“Put the Human at the Center of ESG”

In a recent interview, Jan Willem de Graaf, Chief Technology Officer at ESG software company Blue Module, emphasized a striking yet often overlooked truth in the world of sustainable investing: true environmental impact starts with people.

“A lot of investors are looking at ESG from the point of view that they’re measuring energy, water and waste,” says de Graaf. “But really, you should primarily focus on the ‘S’ of ESG.”

Rather than treating the “S” – social – as an abstract or secondary concept, de Graaf argues that the focus should shift toward the “sustainability of humans.” He believes that by placing human behaviour at the heart of real estate ESG strategies, improved environmental outcomes will follow naturally.

“If you’re very human-centric, and concentrate on the human and on human behaviour within a building, the ‘E’ will automatically follow,” he explains.

The idea is both simple and revolutionary: better design, smarter monitoring, and active use of spaces tailored to human needs reduce waste, optimize energy use, and contribute to overall sustainability goals – without sacrificing comfort or productivity.

De Graaf also highlighted a generational shift in workplace expectations. “If you are hiring young people in your company, they expect their work environment to reflect their values – including health, transparency, and sustainability. If you don’t provide that, you’re already behind.”

Blue Module has made human-centric sustainability measurable through their platform, combining behavioural insights with real-time data on building performance. This approach not only satisfies regulatory ESG requirements, but also builds long-term value for owners, tenants, and communities.