Sustainable communities and place-based impact run to the heart of our work here at Social. 

And as part of our mission to create the conversations that drive positive social change in our core sectors of housing, place and investment, Social’s team has been speaking and chairing at leading events, and engaging with industry professionals, housing and sustainability leaders. 

Here’s a round-up of where we’ve been and what we learned. 

UKSIF Alternative Investment Conference 

Event Date: June 19, 2024 

The UKSIF Alternative Investment Week brings together alternative investors – including hedge funds, private equity, private credit, venture capital and real estate – to share best practice and facilitate discussions on how alternatives can implement ESG into their strategies. Its annual conference brings together experts to explore the latest trends and opportunities in sustainable finance. Luke Cross was invited to speak about the role for sustainable investment in UK affordable housing, covering the way the sector is funded and financed and the emergence of sustainable finance and new forms of equity partnerships. 

Key takeaways: 

• Why investors should be looking at and supporting social housing. 

• Importance of alternative investments in achieving positive outcomes. 

• Integration of sustainability into investment strategies. 

Housing 24 

Event Date: June 25-27, 2024 

Housing 24 is a focal point for leading professionals in the housing sector to discuss pressing issues and share insights on future developments. Sessions covered a range of topics, from sustainable housing solutions to policy changes affecting the sector. Luke Cross chaired sessions on ESG and the future for affordable housing investment, along with an investor lunch that welcomed Toby Lloyds to share insights on the next government.  

Key takeaways: 

• ESG reporting and sustainability strategies are integral to business resilience, promoting transparency and engagement and demonstrating social purpose. 

• British Property Federation’s manifesto suggests certainty and confidence, and the power of partnerships are key for the next Government.  

• Environmental sustainability is about social outcomes (such as resident wellbeing and energy efficiency homes) as well as climate-related ones. 

Festival of Place 

Event Date: July 4th, 2024 

At the Festival of Place, key discussions revolved around sustainable communities and the future of urban development. Luke Cross chaired sessions on the power and potential of place-based impact investing and how to deliver and fund quality affordable housing. The sessions highlighted the importance of collaboration in creating inclusive, vibrant places that cater to diverse needs. Innovative strategies for sustainable housing and community engagement were showcased, with a strong emphasis on long-term environmental and social impact. 

Key takeaways: 

• Thinking big about the new economy – and ways to unlock investment by pension funds into local places 

• Importance of long-term vision, community engagement and inclusivity. 

• Thinking local as key to delivering the right homes in the right places. 

Place-Based Impact Investing (PBII) meets Housing, in association with The Good Economy and Trowers and Hamlins. 

Event Date: July 10, 2024 

The inaugural ‘Place-Based Impact Investing (PBII) meets Housing seminar focused on the role of place-based approaches and investment in driving economic growth, addressing social inequality and fostering sustainable communities. Luke Cross engaged with fellow professionals to discuss the benefits of place-based investing, which aims to generate social and environmental returns alongside financial gains. The event highlighted successful case studies and practical approaches for implementing these strategies to support community development and resilience. 

Key takeaways: 

• The future is local: let’s push for the right kind of devolution and powers that enable the place-based investment of tomorrow  

• The time is now: we have the models, evidence and success stories that can be replicated and/or catered to different places  

• Local government pension funds have huge potential to invest in their backyard – and some are doing it already. 

In summary 

The common themes coming out of these events underline a collective push towards sustainable and localised investment approaches and investment, particularly highlighting the potential of local government pension funds to make impactful investments in their own communities. This approach not only supports community development but also aligns financial returns with positive social and environmental outcomes.  

Get in touch 

If you want to learn more about how Social is driving positive change in sustainable finance, housing, and community development, we’d love to hear from you. 

Get in touch with us to explore how we can help you at hello@social.co.uk.