Drivers of the Business Case The Business Case Strengthening the Case: Social Value The Social Value Case Future-Proofing The Value Proposition number of health issues 262 . Exposure to hazardous substances, such as asbestos or silica dust, is a recognised cause of the heightened risk of lung and other cancers, as well as broader respiratory and cardiovascular health issues 263 . In the UK, construction accounts for over 40% of occupational cancer deaths and cancer registrations 264 . Construction workforces are, in most geographies, predominantly made up of migrant workforces. In all regions, evidence shows construction workers frequently face dangerous working conditions, meagre or even unpaid wages, and other forms of exploitation on construction sites 265 . In some regions of the world, such as the Gulf States in the Middle East, the majority of construction firms have not been disclosing what measures they have in place to meet local labour laws in recent years 266 . It is expected that scrutiny will therefore be increasing, catalysed by the growth of awareness around human rights violations within the construction sector and the rise of campaigns such as the Design for Freedom movement. Increasing awareness and expectations on transparency across the supply chain is called upon from private sector organisations and policy makers by leading voices 267 . Market demand may soon likely reflect this developing consumer expectation. Opportunities to address to enhance social equity are: • Ensure the protection of rights of vulnerable social groups in the labour market and within the construction sector, such as migrant workers, that do not enjoy the same protection as others 268 through supply chain audits, specifications in tenders and subcontracting requirements. • Tackling inequalities in diversity: organisations should also promote diversity within the sector, as it is well known that the built environment lacks gender equality. • Promoting a just transition: the process of decarbonisation can also risk the increased vulnerability of marginalised low-income groups 269 , for example by forced movement into low- income neighbourhoods. Social value with sustainable development means protecting the livelihoods of all as we transition to a decarbonised society. • Raise awareness of social value challenges outside of current stakeholder influence, particularly human rights and modern slavery within the supply chain. Organisations are now signing on for greater transparency in the supply chain. In recent years, a growing number of multinationals have committed to working only with suppliers that adhere to social and environmental standards 270 . The transition to a sustainable future needs to serve and benefit everyone, leaving no one behind. There can be no sustainable transition without a just transition. A WORLD GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL REPORT | 89
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