Social value all the way - a common framework for social sustainability in the planning and building process

Purpose and goal

The goal of the project is to create a joint framework for systematically evaluating and following up on social sustainability in the planning process. The three sub-goals are 1. To create conditions for social values to be incorporated early in the planning process and follow all the way to implementation, 2. To create conditions for a shared language for actors in the process, and 3. To create opportunities for trade-offs between societal values. The purpose is to ensure that social values are maintained and strengthened in the planning and design of the physical environment.

Expected results and effects

The expected results are a joint framework to systematically assess and evaluate social sustainability in the planning process and developed methodologies for the two concepts social bonds and social compensation (to apply the framework). The anticipated impact is an increased coherence (“a shared language”) in respect of social sustainability among different actors, as well as tools to retain, create and enhance social values across the planning process. This is expected to both enhance the status of social values, and the application of such values earlier on in the process.

Planned approach and implementation

The approach seeks to develop and verify the framework through analysis of current research and practice, needs from relevant actors, innovation among project partners as well as case studies. It is based on four ‘working packages’ (WPs), where WP 1 will develop the shared framework, WPs 2 and 3 consist of case studies which will verify the relevance and robustness of the framework and its methodologies, and WP4 will focus on dissemination. The project is conducted through a working group consisting of relevant actors, and is expected to be concluded in November 2024.