Social sustainability

Greengage works with organisations to specify, develop and implement bespoke social sustainability strategies. We focus first on understanding the key issues relevant to the situation, whether that be the ongoing operation of a business, or the planning, design and construction of a building or pipeline of buildings. We then define a process the organisation can follow that is flexible enough to be adapted but allows for a consistent and robust approach to delivering social change.

Key to this process is the engagement of key stakeholders within the organisation, as well as outside groups. Measurable indicators of progress are defined which can then be adopted and verified against as different social sustainability initiatives are implemented. We have successfully set strategies at the corporate level for large scale developers, who have then applied the approach on a project-by-project basis under our guidance.

We conduct socio-economic impact assessments to evaluate how a proposed scheme is likely to affect the local area, and the lives of existing and future communities. First we thoroughly review the baseline data to understand the current local social, economic and environmental conditions. We then analyse potential impacts, considering both their level of significance and anticipated geographical range. From the conclusions drawn, we suggest appropriate mitigation and/or enhancement measures. These recommendations will inform the design and decision-making process so as to satisfy planning requirements and address the matters of most concern to local authorities and the local community.

The exact scope of the analysis depends on the proposed scheme, but commonly includes impacts on the local population, economy, job market, social infrastructure such as schools, community facilities services such as healthcare, public open space and community cohesion and safety.

At Greengage, we undertake Equalities Impact Assessments (EqIAs) to analyse how proposed schemes might affect diverse groups, particularly those protected under equality legislation. These assessments consider various characteristics such as age, race and sexual orientation, among others. We also assess whether the development aligns with local and national policy. Our EqIAs identify potential adverse impacts and recommend ways to mitigate them, thereby promoting equality and preventing discrimination. By delivering a comprehensive understanding of the effects on different demographic groups, our EqIAs help organisations make informed decisions that foster an inclusive and equitable environment for all.

Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) are an objective tool used to predict and measure the potential health impacts of a proposed scheme upon both the existing and future population of an area. Using the NHS Healthy Urban Development Unit (HUDU) assessment, we scope our HIAs to represent the relevant potential health impacts as appropriate to the scheme. These impacts undergo an in-depth analysis of various contributing factors to ensure health is a key consideration during the design development.

Impacts that can be considered in a HIA cover a range of health and wellbeing elements and can include consideration of the design and provision of services and social infrastructure, access to open space, site accessibility, community safety and cohesion, supporting of healthy lifestyles, supporting access to work and training and consideration of environmental issues, as appropriate.

Working closely with a design team, we undertake additionality assessments to calculate the direct and indirect economic benefits of a proposed development. Using the latest guidance from the Homes & Communities Agency, as recommended by HM Treasury, the calculations consider various factors including displacement, leakage and multiplier effects. This gives a realistic appraisal of the scheme’s net benefits. Additionality assessments can be used on a number of economic benefits including construction employment, long-term operational job creation, spend analysis, provision of housing and provision of commercial floor space, as is appropriate for the proposed scheme.

We carry out local economic spend analysis to identify the wider economic benefits brought to an area as a result of a proposed development. For residential schemes, this assesses the benefit of a new population’s local expenditure. In the case of mixed-use and commercial developments, we consider the supply chain linkages that can improve the local multiplier effect of any expenditure i.e. how many times a pound can go round the local economy. Accurate assessment of these benefits can form the basis for wider regenerative arguments in favour of a scheme.

Developments that are proposed in areas of existing local communities are often required to be supported by a regeneration statement regarding the benefits anticipated as a result of revitalisation. Our regeneration statements are specifically scoped to reference any regeneration strategies that might lie behind or be supported by the proposals, thus demonstrating how the policy aims of local authorities are being met. Regeneration statements will cover details on various economic and development benefits, such as improved spend in the area, creation of employment and training opportunities, community benefits such as the provision of schools, libraries, sports etc, improved health and wellbeing in the area and a reduction in crime.