Built Environment
Shaping a human rights-led approach to urban development
The built environment – the places where we live, work, and interact with others – has a defining influence over our ability to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Our efforts to address the world’s major challenges like inequality, mass migration, and climate change hinge in many ways on what we build, where, how, and for whom.
IHRB’s Built Environment Programme works with civil society, government and business to uphold human rights, creating inclusive, just and sustainable cities.
Our approach
We shape policy, advance practice and strengthen accountability by: undertaking research and analysis; developing tools and frameworks; providing training and education; convening multi-stakeholder dialogues; and delivering pilot projects.
Featured Projects
The Dignity by Design Framework
A tool to guide decision-making, strengthen collaboration, mitigate risks to human rights and maximise social outcomes in the built environment.
Read more
Taskforce on Affordable and Sustainable Housing (TASH)
Transforming global real estate investment to align with human rights and planetary boundaries.
Read more
Built Environment Academy
Courses, placements, lectures and other opportunities for current and future built environment leaders to strengthen their grounding in human rights.
Read more
Dignity by Design Pilot Projects
Building and infrastructure projects that have applied the IHRB Framework for Dignity in the Built Environment.
Read more
Building for Today and the Future
Strengthening pathways to just climate action in the built environment, combining deep dives in eight cities with international-level advocacy.
Read more
Advancing Just Transitions in the Built Environment
In-depth study of decarbonisation initiatives and human rights in eight cities across the world, with key recommendations to ensure just transitions.
Read more
Team
Meet our Built Environment team and learn about their expertise.
