World Built Environment Forum

The built environment's forum for the future.

The World Built Environment Forum is an initiative of RICS, the leading international professional body in the sector. We have a formal public interest remit and our work aims to ensure that markets operate in the best interests of society.

Our mission is to advance discussions of critical importance to the built and natural environment, inspiring positive and sustainable change for a prosperous and inclusive future.

How capital can support society and the environment

Impact investing is defined as an investment with the intention to create positive, measurable social and environmental benefits.

Upcoming WBEF Webinars

Webinar

Reimagined retail: Future urban centres in a post-pandemic, hybrid working world

• 1.0 Hours Formal CPD • Online

Free

Webinar

CapEx vs whole life cost in Real Estate: Sustainability by design (part two)

• Online

Free

Webinar

Financing net zero neighbourhoods in the UK: An integrated approach

• Online

Free

Webinar

Attracting investment for net zero neighbourhoods: A localised approach to global decarbonisation

• Online

Free

Webinar

Housing markets in 2024 and beyond: How can the sector leverage change?

• 1 Hours Formal CPD • Online

Free

Webinar

Construction project pipelines in 2025 and beyond: Management, financing & macro-economic conditions

• 1 Hours Formal CPD • Online

Free

The future of real estate valuations: The impact of ESG

How can we truly embed ESG requirements into real estate valuations? Given the huge climate and social challenges we are facing globally, we need to move to a market where ESG is firmly embedded and reflected in valuations.

Written by experts from the RICS Europe Leaders’ Forum, this paper and its accompanying data list examine the current legislative situation and market drivers around ESG and valuation in Europe.

Access the latest industry insight examining the current legislative situation and market drivers around ESG and valuation in Europe.

Latest megatrend insights

Housing markets in 2024 and beyond: What does good look like?

In a recent webinar, a panel of experts from the UK, US, Germany and France discuss the current state of the residential market, challenges and potential solutions.

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APAC megaprojects: Six trends in contracting, supply chains and skills

We share the findings of our recent webinar.

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Making impact investment work: How capital can support society and the environment

Investors are increasingly interested in generating public benefit as well as returns. Experts at a recent WBEF webinar looked at what such investment has accomplished – and how it can develop.

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Enabling a low carbon materials economy

How can policy, industry and education foster a low carbon materials future? Professor Robert Hairstans, Founding Director of the Centre for Advanced Timber Technology, explores how construction materials, practices and design will have to change to realise a low carbon materials economy, while meet

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We are ready to create resilient cities that enable the circular economy

With urban populations only going to increase, how can we ensure they minimise their environmental impact and can withstand the challenges of a changing climate?

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From pledges to action: Activating your net zero roadmap

Most global GDP is covered by some form of net zero pledge – so what practical measures can companies take to convert these pledges into action?

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How can the construction workforce benefit from Industry 4.0?

The fourth industrial revolution - or Industry 4.0 - is characterised by an increased connection between automation, production and data exchange. A recent WBEF webinar discussed the implications for companies and the construction workforce alike.

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RICS Sustainability Report 2023: Global challenges and opportunities for real estate & construction

Following the release of the RICS Sustainability Report 2023, a recent webinar saw a panel of experts discuss how well sustainability is being implemented. Here are some of their thoughts.

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How can the construction industry embrace energy decentralisation?

Construction industry leaders are turning to energy decentralisation solutions to meet rising consumer interest in eco-friendly energy.

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The future of real estate valuations: The impact of ESG

How can we truly embed ESG requirements into real estate valuations? Written by experts from the RICS Europe Leaders’ Forum, this paper and its accompanying data list examine the current legislative situation and market drivers around ESG and valuation in Europe.

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Energy generation at home: Converting rainwater to green hydrogen in Malaysia

The tropical climate of Malaysia sets the stage for a unique solution that could hold the key to decarbonising homes.

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Unleashing AI in the built environment: A path to sustainable decarbonisation

Confronted with the urgent challenge of climate change, the call for innovative solutions has never been more acute. Here, artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a transformative force, poised to reshape our approach to building and urban development.

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Lightning talks

Video

Technical and AI jargon: Explanation of the technology changing the built and natural environment

How can artificial intelligence systems be trained and applied to different kinds of tasks in the built environment and what impacts will this have on professionals?

Video

The role of AI in improving sustainable outcomes in real estate

How will the increasing adoption of AI affect sustainability in the real estate sector?

Video

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive: Objectives and challenges

The building sector is crucial for achieving the EU’s energy and environmental goals.

Video

How digital transformation will impact the construction industry

As digital technologies become more cohesive, how will they affect the construction sector?

Video

The power of data and technology for quantity surveyors and cost managers

The growing significance of data and technology in quantity surveying and cost management practices cannot be overstated.

Video

RICS Q1 2023 Global Construction Monitor findings

Where has the global construction industry shown the most resilience to the economic downturn?

Video

The UK’s journey to net zero

Amidst rising inflation and high energy bills, how is the UK government advancing on their targets and what are the latest proposals?

Video

IEA: The future of energy and emissions

Brian Motherway is Head of the Energy Efficiency Division of the International Energy Agency (IEA). In this excerpt, taken from his keynote speech at WBEF Week 2023, he presents IEA insight on the future of energy demand, energy security, and energy efficiency.