Impact assessment according to a regenerative model
Exploring the KPIs
Source: Regg3
Date: 15/11/24
Regg3 uses an innovative multifactor model to assess and value the environmental and social impact of an organization on the territorial context in which it operates.

The assessment is made on the basis of 12 impact areas 6 environmental and 6 social that describe on the one hand the health of the ecosystem and the robustness of the social foundations of a territorial context, and on the other hand the systemic impact of an activity on these contexts.

In short, we are able to understand how the environment and society are doing in a given place, and whether and how much the activities taking place there are doing good or bad for the environment and society. And we do this with the support of data.
The 6 Environmental Impact Areas in the Regg3 Model
GHG (Green House Gas) emissions: measures the greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere due to human activities, such as fossil fuel use and methane emissions from livestock. Excess levels of these gases worsen climate change, accelerate biodiversity loss, and harm ecosystems, with significant repercussions for human communities as well. Reducing emissions and enhancing the ability to absorb greenhouse gases is crucial to maintain the environmental balance that guarantees our future.

Ecological footprint: measures how much productive land is required to support our resource consumption and absorb CO₂ emissions. This indicator includes six main components: cropland, forest land, fishing grounds, grazing land, and built up land reflecting the impact of human activities on the planet. It’s useful to compare our resource consumption with Earth’s capacity to regenerate them. Each resource extracted uses up part of the Earth, while regenerative activities restore these resources.

Material footprint: measures the materials extracted (metallic and non-metallic minerals, fossil fuels, biomass) to produce goods and services, regardless of where they are sourced. It’s an indicator of how linear or circular our production processes are. The more materials we extract, use, and discard, the more we “consume” the planet. In contrast, practices like circularity, using sustainable materials, and recycling help reduce environmental impact and conserve resources.

Phosphorus: measures the amount of phosphates used, for example, in agriculture. Phosphorus is a key element in fertilizers and detergents, but when in excess, it can reach water bodies, causing algae blooms that damage aquatic ecosystems. Reducing phosphate use and adopting natural alternatives or regenerative practices helps maintain ecosystem balance and prevent negative impacts.

Nitrogen: measures the use of nitrogen compounds, especially relevant in agriculture and industry. Excess nitrogen can cause eutrophication in water bodies, leading to excessive algae growth, or it can disperse into the atmosphere as a potent greenhouse gas. Reducing nitrogen use and adopting eco-friendly solutions or regenerative practices helps restore natural ecosystem balances.

Biodiversity: measures the health and diversity of natural habitats, both terrestrial and marine, by evaluating species richness and the quality of protected areas. Through data on forests, land use, and natural reserves, it identifies key areas where protecting at-risk species is essential. Conserving these not only helps nature to maintain balance but also strengthens ecosystems’ resilience to disruptions and their ability to continue providing benefits, such as clean air, healthy natural cycles and resources for communities.
The 6 Social Impact Areas in the Regg3 Model
Housing: measures the proportion of people living in inadequate housing and the economic burden of access to housing in a specific area. Housing is a fundamental social right, and if inaccessible or uninhabitable, it represents a deficit in social inclusion. This indicator helps to understand the positive impact of interventions such as social housing and the regeneration of affordable housing highlights how real estate speculation and degraded buildings can erode social value.

Access to Health: measures access to and adequacy of healthcare services based on the three key dimensions of Universal Health Coverage: Universality, Inclusiveness, and Affordability within a specific geographic area. Like housing, healthcare is a fundamental right, and not having access to healthcare facilities and services in times of need, or not being able to afford them, is a crucial factor of social insecurity. Improving healthcare access and quality creates value for society and its members, and this indicator helps us measure it.

Education: evaluates both access to education and the quality of education provided to a population, reflecting enrollment rates and the access to and completion of educational pathways. Education is the key to entering society and the driver of personal development. Any activity that strengthens access to education strengthens the foundation of inclusion within society.

Income: measures the average income of a population and the percentage of people living below the national poverty line, providing an indication of income distribution within a specific geographic area or population. Poverty is a major cause of social exclusion and negatively impacts societal stability. Bringing citizens above the poverty line is one of the key objectives to strengthen society itself.

Employment: measures the impact on the level and quality of employment in a given territorial context. Unemployment is the primary source of social exclusion. Moreover, greater bargaining power allows workers to negotiate better wages and working conditions, leading to a fairer income distribution and reducing economic inequalities that underlie many social problems. When more people have access to stable and decent jobs, society as a whole benefits.

Nutrition: measures the availability and access to nutritious food for the population, considering the caloric intake and nutritional content consumed. Fighting hunger has a profound and positive impact on the health status of a society, influencing various aspects of economic, social, and individual life. Access to food, fair distribution, and reducing food waste are closely related factors that promote general well-being, helping to reduce inequalities and support vulnerable communities.
Measuring to regenerate
The indicators selected for the Regg3 model were chosen for their measurable nature, unaffected by subjectivity. This quality allows for reliable and comparable data, essential for accurately assessing the socio-environmental health of geographic areas and an organization’s impact on them.

Additionally, these indicators represent key variables that consider the full impact of socio-environmental policies, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of how different actions of an organization influence the health of ecosystems and society. Their inclusion in the model is essential to ensure a systemic approach to econometric evaluations, integrating environmental, social, and ecosystem values into a single model.