Objective · SJ01
Concept SJ Equity + Inclusion in Procurement
Integrate equitable and inclusive procurement strategies to expand opportunities in commercial real estate.
5 activities
There are many ways to address fairness and inclusion in commercial real estate procurement. SEAM Activities focus on ways that intersect directly with the commercial real estate industry's procurement processes.
Through Equity + Inclusion objectives for suppliers, the SEAM Standard acknowledges economic disparities that historically underserved communities face. Encouraging Tier 1 Suppliers to integrate inclusive principles aims to support broader access to procurement opportunities, ensuring that positive social impacts extend beyond direct interactions and into the supply chain.
The goal of addressing procurement and leasing processes is to promote social responsibility across commercial real estate operations. This comprehensive strategy recognizes the need to approach social responsibility from multiple fronts to achieve lasting impact.
We must correctly use lagging indicators, such as the percentage of diversity in project teams, not as compliance targets but as tools to assess the effectiveness of efforts to implement the principles that lead to those outcomes. Diversity percentages in project teams are used as indicators of inclusion efforts, not as compliance targets or mandates. The focus of SEAM Activities is on leading indicators—proactive measures that signal potential future results—by measuring the implementation of principles that lead to greater access and opportunity.
This proactive stance ensures that every actor in the procurement processes, from Suppliers to Tenants, aligns with a shared vision of social responsibility. In doing so, it positions commercial real estate not just as a space provider but as a catalyst for community growth, economic opportunity, and sustainable business practices.
Activities
- SJa1.1
Achieve equity + inclusion in Tier 1 Supplier procurement
ImpactThe Owner shall set and implement inclusive procurement principles, defined in Requirements, in pursuit of the goal of creating environments where all Tier 1 Suppliers, regardless of their background, feel genuinely valued and have equal opportunities to succeed on the project. Further, upon procuring services for the project, Owner shall integrate these principles into each stage of the procurement process in pursuit of this goal. The scope includes setting and implementing these principles but does not cover the assessment of their effectiveness.
- SJa1.2
Achieve equity + inclusion in Tenant leasing
ImpactThe Owner shall integrate inclusive procurement principles into each stage of the leasing process with an aim to create environments where all Tenants, regardless of their background, feel genuinely valued and have equal opportunities to succeed at the property. While it's not mandatory, Owners are encouraged to incorporate a commercial affordability program to promote economic accessibility, encourage community members as Tenants, and foster a more inclusive and equitable leasing environment.
- SJa1.3
Implement inclusive procurement activities in Tier 1 Suppliers' procurement of Tier 2 Suppliers
ImpactThe Owner’s Tier 1 Suppliers shall integrate an agreement to adhere to the Owner Inclusive Procurement Policy into each step of their procurement process for Tier 2 Suppliers within the project. The aim is to create environments where all Tier 2 Suppliers, regardless of their background, feel genuinely valued and have equal opportunities to succeed on the project. The scope is limited to integrating these principles by Tier 1 Suppliers and does not extend to evaluating their application or outcomes.
- SJa1.4
Achieve equity + inclusion in Tier 2 Supplier procurement
ImpactThe Owner’s Tier 1 Suppliers shall set and implement inclusive procurement principles, defined in Requirements, in pursuit of the goal of creating environments where all Tier 2 Suppliers, regardless of their background, feel genuinely valued and have equal opportunities to succeed on the project. The scope includes setting and implementing these principles by Tier 1 Suppliers but does not cover the assessment of their effectiveness.
- SJa1.5
Achieve equity + inclusion for Tenants through social leasing clauses
ImpactThe Owner shall incorporate language in leases requiring Tenants’ adoption of defined inclusive hiring principles, agreement to uphold specified standards of fair and respectful treatment of individuals within their hiring and operational procedures and policies, and/or advance social goals at this location. This scope is confined to the Owner's obligation to set these expectations for Tenants at this location and does not encompass the broader organizational operations of the Tenants or the evaluation of their adherence.