Community

As an industry we don’t work in isolation, we are at the centre of creating the communities in which we all live. This is a big opportunity and a responsibility for us all.

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 communities in which they work and improve the wellbeing of the people in those communities. They are using their procurement policies and processes, for example PPN 06/20, 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 are lots of opportunities to enhance the lives of the communities in which we work. However, it’s no longer good enough to just turn up and give time and money. We need to be able to measure the impact and quantify the benefits that our interactions with the community are having.