Social economy
The term social economy refers to all business activities that are not only driven by a strong social mission but also intended to be economically viable. This includes cooperatives, mutual societies, non-profit associations, foundations and social enterprises, covering a wide range of activities. The aims of social economy organisations are generally to provide goods and services (including employment opportunities) to their members or community, and pursue general interest goals such as environmental protection. In this way, social economy organisations aim to make a profit for people other than investors or owners.
Eurwork life; European Observatory of Working Life. https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/observatories/eurwork/industrial-relations-dictionary/social-economy
In the UK the social economy is more formally defined and described unde the Social Value Act and comprises of activities carried out by organisations.
There are also formal structures for organisational practice, that cover housing, living and working, these might include;
- Co-operatives
- Community Benefit Societies.
- Mutuals
- Voluntary organisations
- Social enterprises
- Associations
- Charities
- Foundations
- Trusts
- Employee Owned Businesses
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Building social value.
- Community interest company.
- Community energy network.
- Corporate social responsibility in construction.
- Creating social value from civil engineering projects.
- England's Co-operative Movement: an architectural history.
- One Public Estate OPE.
- Prosperity.
- Public contract.
- Public contracting authority.
- Public procurement.
- Social benefits.
- Social cost.
- Social sustainability.
- Social time preference rate.
- Social infrastructure.
- Social value: Gearing up for giving back.
- Social value and design of the built environment.
- Social value in new development.
- Social value overview.
- Sustainable procurement.
- Tender.
Featured articles and news
Shortage of high-quality data threatening the AI boom
And other fundamental issues highlighted by the Open Data Institute.
Data centres top the list of growth opportunities
In robust, yet heterogenous world BACS market.
Increased funding for BSR announced
Within plans for next generation of new towns.
New Towns Taskforce interim policy statement
With initial reactions to the 6 month policy update.
Heritage, industry and slavery
Interpretation must tell the story accurately.
PM announces Building safety and fire move to MHCLG
Following recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry report.
Conserving the ruins of a great Elizabethan country house.
BSRIA European air conditioning market update 2024
Highs, lows and discrepancy rates in the annual demand.
50 years celebrating the ECA Apprenticeship Awards
As SMEs say the 10 years of the Apprenticeship Levy has failed them.
Nominations sought for CIOB awards
Celebrating construction excellence in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
EPC consultation in context: NCM, SAP, SBEM and HEM
One week to respond to the consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings framework.
CIAT Celebrates 60 years of Architectural Technology
Find out more #CIAT60 social media takeover.
The BPF urges Chancellor for additional BSR resources
To remove barriers and bottlenecks which delay projects.
Flexibility over requirements to boost apprentice numbers
English, maths and minimumun duration requirements reduced for a 10,000 gain.
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February