An Architect's Guide to Designing for Sustainability - Part Two
Social capital refers to the use of human capital (individual and societal) in the consumption and production process. Within the context of sustainable development substantial emphasis is placed on the ethical use of human capital. The ethical use of human capital acknowledges human rights, including the right to a healthy and safe working environment, the right to freedom of association (religious, cultural, political, and sexual preference), gender rights, and the rights of the disabled. Ethical use of human capital within the context of sustainable development also recognises the need for education and training so that the human resource is able to sustain itself through skills development. Ethical use also recognises that society is a resource and that construction can contribute to human resource development through its delivery process and through the quality of its output. Designing for sustainability therefore requires the inter-connecting of cultural value, social value and design skill.
Illustration 1: India, delivery of local stone
Go to 17.1 Theme: Cultural heritage
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