Pathways for a just transition in Athen’s Built Environment

Cities are often where people experience the impacts of climate change and of climate action, which can raise living costs and socio-economic inequalities.

In a series of local research cycles, IHRB is spotlighting eight cities, focusing on their built environment decarbonisation and resilience plans. This research series asks: how is each city minimising the negative social consequences of climate action, and maximising the positive impacts that built environment can have for inhabitants and the environment? And what are recommended actions from the government, investors, and the private sector?

Athens Summary Report

Athens is making slow progress in decarbonising its built environment and embedding resilience, with its nascent efforts lacking a clear focus on equity. The economic crisis has left long-term scars upon the city that limit available resources, calling for creative, bottom-up solutions for a cleaner, greener and fairer city for all.

Athens remains a well-integrated city, with low levels of social segregation compared to other cities in Europe. The worst of the 2009-2018 economic crisis appears to be over, and Greece is now posting strong GDP growth figures and attracting significant investment. The relatively dense city makes planning an inclusive and diverse ‘15-minute city’ easier to imagine in Athens than in cities with sprawling, low-density suburbs. The emergence of civil society organisations and the influence of the EU on developing a culture of evaluation also give cause for optimism.

The report presents a brief overview of the city climate actions and some key human rights risks and opportunities of the transition. It delves into the housing affordability struggle and how building decarbonisation can be harnessed for a fairer distribution of housing benefits. Also, it touches on the topics of social and spatial segregation, participation, and workers’ rights, for instance how the precarious nature of construction jobs prevents upskilling for the green transition. The aim of this research report is to provide evidence for the need of a just and inclusive transition in Athens, and provides recommendations for government, businesses and other built environment stakeholders on possible pathways to accomplish it.

Full report to be published soon

Visioning Workshop

On 25th January 2024 representatives from academia, government, civil society, NGOs and the private sector gathered at the Higgs incubator in Athens to envision pathways for a just transition in Athens' built environment.

Read the full write-up from the visioning workshop

The Building for Today and the Future project

These research summaries are part of The Building for Today and the Future project, which benefits from guidance and insights from its thematic partners including ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability, Building and Woodworkers International, and the International Union of Tenants.

The Building for Today and the Future project is made possible with support from Laudes Foundation and Ove Arup Foundation.