RLB Digital, in collaboration with RLB’s sustainability team, has developed the Social Value Digital Platform to meet the growing requirement for social value measurement and reporting in the construction industry.
Our end-to-end solution, comprising an app and dashboard, enables users to measure and visualise social value data at a project and portfolio level. Aligned with industry-wide social value frameworks, it enables detailed analysis and filtering by development type, location, social value themes, project stage, and other variables.
The award-winning platform’s real-time data visualisation capability means users can quickly identify areas for improvement. The enhanced reporting capabilities demonstrate the social, economic and environmental impacts of development, enhancing transparency and leading to increased stakeholder engagement.
We can design specific financial metrics to quantify the social value of each project. These metrics assess the benefits in key areas such as employment and skills development, volunteering, charitable donations, as well as green space and community resources.
The platform leverages these metrics to calculate the total social value, while categorising the results by social value theme, priority, outcomes, relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), location, and more.
It uses Microsoft Power Platform and Power BI to capture, store and analyse social value data. This ensures that all relevant metrics are accurately recorded and easily accessible, giving users a clear view of their social value contributions.
At the Building Magazine Awards 2024, the Social Value Digital Platform won the Digital Excellence category, which recognises innovative new ways of delivering construction projects.
The judges commented: “The winner is using technology to achieve better outcomes in areas where the industry has never succeeded before like social value.”
We estimate that the platform will deliver significant time and cost savings for our clients:
At RLB, we pride ourselves on offering a flexible and client-centred approach to social value consultancy, tailored to meeting the diverse ambitions and priorities of our clients.
This is why the platform is designed to be scalable and adaptable across the construction industry, making it an attractive solution for any organisation committed to social responsibility and sustainable development practices.
By working closely with clients, we develop custom strategies that align with both their sustainability objectives and organisational core values. Environmental, economic and social factors are integrated at every level, from individual projects to entire portfolios.
We’re also committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in construction using digital solutions. Our Social Value Digital Platform demonstrates how digital innovation can help the industry deliver impactful, place-based outcomes that enhance the built environment, drive economic growth, and promote social wellbeing.
Malak Abdelmoaty
Head of Digital Development
RLB Digital
malak.abdelmoaty@uk.rlb.com
Ferdy Cleare
Senior Sustainability Consultant
RLB UK
ferdy.cleare@uk.rlb.com
