Local authorities and developers must work together to boost the quality of new developments, says Green Building Council

The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has launched two new resources for developers and local authorities designed to help boost construction standards and improve ‘social value outcomes’.  The first resource is related to residential developments while the second is directly relevant to commercial property. The resource, Social Value in New Development, provides guidance for developers and local authorities to help deliver social value outcomes in new residential and commercial developments. The guidance looks at social value, its stakeholders, strategies for driving positive outcomes and measuring success, and the current barriers to delivery.

It provides a detailed overview of the outcomes and opportunities the consideration of social value in development can provide across three areas: jobs and economic growth; health, wellbeing and the environment; and strength of community. The resources were launched at a UKGBC event in Bristol, which brought together local authorities, developers and other industry stakeholders to discuss how to deliver better outcomes.