Interview with Mili Jain

Mili Jain, Founder of Monk Spaces, will present the keynote The Economics of Credible Environmental Data at ISC2026.
1. What are some of the most significant developments you have seen in your field over the past few years?
One change always makes me smile. About five years ago, most client calls started with, "So... what does LCA stand for?" followed by "And what's an EPD?" Today, that almost never happens. People already know the basics, understand the difference between the two, and come to the conversation with a much clearer idea of what they're looking for. That shift says a lot about how far the industry has come.
The other big change is that the value of LCAs and EPDs is much easier to see. Businesses increasingly understand how they support procurement, regulatory compliance, customer requirements, and market access. The return on investment is no longer theoretical. The business case is becoming much more tangible.
2. The theme of ISC2026 focuses on collaboration and advancing sustainability through better data and transparency. Why do you think these topics are particularly important today?
You can't do a good LCA without collaboration. The best methodology in the world won't help if the data isn't there. The quality of an assessment depends on manufacturers being willing to share information, challenge assumptions, and work closely with consultants throughout the process. Transparency starts long before the final report is published. It starts with open conversations and trustworthy data. As sustainability requirements become more rigorous, collaboration is no longer a nice-to-have. It's what makes credible environmental data possible.
3. What key message or insight do you hope participants will take away from your session at ISC2026?
I hope people leave with a different perspective on the economics of sustainability data. As the demand for environmental transparency grows, the need for credible data will only increase. But for transparency to become mainstream, the cost of producing high-quality data needs to come down, not because we lower the standards, but because we improve the way we collect, manage, and use data. If we can make credible data more efficient and accessible, we can accelerate sustainability across entire industries.