ESG Follow the money

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ESG Is Everywhere. Here’s What We Actually Do.

In an industry where ESG is discussed almost every day, you don’t have to scroll far to see a post from someone saying, “We believe in ESG. We’re part of the solution.”

And yes, the irony of writing this blog post isn’t lost on me.

ESG is talked about constantly. But the real question is: do our KPIs actually drive change? Are our actions clearly defined, or do they simply acknowledge that “something” should be done by someone? Public commitments should create accountability, not just visibility.

Within the ESG framework, there’s more work than any one company, especially a small or medium-sized business, can realistically take on. Most firms don’t have the resources of a multinational. So the real question becomes: where do you start?

You could spend pages defining each part of ESG. The environmental side. The governance side. The reporting frameworks, the acronyms, the metrics, the disclosures. All of that has its place.

At Mainstay, we’ve chosen to focus our measurable efforts where we can make the most direct and structural impact: the “S” in ESG — Social.

Why the “S”? Because for us, it isn’t a program or a policy. It’s baked into the fabric of our business; we are owned by Buffalo River Dene Nation.

That doesn’t mean we ignore the “E” or the “G.” Safety is foundational to how we operate, and environmental stewardship matters deeply to us and to our partner, Buffalo River Dene Nation. Strong governance, accountability, and responsible project execution are part of how we show up every day.

The levers we pull

We’ve chosen two simple, measurable actions that create sustained social impact. Nothing flashy. Nothing complicated. Just clear commitments we can stand behind.

1. A direct financial commitment

We invest 2% of our top-line revenue into Indigenous people, education, and awareness:

• 1% goes directly to the youth of Buffalo River Dene Nation, our ownership partner.

• 1% goes to Wanuskewin Heritage Park, or other client aligned initiatives, which helps educate the broader public about the history and culture of Indigenous people in Canada.

Wanuskewin has the reach and credibility to amplify this message far beyond what we could do on our own. They tell the stories, preserve the knowledge, and create experiences that help people understand the land they live on and the cultures that have shaped it for generations.

For us, this isn’t about writing a cheque once a year and issuing a press release. It’s a standing commitment tied directly to our revenue. When we grow, the contribution grows. When we struggle, we still give. It’s simple, measurable, and real.

2. Shared ownership and shared outcomes

Mainstay is 51% owned by Buffalo River Dene Nation. That means we share the ups and downs of business together.

Some years are strong. Some years are tight. That’s the nature of business, especially in resource-driven industries. But the real value of a business isn’t just this year’s revenue or profit. It’s the wealth and opportunity it can generate over decades.

Ownership matters. It creates long-term alignment. It means decisions are made with the community in mind. And over time, as the business grows, the value created doesn’t just sit on a balance sheet. It stays connected to the people who are part of the story.

Today, we’re planting seeds so that tomorrow’s youth can benefit from what we build together.

Why measurement matters

If you can’t measure it, it’s hard to claim it.

That’s one of the challenges with ESG. There are frameworks, scorecards, and certifications, but at the end of the day, impact should be visible in real numbers and real outcomes.

For us, the measurement is straightforward:

• A fixed percentage of top-line revenue goes to defined causes.

• Majority ownership sits with an Indigenous Nation.

• Employment, training, and project opportunities flow through that structure.

• It’s not perfect. It doesn’t solve every issue. But it’s real, and it’s measurable.

And that’s something any company,  large or small, can start to measure. What is one lever you can pull that creates a measurable social outcome? Not a statement. Not a policy. An action.

If there’s one takeaway from this, it’s this: Look past the messaging and the post and follow the money.

It’s a simple idea, but it can be uncomfortable. ESG is discussed everywhere, but if you trace where the dollars actually go, the story sometimes changes.

Are the companies you work with creating real impact, or just talking about it?
Are the right people actually benefiting from your decisions?
Is ownership shared? Are communities participating in the upside?

Those questions aren’t meant to accuse anyone. They’re meant to create curiosity, and accountability.

At Mainstay, we stick to our own story. This is what we do. This is how we’re structured. These are the dollars, and this is where they go. It’s not a theory or a promise. It’s how  we operate every day.

ESG shouldn’t be about optics. It should be about measurable outcomes.

We’re proud to be one of the first Indigenous-owned engineering firms. We’re proud of the partnership with Buffalo River Dene Nation. But we’re also curious about where the industry is heading and what real impact looks like at scale.

We don’t claim to have all the answers. We’re just trying to do our part, measure it, and talk about it honestly.

Because real impact doesn’t start with a post. It starts with a decision, then another one after that.

If you’re thinking about ESG in your own organization, start small. Pick something real. Make it measurable. And stick with it long enough to see the results.

If you are selecting a vendor based on their perceived values, follow the money. That’s where the real story usually lives.

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