Value The Planet - RICS Urges Accountability

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17 October 2019 | Updated 25 October 2019

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors have launched a ‘Value the Planet’ campaign, promoting the preservation of the planet through the adoption of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

RICS will provide support and resources to help take both climate action and adopt the SDGs within the built environment.

RICS has also published an 'Implementing the UN SDGs' paper (in the week ending October 18) looking at climate action. It highlights three key aims: thinking across the lifecycle, collaboration; and being accountable.

RICS professionals work within every stage of the property life cycle. The paper lists action that can be taken by industry, gives information on professional standards and RICS updates, tips, resources, research, thought leadership and examples of collaboration.

An online resource centre went live in the week, providing further information and research. The organisation also published a responsible business report which provides recommendations for businesses on ensuring the long-term sustainability of the built environment.

Recommendations for industry in the report include key actions in management and commitment; diversity and collaboration; well-being and employment; community and supplier engagement; and environmental protection.

The recommended approaches to protect the environment include compliance with regulation and proactive disclosure of performance; reduction in environmental impacts, e.g. energy, transport, water; use of projects to provide a step change; promotion of biodiversity as an environmental and social benefit; and incorporating the concept of circular economy into the supply chain and business operations.

Support

Matthew Howell, RICS UK MD, said: “RICS’ Value the Planet campaign launch, will provide our professionals with a new paper to assist them with implementing the UN goals and RICS resources to help them be accountable for the sake of future generations.  We are committed to supporting our professionals and firms in this area.

“This long term campaign, is an opportunity for the UK profession to show its green credentials and to lead on innovation, action and investment in a low-carbon economy, to safeguard the planet, promote sustained economic growth and human security.”

Patrice Cairns, UK RICS Policy Manager, added: ‘’The launch of ‘Value the Planet’ is very timely given the spotlight on climate change and responsible business, especially on the front doorstep of our HQ" - a reference to the Extinction Rebellion protests in an around RICS' Pall Mall home.

COP 26

“Looking ahead to the UK-hosted COP 26 next year as a pinnacle of action," continued Cairns, Government will be pushing forward a raft of measures to address climate change. The Government and industry must work together in the challenge of reducing the built environment's contribution of over one third of carbon emissions.

“We will continue to champion and support both the low carbon transition and resilience capacity building agenda through the introduction of new global standards and professional expert guidance across both the built and natural environment.’’

Picture: To download RICS' Implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals - Click Here

Article written by Brian Shillibeer | Published 17 October 2019

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