This RICS article has been produced by Sara Wilkinson and Dr Richard Reed, of the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning at the University of Melbourne.

'Climate change really has become a mainstream issue, with most of the scientific community reaching a census that mankind’s activities have affected the earth’s climate which is causing global warming – the question is what is the surveying profession and can do? Improving the energy efficiency of the buildings in our cities is a straightforward contribution that the surveying profession can make, but what are the most useful strategies?

Obviously one area of human activity that has a profound effect is the way we use and occupy buildings. If we are to respond to the challenge of climate change, then this is an area where action is imperative – we have to cut the energy use of our buildings and surveying professionals must take a lead in advising clients on the appropriate measures.

What are the options and where can surveying professionals make the greatest contribution? This research, funded by RICS Education Trustees, examined Melbourne, Australia a global city, and identified what would happen to carbon emissions over a 15 year time frame under various scenarios and what surveyors can do to reduce emissions.

Based on the normal life cycle of development and re-development of the office stock of a global city, the research assessed the most effective way of introducing a city-wide approach to carbon emission reduction. Melbourne has high carbon emissions that are increasing. Robin Batterham, then the Chief Scientist of Australia, said 50% reductions in carbon emissions are needed by 2050 and that we have to alter our behaviours and practices, as well as adopting ‘state of the art’ technology (Financial Review, 2005).'