RICS calls for mandatory carbon assessments as progress falls short
Urgent action is needed to ensure the UK’s built environment meets 2050 environmental targets, according to a report published today by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
In its Global Sustainability Report for 2024, which is based on responses from more than 4,000 built environment professionals across 32 countries, RICS found issues such as the cost of green building methods and materials, skills shortages and inadequate training of professionals were inhibiting the push to decarbonisation around the world.
The report found the level of commitment to delivering sustainable buildings is “lacking”, with developed nations demonstrating complacency towards the climate crisis.
Urgent action is needed to ensure the UK’s built environment meets 2050 environmental targets, according to a report published today by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
In its Global Sustainability Report for 2024, which is based on responses from more than 4,000 built environment professionals across 32 countries, RICS found issues such as the cost of green building methods and materials, skills shortages and inadequate training of professionals were inhibiting the push to decarbonisation around the world.
The report found the level of commitment to delivering sustainable buildings is “lacking”, with developed nations demonstrating complacency towards the climate crisis.
While the UK has made some progress in carbon reduction and biodiversity, the report says more action is required to meet national and global climate goals.
RICS is recommending the introduction of mandatory carbon assessments for all new projects as well as enhanced training for built environment professionals. It also calls on government to set clear targets to encourage decarbonisation.
RICS president Tina Paillet said: “Last year, I described the RICS Sustainability Report as a wake-up call to our industry, pointing out that our progress on sustainability was lagging behind what is required. Despite that, I expressed confidence that the 2050 net-zero target was still within reach, if we pursued it wholeheartedly. This year’s report, however, suggests that the level of commitment necessary to meet these goals is still lacking, presenting a mixed but underwhelming picture overall.
“Credible policy interventions are essential, and regulation remains a significant factor driving green real estate investment and shaping construction practices. RICS will continue to champion effective regulation and the adoption of common standards across jurisdictions to simplify processes, ensure a level playing field, and ultimately drive meaningful progress on climate goals.”
