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 three actions
From one activity to a whole building
Single activity verification
One activity (Single Mark) or 3 related activities (Bulk Marks)
Property managers, operators, and anchor institutions looking for quick, verifiable proof of existing equity work — without taking on a full certification.
Learn more →02 · SEAM SealThemed activity verification
12–26 related activities organized around a defined theme and Assessment Scope
Organizations ready to demonstrate sustained action in a focused area — supply chain due diligence, community development, etc. — without pursuing whole-building certification.
Learn more →03 · SEAM CertificationWhole-building verification
Full project across Social Impact, Responsibility, Justice, and Accountability
Owners, developers, and operators ready to commit to comprehensive, third-party-verified social equity for a building. Recognized at four levels of achievement.
Learn more →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.
The three actions at a glance
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
Compare at a glance
| SEAM Marks | SEAM Seal | 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 | — |
Choosing between the three
Six common starting points
You want to verify one specific program already in place
Start with a Single Mark
Learn more →IfYou have 3 related practices to verify together
Choose Bulk Marks
Learn more →IfYou want to prove sustained action in one theme (procurement, community impact, etc.)
Pursue a Seal
Learn more →IfYou want whole-building certification across all four pillars
Pursue full Certification
Learn more →IfYou are reviewing modern slavery / forced labor disclosures
Look at the Ethical Procurement Seal
Learn more →IfYou are running a defined community initiative tied to a project
Look at the Community Development Seal
Learn more →Common questions
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?
Tell us about your project and we’ll point you to the right starting point.