Legacies that last

Australia | Wednesday, 9 August 2023

As Australia navigates the wake of the pandemic and the various socio-economic challenges of today, our governments, private organisations, and communities are recognising the significance of incorporating social value into our infrastructure and built environment. Social value not only improves our current living standards, but also fosters a more equitable and sustainable future for us all.

WSP has partnered with the Infrastructure Sustainability Council to explore a range of diverse perspectives on social value and understand its crucial role in shaping our infrastructure and built environment.

Our report indicates a strong desire within Australia's organisations to contribute to societal good, requiring partnership with diverse communities, a standardised framework and a place-based approach for an enduring impact that’s not only better for people but better for business too.

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WSP and the Infrastructure Sustainability Council have partnered to develop this report, investigating social value in Australia's infrastructure and built environment DOWNLOAD REPORT

The state of social value

The true state of a nation can't be captured by broad economic measures such as GDP alone. Understanding the value of social impact is a concept that is gaining momentum and attention around the world.

Building social value in a changing landscape

The infrastructure sector can play a major role if positive social outcomes are designed and built into the fabric of projects. Investment in new infrastructure, as well as upgrades and maintenance, brings enormous opportunities to produce social value for communities across Australia.

Everything in its place

Social value starts with a vision, which should be guided by community beneficiaries. The key factors to focus on must be determined through partnerships with communities that go beyond consultation or engagement.

Social value for better business

It's clear that social value is good for people, places and projects - but it's also increasingly good for business. Most organisations see it as an opportunity to differentiate themselves in the market, to grow their customer base through values alignment, and create a positive impact for people and communities at the same time as they continue to generate strong commercial outcomes and reduce risk.

Where to from here?

From our investigation, we have distilled five recommendations to help guide the next steps for embedding, growing and tracking social value in Australia's infrastructure sector.

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Renu Steggles

Director, Ecology & Environmental Approvals

Australia

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