Countdown to COP26

Five years on from the landmark Paris Agreement, this years’ Conference of Parties (COP) will hold extra significance. National governments are focusing on the social and economic recovery from COVID-19. ‘Build Back Better’ remains the preferred slogan for capturing widespread ambition for a green and sustainable recovery.

According to United Nations Environment Programme estimates, the buildings and construction sector is responsible for nearly 40% of energy related carbon dioxide emissions. The recent WBEF Sustainability Report 2021 paints a picture of an industry struggling to fully reckon with its role in the climate crisis. To achieve ambitious climate targets set out in Nationally Determined Contributions this must change. COP26 is a landmark opportunity to position RICS as the only global institution capable of consistently measuring, capturing, synthesising, analysing and reporting the progress being made across the built and natural environment. 

To mark COP26, we will showcase how our profession is pioneering impactful sustainable practices across the built and natural environment. Every single one of our 137,000 professionals has the power to be an enabler and agent of change. Collectively they deliver practical solutions, trusted data and insights that equip people, business and government to make informed decisions and transition away from damaging and unsustainable practices.

As such, we are going to be creating and curating a programme of activities and initiatives that will:

• Showcase how RICS and the profession are pioneering sustainable practices across the built and natural environment that drive positive social and environment impact.
• Deliver practical solutions, trusted data and insights that equip people, governments and businesses to make informed decisions mitigating negative environmental impact.
• Empower professionals to embed sustainability across the lifecycle of projects and assets.

This will include challenging our young professionals to map out their vision for the future of the profession – the profession that they will someday lead – that prioritises ethical and sustainable practice well beyond 2050. Furthermore, we will host a series of roundtables with the leaders of today to agree on an immediate, holistic course of action that ensures buildings are greener at every stage of their lifecycle. 

Our invitation to you is to share your impact, your projects and your stories. By harnessing your collective experience, expertise and imagination, we will successfully adapt the built environment for a changing climate.