What Is Social Value In Construction?

Social value in construction refers to the short-term and long-term benefits that a project can bring to the local community and society. Things such as:

• Choosing local labourers,
• Sourcing local and sustainable materials,
• Implementing green spaces,
• And working with the community

are all factors that affect the social value of a project, not just during the construction phase, but also after the project is completed.

Since 2012, the Public Services Social Value Act has been in place. This Act is to ensure that economic, social, and environmental well-being are closely considered during public services contracts. This means, in layman’s terms, that each construction project has to benefit the community.

Put simply, social value in construction is how the community and its residents’ well-being can be improved by the construction project in both the short and long term.

Keep reading to discover exactly how social value is considered and added across the construction industry.

 

Why Does Social Value in Construction Projects Matter?

Social value, whether it be in construction or simply in general, matters because, at its core, it’s an attempt at making the community, society – the world – a better place for the people who live in it.

In construction, the need to add social value to the project can feel heightened. This is especially true, as in recent years the construction industry has faced backlash over its environmental and social impacts on the planet. Implementing things such as decarbonisation throughout the construction process is a great step in the right direction, but ensuring social value is added to every project will deliver more meaningful results.

Social Value & The Public

Almost everyone cares about the area where they live. It’s no secret that when a new construction project is erected, people will start to speculate how it will affect them and their community.

Informing the public of the project, working with them, and explaining its benefits are important. This not only adds social value to the project, as the community feels involved, but it may also help you understand and identify other ways the project can improve the local area.

Social Value & Your Employees

If your employees feel that the project is important, they’ll be more likely to enjoy getting involved. By integrating social value into construction projects, you can demonstrate benefits to the community, and your employees will feel as though they’re part of something important, which can encourage them to be more productive and even share their ideas.

Social Value & The Government

The Government cares about social value. So much so that the Public Services Social Value Act was created in 2012 to ensure that all construction projects have a social value plan in place. This is to ensure that every project benefits the community and enhances the lives of its residents, not just after completion, but during construction as well.

Here at Jarvale, we care deeply about adding social value to every contract we take on, whether it is a legal requirement or not. For years, we have taken on projects that greatly benefit the community, and we are proud to have been part of that. Our work doesn’t stop there either. We maintain close connections with our past clients to provide assistance with maintenance or any questions they may have.

Take a look at our latest case study to see how we enhanced social value across the project.

 

Examples of Social Value in Construction

Knowing how to add social value to construction projects can seem tricky. It’s not just about making nice-sounding promises with enticing words; it’s delivering on these promises, too. Below are just a few examples of how Jarvale implements social value throughout all phases of a construction project.

Integrating Social Value During the Construction Phase

Implementing social value in the construction phase of a project is just as important as ensuring the finished piece has long-term social value benefits.

Local Employment

Construction projects tend to involve many jobs. Hiring locally reduces unemployment in the area, and including apprenticeships and/or training opportunities helps people to upskill themselves for future employment, greatly benefiting the community.

Local Supply Chain

Sourcing local materials and services supports the community’s businesses and boosts the local economy. Plus, shopping locally can sometimes increase the exposure of local businesses, pulling in new customers and more profits.

Sustainability

Using ethical supply chains that minimise the environmental impact will greatly benefit the wider community. But also using sustainable, eco-friendly building techniques and materials will reduce carbon emissions and minimise the unnecessary waste of a project. Plus, the finished project will be future-ready and good for the environment.

Involving the Community

It’s normal for people to worry about how a construction project will affect their community. Talking to the residents, listening to their grievances, and finding a way to work together can not only make the project better but can also help build a sense of unity and collaboration within the community.

Integrating Social Value in The Project for Long-Term Effects

It’s great to implement social value during the construction phase, but once the project is over, the building needs to continue its community support.

Green Spaces

Green spaces or recreational spaces have been proven to have positive impacts on mental well-being, as well as improving the air quality and taking care of biodiversity and wildlife. Implementing green spaces such as parks, woodlands, and even grass gardens can result in huge benefits to the community, both mentally and physically.

Including Heritage & Character

Heritage is very important to a community. If a building is being erected, incorporating the existing character of the area, and better yet, preserving the original heritage, will allow the community to feel heard and the area’s identity to remain intact. This is especially important for redevelopment projects.

Social Spaces

Social spaces are vital for a community. It’s where they get together and how they develop that community feeling. Where possible, social spaces should be considered and added to a project to further the sense of community and create social interaction. Things such as sports facilities, community centres, and parks are great examples of social spaces.

Take a look at our most recent project, where social spaces were a priority.

Infrastructure & Decarbonisation

Sustainable infrastructure is extremely important, especially if the aim of the building is to be future-ready and accessible to all. Public transport, cycle lanes, and walking routes should be taken into consideration and implemented in the project. This, along with decarbonisation, will allow the building to be sustainable whilst supporting the local community.

 

The Benefits of Social Value Within Construction

There are several benefits to providing social value through construction projects. Below are just a few examples Jarvale believes are important.

• Boosting the economy: By choosing local suppliers, labourers, and materials, the local economy is boosted by the extra work. In turn, this can help combat unemployment rates, too.
• Employment and training opportunities: It’s common for construction companies that focus on social value to offer training and employment opportunities, such as apprenticeships and volunteering, to the local community. This lowers unemployment rates and allows members of the community who may struggle to find work to feel valued.
• Positive environmental impact: Opting to use sustainable materials, improving insulation, and energy retention are great ways to benefit the environment and offer social value for the long-term.
• Leave a lasting impact: Construction projects with a strong focus on social value can leave a positive lasting impact on the community. Things such as employment opportunities, creating affordable housing, and improving local parks and community centres are all things that bring communities together and can be implemented in the project.

How Jarvale Implement Social Value in Our Construction Projects

Whenever Jarvale bids for a project, we need to meet the social value requirements of the bid owner. These will be different for every project, but the ultimate goal is always to help society. We operate with a “local-first” philosophy that supports community-led projects, therefore, implementing social value is extremely important to us. We work closely with the clients and the local community to truly understand what the project means to them and how it will help benefit the residents.

For more information on our social value process, please take a look at our dedicated social value page or contact us, where our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.