Wellbeing in the build environment: SIG report

11 February 2021

In 2019, Telford Homes was invited to join a special interest group on wellbeing, set up by The Supply Chain Sustainability Group to address the need for a cross-sector view of the built environment’s current response to wellbeing (WSIG). As a long-time advocates for the positive contribution that a high-quality built environment can have on people’s health and wellbeing (and indeed, vice versa), we were pleased to participate; but little did we know at the time what would lie ahead.

Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have all been forced to truly evaluate how we prioritise wellbeing – not just in a corporate context, but as a society as a whole. Against this backdrop, the work of the ESG is ever more pertinent, and we’re pleased to see a report on its findings published this week.

At Telford Homes, we have long viewed wellbeing as a core part of our vision to develop the homes and create the places that London needs. We recognise that good urban planning and high-quality green infrastructure can help counter the often-negative health implications of city living – and aim to drive this through our Building a Living Legacy strategy and commitment to quality placemaking. This strategy shines through in developments such as New Garden Quarter - a joint venture with Notting Hill that focused on creating a new community in a safe, secure and natural environment.

Set amongst the urban and built environment of Stratford, the development delivered commercial and residential space alongside significant contribution to the public realm. A new 2-acre park area provides opportunities for visitors, residents and neighbours to build a new community – whilst high quality landscaping includes green and blue infrastructure, with a substantial pond and surrounding biodiverse habitat. A range of play activities for all ages was also developed to improve wellbeing, complemented with calm spaces designed for peaceful rest.

With more of us spending increased time within our homes, and issues such as urban loneliness ever more prevalent in a post-Covid world; it is more important than ever for the sector to not only prioritise wellbeing, but to encourage sharing of best practice, and the mainstreaming of a framework for wellbeing, health, environment, security, relationships and purpose as laid out in the WSiG report.

Now is the time for us to reset and look to the future, and we urge all across the sector to continue sharing existing and new commitments and programmes, so as we may take learnings and adopt best practice across the industry. The built environment operates as a place-maker, and through working together, we can set an example to all sectors – driving the environmental, social and economic benefits that a focus on wellbeing can bring – and creating a better quality of life for future generations.

Read the full findings of the WSG report here - https://www.supplychainschool.co.uk/