Think about a window or a bag of cement—each one may pass through several countries and countless workers before it reaches your site. Along the way, fair labor practices can be lost. This blog lays out a practical guide to ethical sourcing in construction—from setting clear goals and verifying supplier claims to giving workers a voice and creating a culture of care within your company. Fair labor isn’t just a moral choice—it’s smart business. Learn how transparency, responsibility, and human dignity can strengthen your supply chain and future-proof your brand.

Fair labor isn’t just an ethical checkbox—it’s the foundation of truly sustainable projects. In this powerful edition of The Impact Edit, Gayathri Unnikrishnan introduces the Thrive Pyramid, a framework that challenges AEC leaders to rethink how labor practices intersect with climate action, ESG, and supply chain strategy. If you’ve been focusing on solar panels and green certifications, it’s time to zoom in on the people building that future.

In ESG conversations, the "S"—social responsibility—is frequently the most vague, often reduced to surface-level diversity metrics or community donations. This article introduces the Employee Engagement Pyramid, a structured model based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, that reframes social responsibility as a measurable, workplace-driven strategy. From fair wages and safety to purpose-driven work, this pyramid offers a step-by-step guide for companies to elevate employee well-being and meet their ESG goals in a meaningful, results-oriented way.

Welcome to The Impact Edit—a new space to unpack the quieter, often overlooked moments that drive real change in social sustainability. Building on the foundation of The Spark, this evolution moves beyond curated headlines to explore the nuanced conversations, tools, and frameworks that connect intention to impact. Whether it’s the language we use in team meetings or the policies shaped behind the scenes, The Impact Edit shines a light on the subtle shifts that make meaningful transformation possible. Let’s explore how we can move from purpose to practice—together.

Discover how healthy buildings enhance well-being, boost productivity, and lower operational costs. Learn about key design features, certifications like WELL and LEED, and future trends in sustainable building innovation.

Navigating over 450 social sustainability certifications can be daunting. From B Corp to WELL, each validates your commitment to impact and accountability. Liveable simplifies the process, helping you choose the right certification for your goals. Build trust and amplify your mission today.

In 2025, social sustainability is a core strategy driving business growth and resilience. Companies are adopting meaningful metrics, reimagining supply chains, prioritizing mental health, and leveraging AI, blockchain, and IoT for social impact. With hyperlocal engagement and innovative tools, forward-thinking organizations are setting new standards for creating shared value for society and business alike.

This year on Changing Tomorrow, we asked sustainability leaders about the reads that have shaped their thinking and helped them tackle today’s most complex challenges. From reimagining cities to designing spaces where people and nature thrive, these books are more than resources — they’re companions on the journey to building a liveable future.

Here’s our carefully curated collection of must-reads for those working to create meaningful change in the built environment.