Community

The design, build and operation of the built environment all have the potential to be extremely disruptive to neighbours. Effective engagement and consultation with communities can be used to mitigate this risk, as can use of initiatives such as the Considerate Constructors Scheme. Clients, local authorities and other stakeholders increasingly expect companies in the built environment to engage with the wider community and enhance them. They are using their procurement processes and instruments such as planning conditions to drive improved community engagement.

Many companies working in the built environment engage with voluntary and community organisations. This can be done through charitable or payroll giving, sponsorship, pro-bono or in kind work and enabling employees to spend time volunteering in community or charity projects.

There is much we can do, but we need to also consider the impact our activities have, it is no longer good enough to just turn up and give time and money; we need to be able to quantify the benefits that our interactions with the community are having.