Rics- Series of sustainability events launched today – www.aboutproperty.co.uk

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) launched a series of sustainability events this morning, starting with the release of research ‘Toward a Low Carbon Built Environment: A roadmap for Action.’

The events will explore how best the chartered surveying profession can play its part in shaping a low carbon built environment.

The research, undertaken by Faber Maunsell and commissioned by Rics, aimed to establish the current state of knowledge and practice in this area and to describe a possible framework to support moves towards a low carbon built environment.

Rics’ newly appointed head of sustainability, Arlette Anderson, said: “Rics and its members are strongly committed to the delivery of a sustainable property sector where the use of resources, particularly energy, is minimised throughout the life of a building, from concept to disposal.”

The primary objective of the launch was to suggest how a developed country might go about reducing carbon emissions from the built environment.

The research highlights the contributions individuals, business and governments need to make and how reducing the carbon footprint of buildings is vital, as they are responsible for almost 50 per cent of the UK’s energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Ms Anderson added: “Surveyors work in a complex and difficult market. It might be seen as a luxury to worry about climate change right now but current market conditions mean that now is a time for increasing efforts towards sustainability – occupiers are demanding reduced environmental impacts.

“There is a growing realisation that such efforts can also help to cut costs.”

Rics will also be working with the government as part of the Heat and Energy Saving Strategy announced last week.