The shift toward a “just transition” in the built environment is no longer just a theoretical goal—it is becoming a central pillar for industry experts aiming to reconcile global development with human rights. Giulio Ferrini, head of the built environment at the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB), argues that the property sector stands at a critical juncture where it must recalibrate its social compass to balance carbon reduction with social equity.
Ferrini’s career trajectory reflects this holistic approach. With a background in environmental engineering, he initially focused on transport planning, working on developments ranging from office blocks to large-scale, mixed-use redevelopments. Today, his work involves navigating the intersection of business practice, labour rights, and housing accessibility. “We are working with investors, developers, and other companies that take the challenge of sustainability seriously and are trying to make homes greener and more affordable,” Ferrini explains.
Central to his philosophy is the concept of the “just transition”—ensuring that the move from high-emissions to low-emissions building practices does not exacerbate existing societal inequalities. Ferrini is candid about the industry’s current shortcomings, noting that a disproportionate focus on financial performance often overshadows the fundamental purpose of the sector: providing habitable, equitable spaces for people.
“I’d rebalance the industry’s mandate,” Ferrini says. “There should be less focus on maximizing profits and driving growth, and more on providing a basic human right and reducing emissions. While we are seeing some movement in this space, especially regarding emissions, it is still very slow.”
For Ferrini, the built environment is defined as much by the spaces between buildings as the structures themselves. He cites the Barbican in London as a personal favourite, praising its design as a model for a “five-minute neighbourhood” that encourages high-density, compact living. However, he remains critical of the broader industry’s failure to prioritize social housing. He draws significant inspiration from advocates like Raquel Rolnik, former UN Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, and her critical analysis of the financialization of urban space.
Reflecting on his career, Ferrini points to his earlier work on cycle lanes and low-traffic neighbourhoods as a source of pride. For him, these projects represent the tangible, human-centric outcome of his profession: spaces that encourage social cohesion, walking, and community interaction. His commitment to efficiency and sustainability is also reflected in his admiration for the bicycle, which he champions as a peak example of low-carbon, accessible urban mobility.
For those entering the property industry, Ferrini’s advice is rooted in critical inquiry. He encourages newcomers to challenge the status quo, urging them to ask questions rather than defaulting to industry habits simply because “that’s how we’ve always done it.”
As the industry faces mounting pressure to meet net-zero targets while addressing a global housing crisis, Ferrini’s perspective serves as a reminder that the transition to a sustainable future is not purely a technical challenge. It is, fundamentally, a social one. By refocusing the sector’s mission on the human element and broadening the definition of a community to include all stakeholders, the built environment can strive to be recognized not just for its physical footprints, but for the positive impact it leaves on the planet and its inhabitants.
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