The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has recently joined the Liege Declaration, an influential commitment to sustainable development and climate action. This pivotal move underscores RICS's dedication to environmental stewardship, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.

The Liege Declaration was conceived as a collaborative effort among leading organizations, governments, and institutions to address the pressing issue of climate change. Its primary goal is to foster a unified approach towards sustainability, emphasizing the need for immediate and substantial action to mitigate environmental degradation. By endorsing the declaration, signatories commit to a set of principles designed to promote sustainable development, reduce carbon footprints, and enhance resilience against climate-related challenges.

Key Principles

The Liege Declaration encompasses several key principles, including: 

  1. Commitment to Carbon Neutrality: Signatories pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by adopting and promoting practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  2. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The declaration aligns with the United Nations' SDGs, ensuring that efforts towards sustainability are integrated with broader socio-economic objectives.
  3. Collaboration and Partnership: It encourages collaboration among stakeholders, fostering partnerships that enhance the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives.
  4. Innovation and Technology: Emphasis is placed on leveraging innovative technologies and practices to drive sustainable development.
  5. Education and Awareness: The declaration advocates for increased education and awareness about climate change, empowering individuals and organizations to make informed decisions.


RICS has a longstanding history of promoting sustainability within the built environment. As a leading professional body in land, property, and construction, RICS has consistently championed practices that balance economic growth with environmental protection. The institution's dedication to sustainability is evident through its various initiatives, guidelines, and standards aimed at enhancing the industry's environmental performance.

RICS's endorsement of the Liege Declaration is poised to drive significant change across the built environment industry. As a respected authority, RICS's commitment to sustainability will influence industry standards, practices, and policies, encouraging other organizations to follow suit. This collective effort will contribute to:

  • Reduction in Carbon Emissions: Widespread adoption of sustainable practices will lead to substantial reductions in carbon emissions, mitigating the industry's impact on climate change.
  • Enhanced Resilience: Improved resilience of buildings and infrastructure to climate-related risks, ensuring long-term sustainability and stability.
  • Economic Growth: Sustainable development practices will foster economic growth by creating new opportunities for innovation, investment, and job creation in green industries.


RICS's decision to join the Liege Declaration marks a significant milestone in the institution's ongoing commitment to sustainability and climate action. By aligning with this influential declaration, RICS not only reinforces its dedication to environmental stewardship but also positions itself as a leader in driving industry-wide change towards sustainable development. The implications for RICS members are profound, offering enhanced professional development opportunities, updated standards and guidelines, and increased collaboration and networking possibilities.

Furthermore, RICS's endorsement of the Liege Declaration is poised to have a broader impact on the built environment industry, driving significant reductions in carbon emissions, enhancing resilience, and promoting global sustainability goals. As RICS continues to champion sustainable practices, it sets a powerful example for others to follow, contributing to a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future for all.

In conclusion, RICS's commitment to the Liege Declaration is not just a symbolic gesture but a tangible step towards a more sustainable world. It reflects a deep understanding of the urgent need for climate action and a steadfast dedication to leading the industry towards a greener, more sustainable future. As we look ahead, the collective efforts of RICS, its members, and other signatories of the Liege Declaration will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable and resilient built environment, benefitting not only current but also future generations.

For more information, please contact Senior EU Public Affairs Manager, Fausta Todhe at ftodhe@rics.org.

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Members of the Liege Declaration

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