As the energy sector navigates the complex path to decarbonisation, companies face mounting expectations from a diverse array of stakeholders—regulators, investors, and communities alike. At the heart of this transformation lies the need to deliver a just transition—one that prioritises equity, accessibility, and long-term community wellbeing. 

In this evolving landscape, social impact is no longer a “nice to have”—it is a strategic imperative. Effectively measuring, managing, and proving social impact enables companies not only to meet these rising expectations but also to unlock operational, financial, and reputational value while future-proofing their business models.

The B4SI framework provides a globally recognised, practical approach that empowers energy companies to demonstrate the impact of their intentional social activities, measure outcomes consistently, and communicate results credibly. It helps transform social investment from a cost centre into a strategic asset that drives both business and societal progress. 

By integrating social data into business strategy, companies can embed equity and resilience into transition plans, build trust with communities and regulators, strengthen investor confidence through credible, verifiable data, and future-proof business sustainability by anticipating and meeting increasing ESG, disclosure, and due diligence requirements. 

Strategic Social Impact in Practice 

During our recent webinar ‘Powering Progress: Strategic Social Impact for the Energy Sector’ we heard from B4SI members and leading energy providers, Iberdrola and EDP, on how social impact programmes help them build their social licence to operate and contribute to a just transition—while demonstrating how B4SI supports better measurement, insight, proof of impact, and action.  

Their experiences underscore the critical role of evidence-based social impact measurement in navigating the challenges ahead, creating a strategic advantage that can drive long-term success and sustainability. 

Company Spotlights 

At Iberdrola, Marina Amigo Romero, Head of Human Rights, Stakeholders’ Engagement and Reputation, emphasises the importance of proactive community engagement in identifying risks and aligning expectations early in project development, laying robust foundations for their sustainability journey. For the past 18 years, Iberdrola has used the B4SI methodology to measure and evaluate community contributions—helping them meet evolving reporting requirements and strengthen transparency. By aligning with global frameworks and leveraging B4SI, Iberdrola can evidence the outcomes of its social contributions—enhancing its credibility and maintaining community trust—an asset as vital as physical infrastructure. 

Eduardo Moura, Senior ESG Advisor at EDP, highlights the importance of speaking a common language across teams and communities. EDP applies the B4SI framework to professionalise community investment, align it with core business strategy, and clearly demonstrate measurable impact. The framework supports the measurement of EDP’s voluntary contributions, which make up the bulk of EDP’s community activity. In times of fragmented focus, having a practical, easy-to-adopt approach rooted in core business principles has proven especially useful—particularly for reporting. B4SI offers a straightforward, business-aligned approach that integrates seamlessly with other standards—providing a solid foundation for more in-depth assessments. EDP’s continued engagement with the B4SI Network has delivered meaningful benefits—by equipping local teams with a clear, accessible, and consistent structure, tools, and terminology, EDP fosters dialogue and builds trust where it matters most: on the ground. 

Why Social Impact Measurement Matters 

These examples illustrate a broader truth: businesses that can clearly prove and communicate their social impact are better equipped to succeed in a changing world. For energy, infrastructure and utilities companies, this includes: 

• Embedding equity and resilience in transition strategies 
  
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with communities and regulators, and a social license to operate 
• Meeting growing expectations around disclosure and due diligence  
• Enhancing investor confidence with robust, validated data  
• Reducing long-term risk through strong, socially grounded foundations  

Social data is now essential data. When integrated into performance management, and linked to outcomes, it drives smarter decisions and unlocks long-term value. Proving what works—and for whom—sets a new bar for effectiveness and accountability in the just transition. 

How B4SI Supports the Sector 

The B4SI Framework offers a globally recognised, practical and proven structure for companies to measure, manage, verify, and report their social contributions—whether in community investment, inclusive innovation, or sustainable procurement. It facilitates internal alignment, supports external reporting, and informs strategic decision-making—without overwhelming teams with complexity. 

By adopting B4SI, companies can transform social investments into a demonstrable strategic driver—one that powers both people and progress. Proving impact is no longer optional; it’s essential to building resilient, future-ready businesses.