Sidara Voices & Visions
A Conversation with Gabriel Feriancic, Country Manager at TYLin
Designing cities for a low-carbon, high-quality future. At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, Gabriel Feriancic, TYLin’s Country Manager for Brazil, joined global leaders at the "Buildings and Cooling Pavilion" to discuss how engineering can drive down carbon in cities and build a more accessible, resilient future for all.
With more than two decades of experience in transportation and urban infrastructure, Gabriel has led TYLin’s operations in Brazil, overseeing projects that advance sustainable mobility and low-carbon development across Latin America and beyond.
In this Voices & Visions edition, Gabriel shares his reflections on COP30, the growing intersection between climate action and inclusive design, and how collaboration across disciplines can accelerate the transition to cleaner and smarter cities.
Gabriel Feriancic Country Manager, at TYLin, Brazil
Why was hosting COP30 in the Amazon so impactful?
"Holding COP30 in the Amazon was both symbolic and practical. The region is one of the world’s most vital carbon sinks, but it also represents the complex challenges and opportunities we face.
By bringing global climate dialogue to the heart of the Amazon, the conversation became tangible. Not just for the delegates in Brazil, but for the global community. It was a powerful reminder that sustainability must be rooted in place and that local realities must inform global solutions."
“We all have a role to play in shaping cities that are not only climate-resilient but also improve quality of life.”
What should leaders in the built environment take away from this year’s discussions?
"Don’t shy away from ambition.
The built environment is undergoing a transformation, and what I saw at COP30 was genuinely encouraging.
From nature-based solutions to circular design and local materials, the innovation is real—and it’s scalable. Architects, engineers, policymakers—we all have a role to play in shaping cities that are not only climate-resilient but also improve quality of life."
Why did Sidara choose to spotlight the impact of aging populations at COP30?
"Aging populations are reshaping how we design cities, transportation, housing, and healthcare.
Older communities often require more energy, different types of transit, and greater access to healthcare. All of this has implications for the built environment and for sustainability. It’s a global challenge, not just a regional one.
We need inclusive, sustainable solutions that anticipate these shifts—especially in developing countries where infrastructure gaps are most urgent—and we must achieve this without sacrificing the natural world."
“We need to rethink urban planning to reduce long commutes and promote walking, cycling, and shared mobility.”
What’s the most effective way to reduce transport emissions while keeping systems accessible?
"Investing in public transit powered by renewable energy is essential. But we also need to rethink urban planning to reduce long commutes and promote walking, cycling, and shared mobility.
Density isn’t the issue—poor planning is. Transit-oriented development and systems thinking can make cities more efficient and equitable, regardless of how dense they are or where they are in the world. Sidara companies have been adopting this approach for years, so we understand its value and benefits."
As TYLin’s Country Manager for Brazil, can you share a particularly transformative project you’ve led in the country?
"One standout is the EletroRIT initiative in Curitiba, where we’re helping transition the city’s entire bus fleet to electric mobility. It’s a complex project—involving power grid upgrades, charging infrastructure, and route redesign—but it’s a model that other cities can follow. It shows how planning, technology, and ambition can come together to accelerate low-carbon urban mobility, especially in developing countries."
How are Sidara companies supporting Brazil’s sustainable transition?
"We’re partnering with governments, innovators, and communities to scale low-carbon infrastructure across mobility, healthcare, and public services. With vast biodiversity and renewable energy potential, Brazil is uniquely positioned to lead.
Our work supports not only urban development but also the preservation of ecosystems like the Amazon—vital for Brazil and the planet."
How can the built environment keep pace with rapid technological change?
"Technology is evolving fast, and the built environment must keep up. At Sidara, we’re integrating digital twins, AI, and data analytics into our design and planning. But it’s not just about tools—it’s about mindset.
We’re encouraging innovation across disciplines and showcasing what’s possible by using cities as living labs for sustainability. With smarter data and digital capabilities, we can design more resilient infrastructure that meets today’s needs and anticipates tomorrow’s risks."
How optimistic are you about Brazil’s future?
"Absolutely. Ten years ago, electrifying an entire city’s bus fleet seemed impossible. Today, it’s achievable and affordable.
Sustainable infrastructure is more accessible than ever, and that gives me hope. If we stay bold and collaborative, we can deliver a better quality of life for every community."
As COP30 calls for bold action to protect the planet and reimagine cities, this edition of Voices & Visions features Gabriel Feriancic, TYLin’s Country Manager for Brazil, reflecting on the role of engineering in building inclusive, climate-resilient communities.
To learn more about Gabriel’s work and how he and the TYLin team are helping shape more sustainable, connected cities — connect with him on LinkedIn and follow his journey toward a resilient urban future.
Gabriel Feriancic Country Manager Brazil at TYLin
