Sustainability Social Value Programme
What is the Sustainability Social Value Programme?
The Sustainability Social Value Programme connects local organisations with resources and support pledged by companies through Tower Hamlets Council contracts to help deliver environmental and sustainability initiatives across the borough.
As part of the council's commitment to achieving a greener, cleaner and more sustainable Tower Hamlets, suppliers are encouraged to provide environmental social value that benefits local communities. This can include expertise, volunteering, training, equipment, and practical support for projects that help tackle climate change, improve biodiversity, reduce waste, and promote sustainable behaviours.
What support is available?
Support may include:
- Event support for environmental campaigns and community initiatives.
- Tower Hamlets Green Week, Great Big Green Week, London Climate Action Week event support.
- Staff volunteering for environmental projects.
- Sustainability and climate change workshops.
- Environmental education and awareness activities.
- Support for community gardening and biodiversity projects.
- Litter-picking and clean-up activities.
- Professional advice on carbon reduction and sustainability.
- Access to equipment, materials, or specialist expertise.
The support available will vary depending on the commitments made by council suppliers.
Who can apply?
Applications are welcome from organisations that:
- Are a Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) or not-for-profit organisation.
- Deliver activities that primarily benefit Tower Hamlets residents.
- Are a Tower Hamlets Climate Alliance member – membership is free and accessible.
- Support environmental sustainability, climate action, biodiversity, waste reduction, air quality improvement, or community engagement.
- Have a Tower Hamlets base or deliver activities within the borough.
- Have a formal governing document, such as a Constitution or Memorandum and Articles of Association.
- Have a bank or building society account in the organisation's name.
Priority may be given to projects that support the council's environmental and sustainability objectives.
How does the programme work?
Organisations can submit requests for sustainability-related support throughout the year.
Applications are reviewed against eligibility criteria and matched with available social value commitments from council suppliers. Support is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability.
If suitable support is not immediately available, organisations may be placed on a waiting list and contacted when new opportunities become available.
What happens after applying?
We aim to review applications within four weeks.
Where a suitable match is identified:
- The organisation will be notified that support has been allocated.
- The supplier and council contract manager will contact the organisation to arrange delivery.
- Any agreed activities or support will be delivered directly to the organisation.
What happens after receiving support?
We ask organisations to help us measure the impact of the programme by providing feedback on:
- How the support was used
- The environmental outcomes achieved
- Benefits to local residents and communities
- Benefits to the organisation and its activities
This information helps demonstrate the positive impact of social value investment across Tower Hamlets and supports future sustainability initiatives.
Examples of Eligible Projects
The programme could support:
- Tower Hamlets Green Week Events and activities
- Community gardens and growing spaces
- Tree planting and biodiversity projects
- Climate awareness behavioural change campaigns
- Recycling and waste reduction initiatives
- Repair and reuse projects
- Energy-saving and carbon reduction activities
- School and youth environmental programmes
Apply
If your organisation is delivering environmental or sustainability projects that benefit Tower Hamlets residents, we encourage you to apply for support through the Sustainability Social Value Programme.
Organisations can apply for up to £1000 to deliver initiatives.
Apply for support