November 28, 2024

Embedding Social Value in Construction

Attending the Gloucester Constructing Excellence Conference earlier in the year was a timely reminder of the critical role social value plays in the construction industry. It reignited discussions about how we, as industry professionals, can ensure social value becomes a cornerstone of how we work—not just an afterthought.

At DRG Interior and Building Solutions, we believe that social value should be integrated into every stage of a project—from tender submission to final delivery. This isn’t about ticking a box; it’s about embedding meaningful change into the fabric of the built environment.

To create lasting social value, collaboration across all stakeholders in a project is essential. This includes architects, contractors, suppliers, and local communities. Social value cannot exist in isolation; it thrives when all parties understand its importance and work together toward shared goals.

We strongly advocate integrating social value at every step of the physical build but also bearing in mind the potential long-term benefits a project can deliver to local communities. Whether it’s increasing employment opportunities, supporting social enterprises, or enhancing the environment, we believe social value should become a measurable outcome.

We recognise that achieving true social value requires continuous effort. Small, deliberate steps lead to big-picture changes.

Some practical ways we’re currently delivering social value include tree planting with Ecologi, for every project we complete, we plant trees through Ecologi, contributing to reforestation and carbon offsetting. Through our membership of the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) we take recommendations from their monitoring visits seriously, focusing on key areas such as:

  • Caring about appearance
  • Protecting the environment
  • Respecting the community
  • Securing everyone's safety
  • Valuing the workforce


To amplify our impact, we aspire to embed social enterprises into our supply chain. The challenge lies in knowing where to find them and how to integrate them into projects effectively. This calls for a different way of thinking and a commitment to exploring new ways of working. By supporting these organisations, we could not only deliver tangible benefits to the communities we work within but also create a ripple effect that could inspire others in the industry.

Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy is a guiding principle for all our operations, aligning sustainability, community engagement, and ethical practices with our core values, ensuring we leave a positive legacy wherever we work.

Through sustainable practices, active community involvement, and a focus on aspiring to improve the lives of those impacted by our projects, we aim to extend our influence far beyond construction sites.

Social value is an ongoing journey. At DRG, we want to lead by example, proving that even small changes can contribute to a larger transformation in the construction industry.  We remain committed to exploring new ways to deliver meaningful social value. Whether it’s through partnerships with social enterprises, incorporating community-focused practices into our supply chain, or listening to feedback from initiatives like the Considerate Constructors Scheme, we are focused on making a real difference.

To read more about our corporate social responsibility, download our policy here

Tash Cuffley - Head of Marketing and Communications