The Social Value Working Group at the International Valuation Standards Council has released its second paper, “Defining & Estimating Social Value.” This series dives into the very popular environmental, social, and governance (ESG) waters. While ESG has become the darling of the investment data world, the applicability of these essentially subjective and “black box” data to valuation analyses is extremely problematic. They expose valuers to double counting, scrutiny from auditors and regulators, and further problems.
This paper examines whether “social value” can be a basis of value, the difference between social value and the social component of ESG, and whether the existing valuation principle of highest and best use can apply to social assets and social value.
The IVSC committee is also seeking feedback from valuers on a number of related survey questions:
- Do you think that the definition for highest and best use within a social value context needs to be expanded or reframed, and, if so, how would you revise the existing definition?
- Should governments and charities be maintaining a social value balance sheet in addition to their traditional balance sheets?
- Do you consider that the current discussions on ESG adequately addresses social value concepts in both a for-profit and not-for-profit world? If not, what would give this discussion more prominence and stimulus?
- With the information that is presently available, is it possible in most situations to quantify and measure social value accurately? If yes, how, and, if not, what is missing?