UNMATCHED SCALE OF INFLUENCE
Economic Footprint
Longevity of Impact
Economic Footprint
The construction and property sectors represent about 10% of UK GDP and employ millions of people. Every pound spent on construction has a large "multiplier effect" across society.
Physical Footprint
Longevity of Impact
Economic Footprint
Buildings, infrastructure, public spaces, and places, shape where and how people live, work, learn, and connect, every single day.
Longevity of Impact
Longevity of Impact
Longevity of Impact
Buildings last decades or centuries. Good design choices (or bad ones) affect generations to come, meaning social value created is long-term and compounding.
POLICY AND MARKET DRIVERS
The Social Value Act (2012)
The Social Value Act (2012)
The Social Value Act (2012)
The Social Value Act is important because it pushes public sector projects, and increasingly influences private sector partners, to consider the broader economic, social, and environmental impacts of their work. For built environment companies, it creates a framework to not only win public contracts but also drive competitive advantage,
The Social Value Act is important because it pushes public sector projects, and increasingly influences private sector partners, to consider the broader economic, social, and environmental impacts of their work. For built environment companies, it creates a framework to not only win public contracts but also drive competitive advantage, enhance community outcomes, and meet rising ESG expectations across both public and private markets.
ESG Reporting Pressure
The Social Value Act (2012)
The Social Value Act (2012)
ESG reporting pressure is reshaping the built environment sector by demanding greater transparency and accountability around environmental, social, and governance outcomes. Companies that embed social value into their projects are better positioned to meet investor expectations, secure sustainable finance, and stay competitive in a marke
ESG reporting pressure is reshaping the built environment sector by demanding greater transparency and accountability around environmental, social, and governance outcomes. Companies that embed social value into their projects are better positioned to meet investor expectations, secure sustainable finance, and stay competitive in a market where delivering measurable impact is now a critical business imperative.
Levelling Up Agendas
The Social Value Act (2012)
Levelling Up Agendas
The Levelling Up agenda places a strong emphasis on creating fairer opportunities and reducing regional inequalities, making social value delivery a core expectation for built environment companies. Projects that enhance local skills, health, environment, and community infrastructure directly support these national goals, strengthening t
The Levelling Up agenda places a strong emphasis on creating fairer opportunities and reducing regional inequalities, making social value delivery a core expectation for built environment companies. Projects that enhance local skills, health, environment, and community infrastructure directly support these national goals, strengthening the case for funding, planning approval, and long-term local partnerships.
WHAT IS ESG?
ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, three critical areas investors, businesses, and policymakers use to measure an organisation’s broader impact beyond financial performance. "Environmental" examines how a company manages its effects on the planet, from carbon emissions to resource efficiency. "Social" focuses on how it treats people, employees, customers, and communities. "Governance" covers leadership, ethics, transparency, and decision-making processes. ESG has become a global standard because companies with strong ESG practices are more resilient, innovative, and trusted. In the built environment sector, ESG drives responsible design, construction, and operation of buildings to support a more sustainable future.
WHAT IS SOCIAL VALUE?
Social value is about the positive impact an organisation or project creates for people, communities, and the environment. It goes beyond financial profit to measure how activities improve lives, health, opportunities, and wellbeing. In practical terms, social value could mean creating local jobs, enhancing green spaces, improving mental health, supporting vulnerable groups, or investing in education. In the UK, especially in public sector work, companies are increasingly expected to prove their social value contributions. In the built environment, delivering social value means designing and building spaces that enhance community life, promote sustainability, and contribute to a fairer, healthier society.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CSR AND ESG?
CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) both deal with a company’s social and ethical impact but differ in purpose and approach. CSR is often voluntary and focuses on charitable activities, community initiatives, or ethical behaviour beyond regulatory requirements. It's more about goodwill. ESG, on the other hand, is data-driven, measurable, and tied directly to financial risk, investor expectations, and regulatory standards. In the built environment sector, CSR might involve sponsoring local projects, whereas ESG involves systematically integrating sustainability, wellbeing, and ethical governance into every stage of design, construction, and building management, and then proving it with data.
HOW IS THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT CONNECTED TO ESG?
The built environment sector significantly influences environmental, social, and governance outcomes. Buildings affect energy use, emissions, biodiversity, and community wellbeing. ESG provides a structured way for the sector to measure and improve these impacts. Developers, architects, and construction firms can demonstrate leadership by embedding ESG principles in design, construction, and management practices. Strong ESG performance not only supports sustainability goals but also enhances resilience, investor confidence, and long-term value across property and infrastructure projects.
WHY CONSIDER BUILDINGS, NATURE AND HUMAN WELLBEING TOGETHER?
Buildings don't exist in isolation; they interact constantly with natural systems and human health. Well-designed environments with access to green and blue spaces can boost mental wellbeing, physical health, and social connection. Ignoring these relationships can lead to unhealthy, unsustainable communities. Considering how buildings support nature and people ensures developments are more resilient, vibrant, and equitable. In short, connecting buildings, nature, and wellbeing isn't just good ethics, it's essential for creating places where people truly thrive.
