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Stok Impact

2024-2025 Report

Stok Impact

2024-2025 Report

Stok Annual Impact Report 2024–2025

Letter From Leadership

For nearly 20 years, Stok has demonstrated how business can be a force for good, both through our client work and our own business practices. As we’ve grown, we feel it’s become increasingly urgent for the sectors we touch to eliminate emissions, protect human health, and advance equity. During this time, Stok has continually demanded better of ourselves and our services, leading by example and enabling clients to take bold action. We’re proud of the many ways we’ve shown that business can be a force for good, while stoking joy along the way.

Stok focuses on leading our clients to decarbonize now, and we’re proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our ambitious clients via a formal commitment to emissions reduction. In April 2025, our emissions reduction targets were validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This demonstrates our dedication to a decarbonization pathway set by the global scientific community, gives us firsthand experience with the SBTi process including making the reductions required, shows other Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) how it’s possible, and puts Stok on the path to achieve our goal of becoming a net-zero professional services organization.

This year, in support of our strategic goal to have most of our work drive decarbonization, we established a Decarbonization Task Force and are also evaluating our active projects against decarbonization criteria to inform how we can maximize meaningful reductions through our work.

We continue to evolve and benefit from our nature-inspired, self-management structure, coined Organizational Biomimicry. Modeled after the adaptability and balance of natural systems, it creates the conditions for individuals and purpose-driven organizations to thrive. We empower every team member to grow their expertise, lead with confidence, and contribute meaningfully, which has fostered increased internal equity and efficiency.

In 2024, we formally established Stok’s Pro Bono Program, providing roughly $37,000 in services to two clients—Trilogy Excursions and AMAAD (Arming Minorities Against Addiction & Disease). We also donated $10,000 to values-aligned non-profit organizations and Stok team members collectively contributed 474 volunteer hours to the causes and communities they care about.

These practices and more have contributed to Stok’s B Corp certification since 2016, which establishes that financial profitability is a result of the positive change we create for people and planet. B Corp provides rigor and accountability through its third-party verification process and also helps us understand where we can do better.

We’re proud of what we’ve done this year and what we’ve built—and we’re even more excited about where we’re going. Our journey has been characterized by being bold, continuously improving, and acting collectively. We will continue to lead with purpose and use our business to create meaningful change with others who are ready to reimagine what’s possible.

In partnership,

Jake Arlein
Jacob Arlein
CEO
Stok Team

About Stok

Stok leads organizations to decarbonize now. We integrate expertise across ESG and sustainability consulting, carbon, energy engineering, commissioning, and project delivery. From the enterprise to asset level, we provide clients with strategy, management, and technical support to translate bold commitments into impact. In our own operations, we challenge the status quo through bold, measurable action. Stok uses third-party frameworks such as B Corp, the International Living Future Institute (ILFI) Just Label, and the SBTi to guide, verify, and share our progress toward our commitment to a radically better world for all.

Our values unite us and enable us to continually pursue our vision: When our partners are the world’s most impactful leaders in environmental and social justice, and our team members view work as play, we will have reached our destination.

Led by Core Values

Our values guide every decision we make and action we take on behalf of our partners and clients.

STOK JOY

There’s a special feeling here at Stok—created by our enthusiasm, playfulness, and gratitude. When we bring this intention, our brand of joy makes work more human—and more worth doing—together.​

OWN IT

We all have a part to play in the results we create. When everyone steps up, seeks clarity, and looks out for each other, we get better outcomes for us all. Being present in this way gets us where we want to go.​​

CARE DEEPLY

Our sincere investment in each other is worth it. It’s about putting people first—and approaching each other with care. When we do this, we build trust and with that, our opportunities are boundless.​

DEMAND BETTER

We not only dream higher but insist that it can be done. Laser focused, we have the courage and conviction to tackle the problems that matter most to us. We dig deep and take smart risks, bringing long-term thinking over quick fixes.​

Governance Inspired by Nature

The concept of emulating nature’s genius is known as biomimicry. At Stok, we use this as inspiration to develop our self-management structure, Organizational Biomimicry. This structure distributes authority through intentional practices, providing clarity of responsibilities while maximizing autonomy for every member. Through self-organization, integrated decision making, and strong communication, we perform as efficiently and equitably as possible to deliver high value to our clients. Just as nature does, we keep our feedback loops short and develop reciprocal partnerships to continue evolving.

organizational Biomimicry
  • Allows us all to step into our power in fulfilling our purpose.
  • Enables autonomy and trust, which unleashes creativity and equity.
  • Allows us to find the roles we love as we grow and journey forward together.

Stok’s ownership group embodied this same philosophy, cultivating both individual development and collective resilience within our self-managed framework. Currently made up of 15 Active Members representing all areas of our business (and comprising 60% women, 40% men), the ownership group expands through an inclusive pathway to ownership designed to remove bias and reflect the diversity of Stok and the communities we serve.

Stok's Structure

ESG at Stok

Stok’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) program is shaped by the Vision Pod and the Impact Task Force.

The Vision Pod, which includes leaders across all core business units, helps prioritize initiatives and ensures ESG is embedded into both our strategy and operations. This cross-functional leadership group sets the direction for our sustainability and equity commitments, aligning them with our long-term business objectives.

The Impact Task Force turns these priorities into action—driving progress toward our mission of creating a more sustainable and equitable world, while positioning Stok as an industry leader in impact. Through active engagement and collaboration across our leadership teams, we are committed to advancing our ESG program in alignment with our purpose, values, and stakeholder expectations.

Stok's Structure

Our Approach to Materiality

In 2025, Stok conducted an ESG materiality assessment to identify and prioritize the issues that matter most to our stakeholders and business, helping guide the direction of our integrated ESG program. The materialty assessment process included defining specific material topics based on industry standards, reviewing previous ESG assessment results, conducting interviews with key subject matter experts across our self-managed organization, and engaging in an iterative process to refine our list of ESG topics.

There were a total of 34 material topics surveyed, and our internal and external stakeholders identified the following as most material to Stok:

These results will shape the next phase of Stok’s ESG strategy by further developing our ESG priorities, embedding them into operations, guiding reporting and disclosure practices, and demonstrating our responsiveness to stakeholder priorities.

Stok Materiality Assessment Matrix

Hover over each icon for more information on the ESG topic.

Environmental
Social
Governance
Significance to stakeholders
Environmental
Social
Governance
Significance to Stok's business
Axis X: Significance to Stok's business
Axis Y: Significance to stakeholders

Our Commitments

B CORP

B CORP

Our B Corp certification reflects our commitment to meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. To remain certified, we regularly measure our progress against the rigorous B Impact Assessment, confirming that we create value for all stakeholders. This commitment keeps us focused on driving positive change for our people, clients, communities, and the planet. Stok has been certified since 2016 and earned a 106 on our most recent assessment.
JUST LABEL

JUST LABEL

Stok is proud to publish a JUST Label, a transparency label through the ILFI that publicly discloses our social justice and equity practices. This commitment reflects our dedication to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, team member well-being, and community impact. By sharing our performance openly, we hold ourselves accountable to continual improvement and to creating a workplace and business model rooted in fairness and responsibility.
SCIENCE-BASED TARGETS

SCIENCE-BASED TARGETS

Stok has set a GHG emissions reduction target, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and published on the SBTi Target Dashboard, inclusive of a near-term goal to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 42% by 2030 from a 2023 base year, alongside measuring and reducing Scope 3 emissions. Long term, Stok is committed to reaching net-zero by 2050, which includes reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions at least 90% from 2023 levels.
3% FOR THE PLANET

3% FOR THE PLANET

Stok is committed to donating 3% of our annual net operating income through a combination of our Pro Bono Professional Services program and charitable contributions directed by our team members.

Quality Services to Support Decarbonization

At Stok, delivering high-quality professional services is at the heart of how we help clients achieve their sustainability goals. We combine deep industry expertise with data-driven insights to guide clients on their decarbonization journey, from measuring emissions and setting ambitious targets to implementing strategies that drive real, measurable impact. By providing tailored solutions at both the portfolio and property level, we empower our clients to reduce their environmental footprint, transition to low-carbon operations, and contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable future.

Our Harvest Pod, functioning as our sales and marketing department, has as its purpose: to ensure that at any point in which there is interaction with Stok, the audience is always impressed and met with absolute sincerity, complete boldness, and utter joy. To hold ourselves accountable to this promise, Stok conducts semi-annual client feedback surveys using the Net Promoter Score (NPS) methodology. In 2024, we were proud to earn an aggregate NPS score of 69, reflecting the strength of our client relationships and our commitment to delivering exceptional value.

OUR WORK
Data Security Practices

Data Security Practices

Stok implements data protection practices to safeguard client and team member data. These include role-based access controls, mandatory multi-factor authentication across all systems, annual data privacy and phishing awareness trainings, and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) protocols to reduce the risk of accidental loss or breach.

We also closely monitor the evolving landscape of AI, with a focus on ethical use and data integrity. Our AI Policy provides clear guidance on responsible use, restricts tools to approved platforms, and sets firm boundaries around the handling of client data. In the coming year, we are focused on strengthening our data governance framework and enhancing client trust by clearly documenting our data protection and security standards.

  • Driven by Purpose
  • Driven by Purpose
  • Driven by Purpose
  • Driven by Purpose
  • Driven by Purpose

Driven by Purpose

Stok’s interdisciplinary team of experts is driven by a passion for positive impact as we work toward fulfilling our purpose: To boldly catalyze an environmentally restorative and socially equitable world.

MEET OUR TEAM

Team Member Engagement

Rooted in Stok’s drive to be human-centered, accountable, caring, and impact-driven, our values define what it means to work and play here. Culturally, 
our values guide how we commit to looking after our team members.

From recognizing rad contributions to fostering open feedback and accountability, Stok’s team member engagement initiatives are designed to help our people thrive. Our IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability) action plan, Individual Learning Plans, and other feedback and recognition processes all work together to strengthen connection, purpose, and belonging, making Stok an exceptional place to work.

Learning and Development

At Stok, we believe the growth of our business is dependent on the growth of our people. Our commitment as an organization is to create the system and frameworks that support our people to grow their curiosity, passion, and expertise in ways that are aligned with our vision.

Our pathways for advancement establish a clear structure for growth at Stok, outlining development expectations and offering resources, from dedicated time to financial support, to empower each team member’s learning and development journey. Designed for flexibility and self-management, the pathways help team members define and manage their own growth through an Individual Learning Plan (ILP), supported by an annual stipend and allocated hours for professional and personal development.

We reinforce these pathways through Stok’s culture of mentorship, support, and recognition, maintaining an environment where learning thrives:

  • Coaching and mentorship: Stok Coaches and third-party advisors offer guidance, tools, and training to foster a healthy, feedback-rich culture.
  • Peer support: Our People Roles provide direct, peer-to-peer resources and encouragement to help team members navigate their growth journeys.
  • Equitable recognition: Processes like our Human Capital Contribution survey, self-managed performance evaluations, and empathy-first performance improvement plans provide structure for reflection and recognition that is consistent, fair, and growth-oriented.
Inclusion Diversity Equity

PARTICIPANTS AT A LEADERFLOW SESSION FACILITATED BY STOK IN SEATTLE, 2024. (CREDIT: LEADERFLOW)

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability (IDEA)

Guided by our IDEA commitment and action plan, Stok has established dedicated roles, a task force, and supporting processes to embed inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability throughout our organization. We reduce bias and prevent discrimination in hiring in part through blind hiring practices and standardized interviews focused on candidates’ skills, qualifications, and experience. Dedicated to career growth and fair pay for all, we have created equitable pathways for advancement and compensation frameworks. Additionally, we foster belonging through coaching, feedback training and surveys, and cultural engagement events.

Stok proudly partners with LeaderFlow, a non-profit advancing primarily professionals of color into architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) leadership, extending our impact industry-wide. Our IDEA initiatives and efforts are measured and transparently reported by our B Corp certification and Just Label, which shows our progress as well as areas for improvement.

Flexible Work Policies

Flexible Work Policies

At Stok, our flexible work policies are designed to create meaningful benefits for our team members. By supporting part-time employment, enabling the freedom to work from anywhere, and resourcing team members to build their own schedule, we make space for people to balance their careers with the rest of their lives. Supporting team members in this way facilitates well-being in prevention of burnout, family and community care, personal learning and growth, and so much more.

Fair Compensation

Fair Compensation

Fair and equitable compensation is core to Stok’s commitment to our team members. Our compensation policies reflect our commitment by aligning with the JUST Label Living Wage Level 2. For Canadian team members, we set our baseline at two times the minimum wage in each market where we operate.
Stok also conducts an annual market study using PayScale and the Numbeo Cost of Living Calculator to confirm our compensation meets cost of living and cost of labor demands where our team members are located. Our compensation philosophy and policies are regularly reviewed by our independent Membership and Compensation (MAC) Pod to allow for transparency and accountability.

Partnering for Purpose

Each Stok team member receives 16 volunteer hours annually, with an option to gift them to Stok’s Pro Bono Program if not used. In 2024, our team provided 474 hours to serve local non-profits. We also proudly completed two pro bono projects that reflect our commitment to community impact and sustainability.

ANNUAL VOLUNTEER HOURS
PER TEAM MEMBER16
TOTAL HOURS
VOLUNTEERED IN 2025474
PRO BONO PROJECTS
COMPLETED IN 20252

Stok also partners with Literacy for Environmental Justice (LEJ) in San Francisco, contributing dedicated fieldwork days to support LEJ’s mission of advancing environmental health, fostering ecological stewardship, and promoting community development in Southeast San Francisco.

Path to Net Zero

Stok’s Path to Net Zero

In 2025, Stok announced our ambition to mitigate our contribution to climate change, charting a path toward decarbonization. Our targets, now validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and published on the SBTi Target Dashboard, include a near-term goal to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 42% by 2030 from a 2023 base year, alongside measuring and reducing Scope 3 emissions. Long term, we are committed to reaching net-zero by 2050, which includes reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions at least 90% from 2023 levels.

In addition to these targets, Stok commits to purchase carbon credits to compensate for ongoing emissions while we actively work to reduce emissions. This commitment acknowledges the critical need for investment in immediate carbon reduction and removal solutions that can act at scale. Our compensation efforts will cover our operations and value chain, beginning in the calendar year 2025.

OUR PROCESS AND PRIORITIES
GHG Emissions

GHG Emissions

In 2025, Stok completed our third annual Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG inventory, continuing to refine and strengthen the quality of our emissions data.

Looking ahead, we are deepening our efforts in three key ways by:

  1. Publicly reporting our GHG inventory and progress toward our science-based targets (SBTs) in our annual impact report.
  2. Developing a carbon mitigation plan that defines roles and responsibilities, sets interim milestones, and outlines core strategies across our operations and value chain.
  3. Creating a carbon credit sourcing strategy to support our emissions compensation commitment, with criteria for evaluating projects, establishing an annual budget, and identifying high-quality providers 
in the voluntary carbon market.

Let's Make Impact Together

We’re proud to be on the same journey toward meaningful, measurable impact that we help our clients navigate. If you’re leading your company’s impact reporting, let’s connect.

CONTACT US