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
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
New guidance for professional practice, cultural change and regulation in social housing.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.
The importance of early engagement
Construction lessons from the Trillium HealthWorks Experience Centre.
Mayors are to be given planning call in powers
Mayors across England will be able to make the most important planning decisions.