Choose your depth of action
Three ways to take action, one Standard. Earn a single Mark for a verified activity, a Seal across 12–26 themed activities, or full Certification across the whole building. Each one stands alone — and each one carries forward into the next.
The progression
From one activity to a whole building
The three actions grow in scope. Each one stands alone — and each one carries forward into the next.
Step 01
SEAM Marks
Single activity verification
Scope
One activity (Single Mark) or 3 related activities (Bulk Marks)
Best for
Property managers, operators, and anchor institutions looking for quick, verifiable proof of existing equity work — without taking on a full certification.
Examples
- Living wage program
- Community grievance mechanism
- Local hiring practices
- Ethical material sourcing
Timeline
4–6 weeks per submission
Starting cost
From $750
Step 02
SEAM Seal
Themed activity verification
Scope
12–26 related activities organized around a defined theme and Assessment Scope
Best for
Organizations ready to demonstrate sustained action in a focused area — supply chain due diligence, community development, etc. — without pursuing whole-building certification.
Examples
Timeline
Reviewed per Assessment Scope
Starting cost
From $2,500
Step 03
SEAM Certification
Whole-building verification
Scope
Full project across Social Impact, Responsibility, Justice, and Accountability
Best for
Owners, developers, and operators ready to commit to comprehensive, third-party-verified social equity for a building. Recognized at four levels of achievement.
Examples
- New construction or major renovation
- Operations + Maintenance for existing buildings
Timeline
12+ months from registration to award
Starting cost
From $7,625 first-year
How they connect
Work doesn't restart
Activities completed for a Mark or a Seal carry forward toward future SEAM credentials when scope, entity, reporting period, evidence, and applicable rating system remain aligned with SEAM requirements.
Marks → Seals
An activity verified as a Single or Bulk Mark counts toward the Activity pathway of a Seal in the same theme. Start small, then group related Marks under a thematic Seal.
Seals → Certification
Activities completed for a Seal carry forward toward full Certification — reducing the scope and timeline of the certification process.
Marks → Certification
Every verified Mark earns credit toward its pillar in full Certification. There is no penalty for starting small.
Side by side
The three actions at a glance
| Step 01 SEAM Marks | Step 02 SEAM Seal | Step 03 SEAM Certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope | One or 3 activities | 12–26 activities, themed | Full building, all 4 pillars |
| Best for | Quick proof of specific practices | Sustained action in a focused area | Comprehensive whole-building certification |
| Verification | Third-party, per activity | Independent review against Seal pathway | Third-party, including site verification + community surveys |
| Outcome | Binary — each Mark earned or not | Binary + Leading Practice tier | Bronze / Silver / Gold / Platinum |
| Timeline | 4–6 weeks | Per Assessment Scope | 12+ months |
| Starting cost | $750 / activity | $2,500 (CD) / $5,000 (EP) | From $7,625 first year |
| Counts toward Certification | Yes — every Mark counts forward | Yes — Activities carry forward | — |
Full pricing details: /pricing
Which one fits?
Six common starting points
If
You want to verify one specific program already in place
Then
Start with a Single Mark →
If
You have 3 related practices to verify together
Then
Choose Bulk Marks →
If
You want to prove sustained action in one theme (procurement, community impact, etc.)
Then
Pursue a Seal →
If
You want whole-building certification across all four pillars
Then
Pursue full Certification →
If
You are reviewing modern slavery / forced labor disclosures
Then
Look at the Ethical Procurement Seal →
If
You are running a defined community initiative tied to a project
Then
Look at the Community Development Seal →
Frequently asked
Choosing between the three
Do I have to start with Marks?
No. Each one stands on its own. Many organizations start with Marks because they map to work already in place, but you can pursue a Seal or full Certification directly when your scope and timeline fit.
If I earn Marks first, do they count toward a Seal or Certification?
Yes. Every verified activity carries credit toward its pillar. Activities completed for a Mark or a Seal carry forward toward future SEAM recognition when scope, entity, reporting period, evidence, and applicable rating system remain aligned with SEAM requirements.
How do I decide between a Seal and Certification?
A Seal is themed verification — proof of sustained action in one focused area (12–26 activities). Certification is whole-building verification across all four pillars. If your scope is one theme, choose a Seal. If your scope is a building, choose Certification.
Can I pursue more than one action in parallel?
Yes. Many organizations layer them — earning Marks while preparing for a Seal, or running a Seal alongside a Certification effort on a separate project. Talk to an advisor about the best sequence for your portfolio.
Not sure where to start?
Talk to an advisor about the right credential — and the right sequence — for your portfolio.
Talk to an advisor →