Eco Green Group, a global leader in sustainable infrastructure and green building solutions, has announced a new strategic approach to social value in construction, moving beyond transactional charity efforts to fostering genuine community engagement.
As part of this effort, Eco Green Group has partnered with the homelessness charity HARP, putting community impact at the centre of its business.
The partnership comes at a time when homelessness is on the rise throughout England. Recent figures show that last year, almost 4,800 people slept rough on just one night, and an estimated 382,000 people are still without a permanent home, showing how pressing the problem has become.
Homelessness is also affecting families, with more than 130,000 households – including around 175,000 children – living in temporary accommodation, placing increasing pressure on local services and charities.
“Social value shouldn’t just be a tick-box exercise,” said Keith Hills, Founder of Eco Green Group. “It should be something that genuinely benefits the communities around us. Partnering with HARP is one way we’re turning that belief into action and making a real difference.”
From donations to direct engagement
Eco Green Group is bringing its commitment to the community to life in practical, hands-on ways. Over the Christmas period, employees came together to collect essential items and toiletries for HARP’s shelters, directly supporting people experiencing homelessness.
HARP team members have also visited Eco Green Group’s offices to share their experiences and give staff a real insight into the challenges faced by those without a home. Beyond this, employees are encouraged to spend time volunteering with charities they care about, without having to use their annual leave, helping make giving back a regular part of working life.
Added community skills programme
Eco Green Group’s partnership now includes direct support for HARP’s ‘HARP Construct’ programme. This 12-week summer initiative helps people who have experienced homelessness gain skills, confidence, and experience for careers in the construction industry. The programme offers tailored training, mentoring, and on-site experience, while Eco Green Group employees contribute by delivering training, organising site visits, and assisting participants in becoming ‘interview ready’. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience with Eco Green Group following programme completion.
By doing more than one-off donations, Eco Green Group demonstrates how construction businesses can go beyond expectations to make a lasting, positive impact locally.
“This isn’t about publicity; it’s about action,” added Hills. “We hope other businesses in the sector see the value of embedding social responsibility into their culture and operations, creating long-term benefits for both employees and the communities they serve.”