Impact & Outcomes

Impact & Outcomes

Measuring Success

At A Different Approach (ADA), we are committed to creating measurable, lasting change in the communities we serve. Through a combination of innovative housing solutions, community-led initiatives, and sustainable practices, we aim to not only address immediate housing challenges but also make a long-term impact in the areas of social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience. Below, we outline how we measure success across key areas: Social Impact, Environmental Impact, and Community Engagement.

Social Impact: Tackling Key Social Issues

Housing Inequality: We are committed to providing affordable housing options for people of all income levels, especially those facing the most pressing housing inequalities. This includes building homes for young families, older residents looking to downsize, and first-time buyers. Through our community-driven approach, we ensure that new homes meet local needs and are available at prices that are accessible to local residents, allowing them to stay within their communities rather than being forced to move away due to high housing costs.

Key Metrics for Measuring Social Impact:

  • Number of affordable homes built: We track the total number of homes created through ADA’s initiatives, specifically those targeting low-to-middle-income groups.
  • Reduction in housing insecurity: By providing stable, affordable housing, we aim to reduce homelessness and housing instability in rural communities.
  • Housing satisfaction rates: We regularly survey residents to assess their satisfaction with the homes and communities we create, ensuring they are safe, comfortable, and affordable.
  • Reduction in housing costs for local families: By providing more affordable housing, we help reduce the financial burden on local families.

Social Isolation & Intergenerational Support: By fostering inclusive, multigenerational communities, we aim to address the growing problem of social isolation, particularly among the elderly. Our housing solutions are designed to bring people of all ages together, creating opportunities for intergenerational interaction and support. We design spaces where families, older residents, and young people can live and work in close proximity, promoting mutual support and reducing isolation.

Key Metrics for Measuring Social Impact:

  • Increase in social interaction: Through community spaces, shared gardens, and public areas, we track how often and how meaningfully people from different generations are engaging with each other.
  • Elderly residents’ wellbeing: We measure the social benefits for elderly residents, such as increased participation in community activities and stronger connections with younger generations.
  • Community-based support networks: We assess the development of informal networks within communities that provide mutual aid and support, especially among vulnerable groups.

Health and Wellbeing: We believe that good housing contributes directly to the health and wellbeing of residents. Our homes are designed with natural light, green spaces, and energy-efficient features that create environments conducive to healthy living. In rural areas where access to health services may be limited, our developments aim to support mental health by providing safe, nurturing environments where people feel connected and supported.

Key Metrics for Measuring Social Impact:

  • Resident health and wellbeing surveys: We regularly assess how living in our homes impacts physical and mental health, including access to green spaces and community facilities.
  • Health improvement programmes: Tracking participation in wellness programs and local health initiatives linked to our housing projects.

Environmental Impact: Reducing Our Carbon Footprint

At ADA, sustainability is a core pillar of our mission. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact through the design and construction of homes that prioritise energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and the use of renewable resources. Every home we build is an opportunity to make a positive contribution to environmental sustainability.

Energy Savings and Carbon Footprint Reduction: Our homes are designed with the latest energy-efficient technologies, reducing energy consumption and lowering household carbon footprints. By using sustainable building materials, incorporating renewable energy sources like solar panels or ground-source heat pumps, and optimising building design for natural heating and cooling, we ensure that the homes we build consume less energy and generate fewer emissions.

Key Metrics for Measuring Environmental Impact:

  • Energy use per home: We track the average energy consumption of the homes we build, aiming for a reduction in the energy required for heating, cooling, and electricity.
  • Carbon savings per home: We calculate the carbon emissions saved by using energy-efficient designs and renewable energy sources, compared to standard homes.
  • Percentage of renewable energy used: Monitoring the proportion of homes powered by renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or geothermal.
  • Sustainable material use: We track the use of sustainable and recycled building materials in our homes, reducing the carbon footprint associated with construction.

Biodiversity Preservation and Integration: Our housing developments integrate biodiversity-friendly practices, ensuring that we not only build homes but also create environments that support local wildlife. We design green spaces that attract pollinators, protect native plant species, and create habitats for local fauna. Our commitment to biodiversity ensures that our homes coexist harmoniously with the natural environment.

Key Metrics for Measuring Environmental Impact:

  • Green space per home: We measure the amount of green space incorporated into each development, ensuring it contributes to the local ecosystem and provides space for residents to enjoy nature.
  • Biodiversity enhancement: We track the introduction of biodiversity-friendly features, such as native plantings, birdhouses, or wildlife corridors, and monitor changes in local wildlife populations.
  • Reduction in water use: Implementing water-efficient fixtures and sustainable landscaping practices helps reduce water consumption across our developments.

Community Engagement: Building Together

Our approach to housing development is deeply rooted in community engagement. We believe that communities should have a say in the places where they live, and their voices are integral in shaping the future of housing. Through collaborative design, active participation, and constant feedback loops, we ensure that every development aligns with local needs and desires.

Listening to Local Needs: By working closely with local residents, community groups, councils, and stakeholders, we ensure that our housing solutions are tailored to the specific needs of the community. We actively listen to residents to understand their preferences, challenges, and aspirations, ensuring that the homes we build reflect the unique character of each area.

Key Metrics for Measuring Community Engagement:

  • Number of community consultations held: Tracking the frequency and effectiveness of community meetings, surveys, and feedback sessions.
  • Community satisfaction with developments: We use satisfaction surveys to measure how well our developments align with community expectations and how residents feel about their new homes.
  • Local involvement in planning: The level of participation from local residents and stakeholders in the planning and decision-making process for housing projects.

Empowering Local People: We strive to create opportunities for local businesses and workers to be involved in the building and maintenance of our projects. This not only strengthens the local economy but also fosters a sense of pride and ownership among residents. Our projects create employment opportunities, encourage local entrepreneurship, and integrate local craftsmanship and materials whenever possible.

Key Metrics for Measuring Community Engagement:

  • Number of local businesses engaged: Tracking how many local contractors, suppliers, and service providers are involved in each project.
  • Employment created: Monitoring the number of local jobs generated through the construction, management, and maintenance of ADA projects.
  • Resident-led initiatives: We track how residents are involved in creating and sustaining local community projects and services, fostering a sense of ownership and pride.