Beats | December 15, 2017

Why measure impact? Because of its business value.

Dennis Price
ImpactAlpha Editor

Dennis Price

A survey from the Global Impact Investing Network finds that more than 60 percent of 168 impact investors queried say they measure impact because of its business value.

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The report on impact measurement and management suggests that impact investors are ahead of the curve in using impact data to identify and validate business opportunities (see “Racial equity is a growth market,” or “Tapping the inclusive-growth business opportunity”). Most investors measure impact to better understand, manage and report to stakeholders the effect of their investments.

As benchmarks to measure their progress, 42% of the investors in the GIIN survey say they look to the U.N.’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

In developed countries, there’s more focus on sustainable cities and communities (SDG №11), responsible consumption and production (SDG №12) and climate action (SDG №13).

In emerging-market countries, investors are more likely to emphasize “no poverty” (SDG. №1), decent work and economic growth (SDG №8), good health and well-being (SDG №3) and quality education (SDG №4).