PurposeThis paper addresses the scarcity of research on social sustainability (SS) in sustainable construction (SC) by establishing indicators and descriptors for SS throughout the construction project life cycle. The objective is to provide an objective assessment and improve SS practices.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a comprehensive methodology involving literature review, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and structured interviews. A total of 42 indicators were identified from the literature and presented to 20 expert panels, resulting in the addition of seven indicators. A refined set of 49 indicators was then presented to 25 experts via focus group discussions, and structured interviews were conducted to determine suitable descriptors and scales for each indicator.FindingsThe study identified 19 indicators for the pre-construction phase, 25 for the construction phase and 4 for the post-construction phase. These findings offer an objective assessment of SS practices across the construction project life cycle. The indicators and descriptors serve as a valuable tool for industry practitioners to monitor and improve social aspects, fostering SC.Research limitations/implicationsThe study’s limitations include the context-specific nature of the findings and the potential subjectivity introduced through the selection of expert panels.Practical implicationsThe identified indicators and descriptors have practical implications for industry practitioners, providing guidelines to enhance social sustainability practices throughout the project life cycle.Originality/valueThis study fills a research gap by focussing on SS in construction. The comprehensive methodology contributes to theory development and provides practical tools for practitioners to advance social sustainability practices.
