K2 lives and breathes the Five Capitals model to provide a framework for decision making for sustainable outcomes across all projects. The model enables sustainable value to be defined. It helps provide a balanced view of priorities within projects and forms the basis for a costed sustainable development strategy, supporting selection of the best design options.

The five capitals – Human, Natural, Social, Capital, Sustainable – are intrinsically linked. Projects can achieve successful outcomes across multiple capitals, often with a single solution.

The Five Capitals framework enables informed choices that are not based simply on how cheap a service or project can be bought, but by how much value is created – allowing wider social, economic and environmental outcomes to inform decision-making and enhance whole life performance, rather than just cost.

The model is used by K2 to test different design options and to understand the genuine value created and how that aligns with our client’s project objectives. The client’s design brief must be informed by the model, using it as the basis for the development strategy.

Is cost saving more important than creating community benefits or carbon reduction? Can the project improve biodiversity and does the development enhance the local area and support community priorities? Using the model, a full range of objectives, priorities and concerns can be explored and costed, then incorporated into the brief and used to determine the best design option.

The Five Capitals Which Drive Value

1. Natural Capital Preservation: K2 ensure clients minimise the environmental impact of their projects. This includes using sustainable building materials, adopting energy-efficient technologies, and implementing practices that reduce waste and pollution. By doing so, we help protect natural capital and ensure a healthier planet for future generations.
2. Human Capital Development: K2 prioritise the development of human capital by emphasising aspects like accessibility, natural light integration, and ergonomic design. Ensuring the project is tailored to enhance the well-being and experience of those who will ultimately occupy and interact with the space. These considerations go beyond bricks and mortar; they create environments that promote comfort, inclusivity, and productivity, ultimately enriching the lives of the end users.
3. Building Social Capital: Successful construction projects often depend on strong relationships with stakeholders, including local communities, regulatory authorities, and project partners. We facilitate open communication, stakeholder engagement, and conflict resolution to build social capital, ensuring smoother project implementation and greater community support.
4. Efficient Use of Manufactured Capital: Responsible management of resources and infrastructure is vital for sustainable construction. K2 assists its clients in optimising project designs, using innovative construction techniques, and minimising resource consumption. This approach maximises the utility of manufactured capital while reducing environmental impact.
5. Sustainable Financial Capital: K2 provides meticulous budgeting, precise cost management, and a keen focus on both capital and operational expenditures. K2 guides clients in optimising capital costs while considering long-term operational savings and potential revenue streams. By aligning financial capital with sustainability goals, we help clients not only meet budget constraints but also unlock economic benefits over the life cycle of their construction projects. This strategic approach ensures fiscal surety and delivers lasting economic advantages.

At K2 Consultancy, we believe that sustainable construction is not optional but essential. By embracing the Five Capitals Model, we empower our clients to create lasting positive impacts on the environment, society, and the bottom line. Together, we can build a better world, one construction project at a time.

If you want to explore the concept of the Five Capitals model or you’re struggling to define the value of the sustainable outcomes you want to see from your project, get in touch