Built Environment European Summit 2024

Zorrotzaurre Island Tour (optional)

Where: Zorrotzaurre Island

When: 14 October,  13.10 CEST

Insight: A complimentary city tour, please see here for more details.

Late Evening Boat tour with drinks and music (optional)

Where: Starting at Pio Baroja Pier

When: 14 October, 22:30 - 23:30 CEST

Insight: Free for all delegates courtesy of Invest in Bilbao. Spaces are limited.

Running tour of Bilbao (optional)

Where: Meeting point at Azkuna Zentroa

When: 15 October, 06:30 - 07:45 CEST

Insight: Free for all delegates courtesy of Invest in Bilbao. Spaces are limited. Please see PDF here.

A Unique Gathering of Industry Leaders in Bilbao

Welcome to the RICS Built Environment European Summit 2024, the second edition of our prestigious event, set against the vibrant backdrop of Bilbao, Spain. Following the success of our inaugural forum in Venice, we are proud to bring together industry pioneers, thought leaders, and professionals to delve into the critical issues shaping the future of the built and natural environments in Europe.

Elevating the Dialogue

Join us for an exclusive Gala dinner amidst the architectural marvel of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, designed by the visionary Frank Gehry. This iconic venue symbolizes the intersection of art, culture, and innovation, setting the stage for an evening of unparalleled elegance and networking opportunities. Gala dinner start: 18:30 CET (the evening begins with a private guided tour of the museum).

Charting the Course for Urban Transformation

Bilbao has undergone a total revolution in recent decades: from being a completely industrialised city to Bilbao being today a city committed to sustainable development at all levels. Bilbao has always been a trailblazer on urban transformation, innovation is ingrained in its identity. Therefore, now more than ever Bilbao wants to spearhead efforts for sustainability, and there’s no better place to match both goals than the island of Zorrotzaurre where delegates would have a chance to do a site visit.

The main Summit will unfold at the Azkuna Zentroa - Alhóndiga Bilbao, a testament to Bilbao's transformation from an industrial city to a hub of culture and creativity. Against this dynamic backdrop, industry leaders will convene to explore key themes such as sustainability, green governance, risk management, and the role of technology in driving positive urban change.

Why Attend?

By participating in this immersive summit, you will:

• Network: Engage with peers and experts from across the region, fostering valuable connections and collaborations.
• Stay Informed: Gain insights into the latest industry trends, forecasts, and best practices shaping the future of the built environment.
• Explore Solutions: Discover cutting-edge strategies and solutions to address industry-wide challenges and drive sustainable growth.
• Join Us in Shaping the Future. Be part of this exclusive event designed to foster sustainable change and propel Europe towards a resilient and prosperous future.

The Summit

Following a unique experience of a Gala dinner at the Guggenheim, the next full day participants will build a picture of how changing work and lifestyle norms amid a global economic downturn are impacting industry practice and notions of business-as-usual. To conclude, we will outline the ways that stakeholders from across construction, real estate and investment as well as the public sector provide trusted solutions to support positive urban transformation.

By joining this in-person event, participants will be able to network and exchange best practice with peers from across the region, be up to date with the latest industry thinking, trends and forecasts and find out about state-of-the-art solutions to industry-wide challenges.

We look forward to welcoming you to Bilbao for an unforgettable experience. Together, let's shape the future of Europe's built environment.

The summit will explore

• Current market and economic outlook
• Green Governance
• Sustainability & ESG strategies in real estate and investment
• Managing risk in the transition to a net zero, climate-resilient built environment
• ESG from a European perspective: understanding the impact of the legislative and regulatory framework
• Impact of ESG in valuation
• ESG in the construction industry
• Climate resilient cities & infrastructure
• Connecting the economic, business, technological, social and environmental drivers of change and their implications for real estate
• Key trends in the adoption of technology and digitalisation
• The essential role of the ethical professional in urban transformation

Keynote speakers:

• Diana Urge-Vorsatz, Professor, Vice Chair of the IPCC, Director at Center for Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Policy, Central European University
• Gulnara Roll, Head of the Secretariat of the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) at the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), Climate Change Division
• David Carlin, TCFD Program Lead, UNEP-FI
• Tina Paillet FRICS, RICS President

Overnight Accomodation

A list of local hotels recommended by the Bilbao Tourist Office can be found here. 

If you are interested in partnership opportunities or if you have any questions, please contact Gina Ding at gding@rics.org and Iwan van Bilsen at ibilsen@rics.org