption in a building. Related terms include randomized controlled trials and quasi-experiments.
Accountability refers to the responsibility of organizations to demonstra… #
In social impact measurement, accountability is crucial for ensuring that organizations are delivering on their promises and being transparent about their outcomes. For example, a real estate company might establish an independent review board to ensure accountability in their social impact measurement processes. Related terms include governance and transparency.
Action Research is a methodology that combines research and action … #
In social impact measurement, action research can be used to develop and implement strategies for improving social outcomes in real estate. For example, a real estate company might use action research to develop and test a new approach to reducing homelessness in a community. Related terms include participatory research and collaborative learning.
Asset #
Based Community Development (ABCD) is an approach to community development that focuses on the strengths and assets of a community rather than its needs or deficits. In social impact measurement, ABCD can be used to identify and leverage community assets to improve social outcomes in real estate. For example, a real estate company might use ABCD to engage with local residents and organizations to develop a community-led initiative to improve public spaces. Related terms include community engagement and participatory planning.
Benchmarking refers to the process of comparing an organization's… #
In social impact measurement, benchmarking can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of social impact strategies in real estate. For example, a real estate company might use benchmarking to compare their energy consumption to that of similar companies in the industry. Related terms include best practices and industry standards.
Benefit #
Cost Analysis (BCA) is a methodology used to evaluate the costs and benefits of a project or initiative. In social impact measurement, BCA can be used to assess the value of social impact investments in real estate. For example, a real estate company might use BCA to evaluate the costs and benefits of implementing a green roof in a building. Related terms include cost effectiveness and return on investment.
Blended Value refers to the combination of financial , social</b… #
In social impact measurement, blended value can be used to evaluate the overall impact of a real estate development or investment. For example, a real estate company might use blended value to assess the financial, social, and environmental benefits of a sustainable development project. Related terms include triple bottom line and shared value.
Capacity Building refers to the process of strengthening the ca… #
In social impact measurement, capacity building can be used to enhance the ability of real estate organizations to deliver social impact outcomes. For example, a real estate company might use capacity building to train staff on sustainable development practices or to establish partnerships with community organizations. Related terms include technical assistance and institutional strengthening.
Case Study refers to an in #
depth examination of a specific project, program, or organization. In social impact measurement, case studies can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of social impact strategies in real estate. For example, a real estate company might use a case study to examine the impact of a community development project on local residents. Related terms include evaluation research and impact assessment.
Collective Impact refers to the collaborative effort of multiple organ… #
In social impact measurement, collective impact can be used to address complex social issues in real estate, such as affordable housing or community development. For example, a real estate company might use collective impact to partner with non-profit organizations and government agencies to develop a comprehensive plan to address homelessness in a community. Related terms include collaboration and partnership development.
Community Engagement refers to the process of engaging with com… #
In social impact measurement, community engagement can be used to inform the development of social impact strategies in real estate. For example, a real estate company might use community engagement to host public meetings and gather feedback from residents on a proposed development project. Related terms include public participation and stakeholder engagement.
Community Development refers to the process of improving the qu… #
In social impact measurement, community development can be used to evaluate the impact of real estate investments on local communities. For example, a real estate company might use community development to develop a community center that provides services and resources to local residents. Related terms include community building and neighborhood revitalization.
Co #
Creation refers to the process of collaborating with stakeholders to design and develop solutions to complex problems. In social impact measurement, co-creation can be used to develop social impact strategies that are responsive to the needs of community members. For example, a real estate company might use co-creation to work with residents and community organizations to design a public space that meets the needs of the community. Related terms include participatory design and collaborative problem-solving.
Cost #
Benefit Analysis (CBA) refers to the methodology used to evaluate the costs and benefits of a project or initiative. In social impact measurement, CBA can be used to assess the value of social impact investments in real estate. For example, a real estate company might use CBA to evaluate the costs and benefits of implementing a green building certification program.
Data #
Driven Decision Making refers to the process of using data and analysis to inform decision-making. In social impact measurement, data-driven decision making can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of social impact strategies in real estate. For example, a real estate company might use data-driven decision making to analyze data on energy consumption and identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve efficiency. Related terms include data analysis and evidence-based decision making.
Double Bottom Line refers to the combination of financial and s… #
In social impact measurement, double bottom line can be used to evaluate the impact of real estate investments on both financial and social outcomes. For example, a real estate company might use double bottom line to assess the financial returns on investment of a sustainable development project and its social impact on the local community.
Economic Impact refers to the effect of a project or initiative… #
In social impact measurement, economic impact can be used to evaluate the impact of real estate investments on local employment, income, and economic growth. For example, a real estate company might use economic impact to assess the job creation and income generation potential of a new development project. Related terms include job creation and economic development.
Environmental Impact refers to the effect of a project or initi… #
In social impact measurement, environmental impact can be used to evaluate the impact of real estate investments on energy consumption, water usage, and waste management. For example, a real estate company might use environmental impact to assess the carbon footprint of a building and identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption. Related terms include sustainability and green building.
Evidence #
Based Decision Making refers to the process of using data and research to inform decision-making. In social impact measurement, evidence-based decision making can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of social impact strategies in real estate. For example, a real estate company might use evidence-based decision making to analyze data on energy consumption and identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve efficiency. Related terms include data analysis and research-based decision making.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) refer to the technology used to a… #
In social impact measurement, GIS can be used to evaluate the impact of real estate investments on local communities and environments. For example, a real estate company might use GIS to map the location of affordable housing units and identify areas of high need. Related terms include spatial analysis and mapping technology.
Green Building refers to the practice of designing and construc… #
In social impact measurement, green building can be used to evaluate the impact of real estate investments on the environment. For example, a real estate company might use green building to develop a sustainable office building that reduces energy consumption and water usage. Related terms include sustainability and energy efficiency.
Impact Investing refers to the practice of investing in project… #
In social impact measurement, impact investing can be used to evaluate the impact of real estate investments on social and environmental outcomes. For example, a real estate company might use impact investing to invest in a community development project that provides affordable housing and job training programs. Related terms include social investing and environmental investing.
Inclusive Design refers to the practice of designing buildings and… #
In social impact measurement, inclusive design can be used to evaluate the impact of real estate investments on social outcomes, such as access to housing and employment opportunities. For example, a real estate company might use inclusive design to develop a mixed-use development project that includes affordable housing units and accessible public spaces. Related terms include universal design and accessible design.
Input #
Output Analysis refers to the methodology used to evaluate the impact of a project or initiative on the economy. In social impact measurement, input-output analysis can be used to evaluate the impact of real estate investments on local employment, income, and economic growth. For example, a real estate company might use input-output analysis to assess the job creation and income generation potential of a new development project. Related terms include economic impact and job creation.
Integrated Reporting refers to the practice of reporting on both <… #
In social impact measurement, integrated reporting can be used to evaluate the impact of real estate investments on social and environmental outcomes. For example, a real estate company might use integrated reporting to report on its financial performance and its progress towards sustainability goals. Related terms include sustainability reporting and corporate social responsibility.
Internal Rate of Return (IRR) refers to the rate of return on inve… #
In social impact measurement, IRR can be used to evaluate the financial viability of social impact investments in real estate. For example, a real estate company might use IRR to evaluate the financial returns on investment of a sustainable development project. Related terms include return on investment and cost benefit analysis.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) refer to the metrics used to measure… #
In social impact measurement, KPIs can be used to evaluate the impact of real estate investments on social and environmental outcomes. For example, a real estate company might use KPIs to track the number of affordable housing units developed or the amount of energy consumed by a building. Related terms include metrics and indicators.
Land Use Planning refers to the process of planning and managin… #
In social impact measurement, land use planning can be used to evaluate the impact of real estate investments on social and environmental outcomes, such as access to housing and employment opportunities. For example, a real estate company might use land use planning to develop a mixed-use development project that includes affordable housing units and accessible public spaces. Related terms include urban planning and zoning regulations.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) refers to the methodology used to evaluate… #
In social impact measurement, LCA can be used to evaluate the impact of real estate investments on the environment. For example, a real estate company might use LCA to assess the environmental impacts of a new development project, from construction to operation and end-of-life. Related terms include environmental impact and sustainability.
Logic Model refers to a visual representation of a program or p… #
In social impact measurement, logic models can be used to evaluate the impact of real estate investments on social and environmental outcomes. For example, a real estate company might use a logic model to map the connections between a community development project and its expected outcomes, such as job creation and income generation. Related terms include theory of change and program evaluation.
Materiality refers to the process of identifying and assessing<… #
In social impact measurement, materiality can be used to evaluate the impact of real estate investments on social and environmental outcomes. For example, a real estate company might use materiality to identify the most important sustainability issues for its stakeholders and report on its progress towards addressing these issues. Related terms include stakeholder engagement and reporting.
Mixed Methods Research refers to the approach that combines both <… #
In social impact measurement, mixed methods research can be used to evaluate the impact of real estate investments on social and environmental outcomes. For example, a real estate company might use mixed methods research to collect both quantitative data on energy consumption and qualitative data on resident satisfaction with a sustainable development project. Related terms include research design and methodology.
Net Present Value (NPV) refers to the value of a project or ini… #
In social impact measurement, NPV can be used to evaluate the financial viability of social impact investments in real estate. For example, a real estate company might use NPV to evaluate the financial returns on investment of a sustainable development project.
Outcomes #
Based Evaluation refers to the approach to evaluation that focuses on measuring the outcomes of a project or initiative rather than its outputs or activities. In social impact measurement, outcomes-based evaluation can be used to evaluate the impact of real estate investments on social and environmental outcomes. For example, a real estate company might use outcomes-based evaluation to measure the number of jobs created or the amount of energy saved by a sustainable development project. Related terms include outcome measurement and impact evaluation.
Participatory Action Research (PAR) refers to the approach to research th… #
In social impact measurement, PAR can be used to evaluate the impact of real estate investments on social and environmental outcomes. For example, a real estate company might use PAR to engage with community members and stakeholders to develop and evaluate a community development project. Related terms include participatory research and action research.
Payback Period refers to the length of time it takes for an invest… #
In social impact measurement, payback period can be used to evaluate the financial viability of social impact investments in real estate. For example, a real estate company might use payback period to evaluate the financial returns on investment of a sustainable development project.
Place #
Based Initiative refers to an initiative that is focused on a specific geographic area or community. In social impact measurement, place-based initiatives can be used to evaluate the impact of real estate investments on social and environmental outcomes in a specific community or neighborhood. For example, a real estate company might use a place-based initiative to develop a community development project that addresses the specific needs of a local community. Related terms include community development and neighborhood revitalization.
Program Evaluation refers to the process of assessing the effec… #
In social impact measurement, program evaluation can be used to evaluate the impact of real estate investments on social and environmental outcomes. For example, a real estate company might use program evaluation to assess the effectiveness of a community development project in achieving its goals and objectives.
Public #
Private Partnership (PPP) refers to a partnership between a public sector organization and a private sector organization to deliver a project or service. In social impact measurement, PPPs can be used to evaluate the impact of real estate investments on social and environmental outcomes. For example, a real estate company might use a PPP to develop a community development project that addresses the specific needs of a local community. Related terms include partnership development and collaboration.
Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) refers to a research design that inv… #
In social impact measurement, RCTs can be used to evaluate the impact of real estate investments on social and environmental outcomes. For example, a real estate company might use an RCT to evaluate the effectiveness of a community development project in achieving its goals and objectives. Related terms include experimental design and quasi-experiment.
Return on Investment (ROI) refers to the return on an investment, expr… #
In social impact measurement, ROI can be used to evaluate the financial viability of social impact investments in real estate. For example, a real estate company might use ROI to evaluate the financial returns on investment of a sustainable development project. Related terms include cost benefit analysis and payback period.
Social Impact Bond (SIB) refers to a financial instrument that pays</i… #
In social impact measurement, SIBs can be used to evaluate the impact of real estate investments on social outcomes.