Have you ever considered the value of trees?

Trees are significant in major projects, particularly infrastructure projects for which the removal of woodland is the source of opposition and demonstrations, often long-running and sometimes violent. Therein lies the clue to how many of us perceive value; we’d struggle to define or measure it in any scientific way but we understand only to well that its loss will be significant for our lives.

For those of you who are interested, the Forestry Commission, produced a wonderful guide back in 2010, The Case for Trees in Development and Urban Environment, which helps articulate their value in ways that is thoughtful and well-presented.

Other forms of non-financial value can be equally challenging.

Social value

Copper Consulting have launched a survey around social value, which is a concept that first really took shape for major projects back in 2012 with the Social Value Act. Following on from work they did at this year’s national social value conference, they are seeking insight on how those in the major projects industry understand social value; how you plan for it, how you deliver it, how you measure and record it, even what you call it.

The results of the survey will be one of their great series of reports, which they will share back with the industry.

If you have 5-10 minutes, and this is a subject that is of interest to you, please let them have your feedback.