For Planet & People
We’re a team of optimists on a mission to create unforgettable experiences and make an impact. We embrace design as a force for social good that can advance diversity and equity, champion our environment, and positively contribute to local communities.
Annual remote workforce commuting miles
-18,720mi
Of office spaces powered by green energy (avg.)
+66%
In-kind creative services contributions
$35,000
Non-profit $ donations
$5,390
Team volunteer hours
62
Minority-owned/operated
100%
We seek out kindred organizations, working together to make a measurable impact.
2026 Climate Action Plan
Barretto agrees to take action to meet the United Nations 2015 Paris Agreement goal: to keep the rise in global temperature “well below” 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, aiming for 1.5 degrees. As a small “virtual” professional services business, we recognize both our responsibility and opportunity to contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future. This plan outlines our roadmap to significantly reduce our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and strengthen our climate resilience.
Targets for performance and impact:
1. Optimize website carbon rating
2. Implement video call habits
3. Reduce data
Optimize website carbon rating. Creative websites run heavy; we will improve upon our website’s carbon rating by the end of Q4 2027. Conduct a carbon audit of our website and develop an approach to improving our rating. Publish the pre- and post- ratings when complete to meet stakeholder engagement goals. Resource: websitecarbon.com. Responsible party: Principal and IT Director.
Implement video call habits: Video streaming uses roughly 96% more data than audio alone. Set it as an agency norm by year’s end. Reduce video streaming on video calls by 50%. Resource: Zoom reports. Responsible party: entire team.
Reduce data: Large files, unused storage, and backups all generate server energy. Implement a semi-annual digital cleanup. Resource: self-managed. Responsible party: entire team.
How they’re making the world better: Since 1964, the Foundation has supported philanthropic efforts and has a vision for a just and equitable world where both people and nature flourish. That has included funding marine studies and protection, the only healthcare system in the Bay Area dedicated to pediatric and obstetric care, and a Salinas park designed by the residents themselves.
Project Outcomes: The successful launch and ongoing implementation of an award-winning design system, including verbal and visual identity, for the Foundation.
How they’re making the world better: ‘Social justice, relationships, internships, community’ is the motto of Metwest, a public school offering an inclusive option to students struggling to keep up with traditional learning styles. The curriculum includes internships and community college courses, allowing students to develop real-world experiences and lowering the barrier to entry for post-secondary education.
Project Outcomes: Metwest is a lifesaver for many students and their families, but struggled to amplify their message. We developed a brand identity that felt authentic, kept them top of mind for parents and administrators, and best of all, resonates with students.
How they’re making the world better: Latino Prosperity is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the Latino wealth gap through national, state, and local advocacy. LP’s impact spans multiple critical areas—all interconnected to drive holistic wealth-building for the Latino community.
Project Outcomes: Barretto partnered with LatinoProsperity founders and staff to craft a dynamic visual identity system that captures the spirit of relentless advocacy for equitable policies that empower Latinos to build and sustain wealth—a levelling of the playing field.
How they’re making the world better: The UCSC Arts Division is a champion of DEI, championing initiatives like equitable innovation and the inclusion of indigenous language in new tech. They also welcomed their first woman of color (WOC) Dean, who led this effort.
Project Outcomes: “Barretto-Co. genuinely cares about us and our success. They pay attention to what we need, and they always go the extra mile to come up with amazing ideas for us.” – feedback for UCSC’s new brand and website.
Collective action is urgently needed to address pressing challenges. We dedicate ~40% of working hours towards projects that lead to–
- Better Education
- Civic Involvement
- Community Pride
- Improved Neighborhoods
- Equitable Housing
- Sustainable Energy
- Bridging Cultural Divides
- Enhanced Public Health
Additional impact projects:
The Pinkney Foundation is a non-profit organization serving urban youth by providing programs and projects that assist in developing essential life skills in areas such as financial literacy, entrepreneurship, education, arts, humanities, and recreation. Scope: visual identity and retail environment.
Alameda County Care Connect developed infrastructure, test programs, and incentives to better connect physical health, mental health, substance abuse treatment, and social supports—including housing connections—for vulnerable Medi-Cal beneficiaries with poor health outcomes who are high users of multiple public systems. Scope: UX/IA and website
CA Loan Match brings together 20+ responsible and non-predatory lenders across California to expand innovative financial products for small business owners of color, breaking down systemic barriers and ultimately unlocking billions of dollars in federal investments aimed at underserved small businesses. The program has successfully supported more than $2 billion in loans to small businesses across the state since 2013.
Looking ahead…
2025 began with an exciting start for our agency as we leaned into partnering with a new client in the organic farmland space, with far-reaching impacts on carbon sequestration, the elimination of pesticides, enhanced soil fertility, increased biodiversity, and better farming economic outcomes—more on that to come after the public launch.
2026 is off to an exciting start for our agency, partnering with three new clients. The first operates in the mental health space and seeks to harness the power of science and lived experience to improve mental health outcomes for individuals, families, and society. The second partnership is with a local, independent denim fashion brand that also serves as a vibrant hub for creativity, education, and community engagement. And lastly, we are so honored to support Palo Alto University’s new President, Farouk Dey, and the pivot toward a new North Star.
“We feel like Barretto-Co. genuinely cares about us and our success. They pay attention to what we need, and they always go the extra mile to come up with amazing ideas for us. They’re a great partner, and it’s been a real pleasure working with them.”
—Assoc. Director of Communications,
University Arts Division
Certifications
B Corp Certification
February 2024
City of Oakland Small Local Business Enterprise
Alameda County Small Local Emerging Business
To our stakeholders,
We are excited to share our 2026 Impact Report with you, highlighting Barretto’s existing benchmarks and future goals in our ongoing mission to create meaningful environmental and social change through world-class design.
Through your continued support and partnership, we have made significant strides toward our sustainability goals and have positively impacted the communities we serve. This report showcases our commitment to responsible practices, innovative initiatives, and collaborative efforts that have enabled us to drive tangible outcomes, demonstrating that together, we are making a real difference.
We express our sincere gratitude for your unwavering belief in our vision, and we look forward to your continued involvement as we forge ahead on our journey to use design as a force for good.
Steve & Team Barretto
