A joint forum of commercial lenders and valuers has developed a draft framework for consistent instructions and reporting relating to key issues of ESG in UK commercial secured lending.

The forum took insight from the largest UK commercial lenders through the Commercial Panel Managers Forum (CPMF) as well as valuation advisory firms, SME valuation businesses, specialist lenders and commercial panel management specialists.   

The current framework, dated July 2023, can be downloaded via the link below.

ESG Framework - July 2023 (PDF 0.14MB)

Published date: 30 June 2023

file_download

The framework is not an RICS standard or practice information and is provided for information only. Its use is not mandated by RICS.

It is hoped the framework will provide a useful starting point for the development of consistent, practical instructions to help the valuer and lender fulfil their ESG obligations.

The framework will be further developed with key valuer and lender stakeholders. We welcome feedback from all stakeholders by email to cgolding@rics.org or through the my RICS Community.

The framework compliments Red Book Global Standards, the Red Book UK Supplement and Sustainability and ESG in commercial property valuation and strategic advice, and does not replace any part of them.

You may also be interested in

CityLife: redefining urban living sustainably

How have sustainability and wellbeing been incorporated into the design and construction of CityWave, the latest addition to the CityLife development in Milan?

Influence and Advocacy Monthly Update – April 2025

Over the past month, RICS has been actively engaging with UK Government departments, devolved administrations, and parliamentary committees to shape vital areas of policy concerning the built and natural environment.

The UK’s whole life carbon ecosystem: a framework for decarbonising the built environment

In a recent webinar, a panel of experts discussed four industry initiatives designed to measure, regulate, limit and track whole life carbon in the UK built environment.

Sustainable development in one of the world’s largest built environments: Meet Eric Wo FRICS

Sustainable development across the real estate industry is a key area of focus for RICS professionals across the globe – and one of the world’s largest built environments, China, is no exception.

RICS at UK Construction Week: Bridging the skills gap in the built and natural environment

This year at the UK’s largest built environment event, RICS will deliver a programme designed to promote knowledge transfer and professional growth across the industry.

Climate contracting in real estate: the role of greener deals in reducing global carbon emissions

Climate contracting integrates decarbonisation and sustainability goals into legal agreements. In a recent webinar, in partnership with The Chancery Lane Project, a panel of experts discuss how climate clauses can be effectively implemented into contracts.

From waste to value: how circularity is reshaping real estate and construction

What if buildings could become material banks, storing resources to be reused and repurposed for future projects? In a recent webinar with Drees & Sommer, experts explore how circularity is transforming the built environment.

High Level Construction Forum: key takeaways and launch of the Construction 2050 Alliance Manifesto

On March 25, 2025, the European Commission’s DG GROW hosted the Fifth Annual Plenary Meeting of the High Level Construction Forum (HLCF) in Brussels.

Why does the timing of carbon emissions matter in whole life carbon assessments?

Could professionals consider the time-value of carbon when making project-specific decisions? Anil Sawhney, head of sustainability at RICS, and Will Wild, Senior Engineer at Arup, examine the principle that emissions today should be valued differently from those emitted tomorrow.

Indexing resilience can help protect buildings against climate disasters

With the growing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, the need for building resilience is increasingly apparent. WBEF brought together experts at a recent webinar to offer insight on resilience and discuss a tool developed to increase the property market’s awareness of the concept.

Wicked problems in construction: managing the risks posed by using AI

What risks are associated with using AI in construction? In the final of this three-part series, four industry experts explain the steps industry can take to manage AI-related risks while capitalising on its benefits.

Minecraft Goes Green: Young minds build sustainable cities in new RICS challenge to close skills gap

RICS, in collaboration with global construction consultancies, has successfully completed a groundbreaking educational programme that introduces primary school students to careers in quantity surveying, project management, and digital innovation through the creative lens of Minecraft Education.