Earth Day 2024: How Social Value protects and renews our planet

At Social Value Portal, we believe that understanding and measuring our environmental impact must be a key element of the Social Value agenda. That’s why one of the key themes in our Social Value TOM System™ is 'Planet,' focusing on environmental sustainability and stewardship.  

Read on to learn how we and our members are making environmental sustainability core to the Social Value Movement.  

Getting specific: Tactics to protect the environment 

Within the Planet Theme, there are numerous Measures which organisations of all types can use to create demonstrable positive impact.  

Here are the most popular ten Measures: 

1. Reducing waste through reuse of products and materials  
2. Initiatives to safeguard the environment  
3. Reductions in CO2e through energy efficiency measures on site  
4. Reductions in plastics used  
5. Miles driven using Zero Emission Vehicles  
6. Retraining workers for a just transition to a net zero economy  
7. Spend within local circular economy partnerships  
8. Contributions to certified carbon offset funds (compliant with UKGBC guidance)  
9. Hard-to-recycle waste diverted from landfill/incineration  
10. Leadership and advocacy to protect the environment  

How our members are leading the way 

Using the TOM System, our members have recorded some amazing environmental outcomes. For instance, they have collectively:  

• Saved over 2.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions
• Reduced waste by 1.9 million tonnes 
• Saved over 30 million car miles 

We are proud to be supporting so many organisations to protect and regenerate our environment.  

For instance, one of our members, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, recorded 4,500 miles completed using electric vehicles in 2022 across two of its major sites: Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City.  

Synergy Health Managed Service, a supplier to Barts Health NHS Trust, has pledged to save 149,000 miles through green transport programs and green logistics plans – equivalent to six journeys around the world and 59.6 tCO2e saved! 

Another of our members, Solihull Council, worked with Ebsford Environmental on its Wildlife Ways project, which aimed to restore the local environment. Ebsford Environmental went above and beyond in fulfilling the contract by hiring local people and engaging the local community – showing how environmental needs can be addressed at the same time as social needs.  

Social Value: Indispensable for combating the climate crisis  

World Earth Day is a fantastic initiative and we are inspired by the stories we have seen this year. But there is so much more to do, and the role of Social Value in environmental stewardship will only continue to grow.  

Guy Battle, CEO of Social Value Portal, said:  

World Earth Day is a timely reminder of our responsibility to protect and preserve our planet for future generations. The time for talk is truly over – action is urgently needed. All stakeholders across the public, private and third sectors must innovate and radically collaborate if we are to achieve the transformative impact we need.

At the Social Value Conference 2024, the theme will be Social Value in Action and environmental stewardship will be a key topic. Join us on the 14-17 October to meet with hundreds of other organisations who are committed to securing a greener, healthier future for all. 

Learn more about the Social Value Conference 2024.