Institute for Human Rights and Business
Alejandra Rivera, Giulio Ferrini, Marta Ribera Carb贸, and others
2024
The Advancing Just Transitions in the Built Environment report by the Institute for Human Rights and Business explores the intersection of human rights and environmental sustainability in urban development. It emphasizes the dual challenges of climate change and social inequality, noting that buildings contribute significantly to global carbon emissions while cities often exacerbate socio-economic disparities. The research includes case studies from diverse cities and highlights risks like "renovictions" and "green gentrification." It advocates for inclusive policies that empower affected communities in decision-making and offers 44 recommendations for governments and investors to promote just transitions. The report proposes three guiding principles: commitment to circular economies, empowerment through education, and embedding human rights in practices. Ultimately, it calls for a shift in perception of value, prioritizing social functions over economic gains to achieve a just transition in the built environment.
The report titled Advancing Just Transitions in the Built Environment was published by the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) in 2024. It is a comprehensive study on the intersection of human rights and environmental sustainability within the context of urban development and the built environment. The report emphasizes the critical need for equitable and inclusive climate actions, particularly in urban settings where socio-economic inequalities are most pronounced.
Context and Objectives
The report addresses two of the most pressing global challenges: climate change and social inequality. It highlights that buildings and construction account for 37% of global energy-related carbon emissions, making the sector a significant contributor to climate change. At the same time, cities, where these constructions are concentrated, are also centers of socio-economic disparities. The IHRB's two-year research project aims to explore how decarbonization policies in the built environment can respect human rights, focusing on housing rights, workers' rights, spatial justice, and participatory governance.
Key Findings
- Diverse Global Contexts: The research includes case studies from eight cities across different continents鈥擫agos, Prague, Lisbon, Melbourne, Copenhagen, Jakarta, Athens, and Valpara铆so鈥攅ach presenting unique challenges and opportunities related to climate action and social equity.
- Human Rights Risks: The study reveals that while there are positive examples of green initiatives improving living conditions and reducing emissions, there are also significant risks such as "renovictions" (evictions following renovations) and "green gentrification," which can displace vulnerable communities.
- Need for Inclusive Policies: The report stresses the importance of involving affected communities in decision-making processes to ensure that climate initiatives do not exacerbate existing inequalities. It argues for systemic changes that integrate social justice into environmental policies.
- Recommendations: The report provides 44 recommendations aimed at governments and investors to promote just transitions. These include context-specific investments in retrofitting existing buildings, expanding community participation in planning processes, and developing financial incentives that align with social and environmental goals.
- Steering Principles: Three guiding principles are proposed for advancing just transitions: commitment to circular and regenerative economic models, empowerment through education and independent tools, and embedding human rights in everyday practices.
Conclusions
The report concludes that achieving a just transition in the built environment requires a fundamental shift in how value is perceived鈥攑rioritizing social functions over economic gains鈥攁nd a new narrative that integrates social justice with environmental sustainability. It calls for a collective effort to redefine progress beyond GDP metrics to include indicators that reflect human well-being and ecological health.
Overall, this report serves as a crucial resource for policymakers, businesses, and civil society organizations aiming to balance environmental goals with social equity in urban development.
Attribution: Primary author: Alejandra Rivera, IHRB Built Environment Global Programme Manager Important contributions from: Giulio Ferrini, IHRB Head of Built Environment Marta Ribera Carb贸, IHRB Europe Programme Manager