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'Development that meets the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs' (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987)

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Sustainable development is one of the 21st century most important concepts and with the implementation of the United Nations  Sustainable Development Goals it has become the overarching term setting out a strategic vision for humanities future.

 

 'The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice. The Goals interconnect and in order to leave no one behind, it ís important that we achieve each Goal and target by 2030. Click on any specific Goal below to learn more about each issue' (United Nations 2019)

 

The solution to the problems of sustainability may be multifaceted and complex but new challenges will bring new opportunities new  innovations and new ways of understanding economic value.  Chartered surveyors have a unique and important role to play in implementing the sustainable development goals. 

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RICS have identified their key objectives to sustainability in relation to energy and natural resources as being lean, clean and green. Be lean by reducing energy required; be clean by minimising the energy use via active measures and be green by using low carbon technology or renewable s.  In addition to this RICS have gone further outlining how  the many companies that operate in the built environment can help realise a sustainable future  by embedding the  United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in the built environment.

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The RICS has worked in partnership with the United Nations Global Compact. The Global Compact is a strategic policy initiative for businesses committed to aligning their operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour standards, environment and anti-corruption.

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Find out more about the Sustainable Development Goals

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RICS has recently launched its 'Value the Planet Campaign' which promotes the preservation of the planet through the implementation of the sustainable development goals.  Two key resources are the Implementing the UN Sustainable Devleopment Goals document and Sustainable Business Checklist  

 

 

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