Shaping sustainable futures: RICS in Europe student competition

Call for papers: The future of property valuation and the influence of E(SG) criteria for residential buildings

Overview

With global climate goals accelerating the focus on sustainability, the property sector has increasingly recognised the importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors. Many property investors are now integrating sustainability criteria’s into their decision making, and regulatory demands around energy efficiency and carbon reduction are continually rising. These energy performance regulations can significantly impact property portfolios and valuations.

For example, in France the LOI Climate et resilience law prohibits rent increases for residential properties with poor energy performance (EPC ratings of F or G), while under the UK MEES regulation, properties are required to meet at least an EPC rating of E to be eligible for rental. Non-compliance introduces liquidity risks, lowers property values, and increases operational costs for tenants, making properties less attractive and harder to let.

Competition objective

The RICS European student competition invites university students to investigate the critical factors influencing energy efficiency in the residential property sector and their impact on property valuations.

The aim is to develop a prioritisation matrix based on RICS’s 12 core indicators (2024a), assessing which energy criteria hold the most influence on valuation. Factors such as EPC ratings, CRREM stranding risk dates, building certifications and country-specific legislation will be key focus areas.

As regulatory frameworks and energy standards differ across regions, students will explore and analyse how local laws shape property valuations. The work should draw on academic research, industry experience (reports from property stakeholders and assessors) and case studies (where available) to demonstrate how sustainability influences property values through energy characteristics.

How can students participate?

For more information about the competition process and selection criteria, please download the guidelines below:

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