: : SVT Project Summaries
Environmental Capital Group (CalPERS Environmental Investment Advisor)*: SVT co-created an environmental due diligence and performance reporting system to measure the net impact of a $200M private equity portfolio; the system is now applied to total assets of over $2Bn.
Grupo Ecológico Sierra Gorda*: SVT developed an impact management system to account for the ecological, economic and social impact of carbon offsets for trade on the voluntary carbon market. These “gourmet” carbon offsets trade at a 50% premium above carbon alone, benefiting the region’s 115,000 local residents in Central Mexico and their ongoing conservation efforts, while simultaneously delivering a compelling story to the purchasers, who can use them to boost employee morale, lower recruitment costs, and reap PR benefits. We also created systems for evaluating and managing the effectiveness of the community’s fundraising and political advocacy work, and of its microenterprise and environmental education programs that enable residents to grow local jobs and reduce outward migration.
Humanity United*: SVT developed a framework (ECOframe) for investment and operations management of ecotourism properties with the support of Omidyar Network’s sister organization, Humanity United.
Mercy Housing*: SVT planned an information system that will allow this nationwide, nonprofit affordable housing developer (of 35,000 units worth over $1.9Bn and serving over 100,000 residents a day) to measure, manage and communicate the social, economic and environmental impacts it creates relative to its expenditures. The system will be used to inform Mercy’s understanding of which services are most impactful in which types of properties, to underpin and streamline efforts to raise grant and investment capital, and to develop new products and services. Work slated for 2009 will involve design of an information management system by which Mercy can measure, manage and communicate its social ROI, as well as research to understand investor needs and uses for this information.
Morrison & Foerster, LLP*: SVT accelerated the formation of this leading law firm’s Cleantech Practice by bringing substantive clean technology, carbon and sustainability expertise, building a public presence for the firm as a Cleantech leader, and coordinating internal resources, corporate social responsibility programs and other environmental initiatives.
Nemours Foundation*: SVT created an “SROI Lite Calculator" to help staff consider the best allocation of resources on a daily basis, and assessed the social return per dollar invested in policy advocacy work and community organizing efforts for childhood obesity and disease prevention.
| 
