The year 2020 marked the first of our new RICS Social Impact Awards. The awards are designed to shine a light on the positive social impact that the surveying profession has on the built and natural environment, people’s lives and across the whole of society.
They showcase and recognise inspirational initiatives and developments in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure in the UK. Following their launch in 2020, over 460 project entries were received from across 12 regions of the UK with social or environmental impact at their core. All entries were judged on their contribution to making a positive impact and adding value to society. Criteria cover human, social and environmental impact as well as collaboration and innovation.
Marmalade Lane – a 42-home cohousing community in Cambridge – was designed in collaboration with its future residents. Made possible by an innovative land sale approach, it has enabled residents to achieve their dream of a multi-generational cohousing community. Homes are built to high environmental standards using Trivselhus’ closed timber panel system and cross-laminated timber. The result is a neighbourhood of beautiful, sustainable homes enveloped by a strong sense of community that is having a tangibly positive impact on residents’ lives and the wider locality.