Chapter 7: Social Value

This chapter considers Social Value; a broader understanding of economic, environmental, and social issues, has always been an important consideration in bridge design and maintenance, but it was often hidden. In this chapter we look at the definition and principles of social value. We consider the various types of stakeholders likely to be encountered on bridge projects, and how we can gauge stakeholder perceptions through consultations and public participation. Examples of principles, stakeholders, and public participation, or consultation are given. We consider how we can measure the various economic, environmental, health, education and skills, equity and Inclusion, social and community aspects of social value. We consider a number of bridge specific items like noise, visual value, heritage bridges, suicide & bridges, and international aid. The River Meghna Bridges are used as an example tracking GDP and life expectancy. Finaly, we consider the embodied social value of the materials we use, the number of people employed, wages, training, etc. This chapter will assist bridge professionals in addressing the United Nations sustainability goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities.