Social sustainability has been rising up real estate’s agenda, seemingly soon to emerge finally from the shadow of its higher profile sibling – environmental sustainability – among the ESG triplets.

Over the past couple of years, there has been a growing focus on the social impact from real estate. Those working in the sector have long been able to speak passionately about the capacity of our built environment to shape our lives – for better and for worse – and many will attribute their careers in the industry to the recognition that, through curating our urban realm, they can create tangible impact for society (as well as the economy).

In the latest episode of On Another Level, The Clarendon Works’ podcast looking at the future of the built environment, we look at new ways to quantify and measure the positive social impact of development. With ever more complex metrics and digital technology being used to record impact, is this being driven by a need to attract ESG-focused investment or by a desire to demonstrate value to communities and stakeholder? Is it even possible to objectively measure social value? And does it actually matter?