The recently published RICS Sustainability Report 2023 is  worth a read for anyone involved in building, funding, funding, maintaining or occupying buildings.

The Report takes onboard feedback from 4,600 professionals across the world.

Concerns around cost and a return on investment are seen as the principle barrier to change.

Worldwide there is also a view amongst some occupiers that green buildings are seen as a “landlord problem” but within the UK and Europe the biggest barrier to investment in sustainable buildings is a lack of common standards and definitions of green buildings.   

The Report suggests the adoption of global standard, such as Whole Life Carbon Assessments for the built environment could have a significant impact on helping the industry reach net zero.  In addition education and training will need to be developed to assist professionals to apply these standards and tools effectively.

The Report is a very interesting snap shot of where the built environment is on its journey to net zero and it is worth a read.