The Useful Simple Trust is proud to share our 2024-25 Impact Report. This year we are focusing on the theme of ‘collaborative innovation’, showcasing how our work to unite diverse expertise and foster cross-industry partnerships is really delivering impact on the ground. 

The built environment faces unprecedented challenges: achieving net-zero carbon emissions, adapting to climate change, addressing biodiversity loss, and meeting growing infrastructure demands within planetary boundaries. These systemic challenges cannot be solved in isolation. They require breadth of expertise, broad perspectives, and the collective drive to push for better outcomes. 

Innovation through collaboration sits at the heart of everything we do. We believe progress happens faster when knowledge is shared, which is why we continue to invest in long-standing, cross-industry programmes that help drive transformation and practical education across the built environment. From pioneering industry-shifting innovation to advancing social value, our four collaborative innovation themes demonstrate how meaningful partnerships create solutions that ripple far beyond organisational boundaries. 

This Report presents some of the achievements we are most proud to share with you, from our B Corp recertification with a 32% score improvement to the real-world impact of projects like the AVA Footbridge, our nature-based solutions at Langleybury Estate, and our continued commitment to education through programmes like Constructionarium and Climate Ed.