Is it ever ethical to build a ski resort in the desert? What if the project is net zero but the client has a terrible human rights record? Isn’t it about time we had a conversation about this? Where do you draw the line?
Learning Outcomes:
Analyze how applying ethical frameworks (utilitarian, rights-based, justice-based, virtue-based) to project selection, site design, and material sourcing can mitigate hazards, promote occupant safety, and preserve environmental health.
Develop a go/no-go decision process that identifies potential threats to public welfare—such as labor rights violations, ecological damage, or unsafe site conditions—and implement strategies to address these concerns proactively.
Determine how climate-responsive and socially equitable design solutions protect vulnerable populations, reduce environmental risks, and prevent adverse health outcomes in communities affected by development projects.
Establish accountability measures—such as transparent supply chain verification and inclusive team practices—to help ensure that each phase of project planning, construction, and maintenance upholds public safety and reduces liability.
