As part of our social value commitments to Trafford Council, Groundwork’s Sustainability Consultants have recently helped Trafford based organisations take tangible steps to improve their environmental and social impact.
In this blog we outline some of the work our team undertook, which aligns with TOMS social value measure NT51: Innovative Measures to Promote & Support Responsible Business.
Driving Social Value Through our Sustainable Business Membership Scheme
Groundwork Sustainable Business Members commit to an annual sustainability assessment which helps them understand their social and environmental impact. Our consultants assess energy use, biodiversity initiatives, corporate social value activities, and employee wellbeing. Each assessment concludes with a detailed report and a bronze, silver, or gold award, providing businesses with a clear benchmark of their social value performance.
Five Trafford businesses are now underway with their membership and have their sustainability assessments booked in for early 2026.
As a Sustainable Business Member for the remainder of the year, these organisations will also have access to webinars, newsletters, and monthly sustainability support, helping them continue improving their knowledge of all things sustainability.
Supporting Responsible Water Use
In addition to our Sustainable Business Membership scheme, two Trafford businesses have also participated in our Water Audit, where we assess water consumption and outdoor areas to identify savings and opportunities for biodiversity improvements.
So far, two businesses in the area have take part, each receiving a short report detailing water-saving measures, rainwater harvesting potential, and ways to enhance local biodiversity.
- St Hugh of Lincoln: 4 leaks identified; water savings of 208 litres per day, equating to 27 kgCO₂e/year.
- Decordia: 2 flow rates reduced, 1 toilet leak fixed; total estimated saving of 154 litres per day, equivalent to 20 kgCO₂e/year.
Supporting Your Social Value Commitments
As a charity, Groundwork not only delivers on our own social value commitments but also supports businesses to achieve theirs. Whether through partnership or as a funded VCSE partner, we help organisations embed sustainability into their operations and maximise social value for their communities.
If you’d like to speak to a member of the Groundwork team about opportunities to work on social value together please contact us below.