Surveyors Guidance for UK Housing Industry

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has introducing a best practice guide for sustainability within the UK housing industry.

Following the adoption of a sustainability policy by governing council in 2005, RICS, in conjunction with Gleeds and The Forum for the Future, is launching a guide to show how the overarching concept of sustainability relates to the entire range of practice disciplines in the profession. RICS says the social, economic and environmental impact of sustainability should be considered throughout the five stages of the property lifecycle. From planning around greenfields, planning and procurement, construction, occupation and demolition and remediation.

RICS has recognised that the social, economic and environmental impact of sustainability should be considered throughout the five stages of the property lifecycle:

· Greenfield/Estates

· Planning and Procurement

· Construction

· Occupation and use

· Demolition and remediation.

Commenting on the launch of the report, Ann Heywood, Chair of the RICS President’s Commission on Sustainability, said: “Sustainability is at the heart of all disciplines of chartered surveying and RICS members are uniquely placed to judge and determine how sustainable development should be delivered. Under our Royal Charter, all members of the institution are beholden to act in the public interest. Tackling the problems of climate change and creating a sustainable future are key challenges for the profession.”