World Built Environment Forum

The built environment's forum for the future.

The World Built Environment Forum is an initiative of RICS, the leading international professional body in the sector. We have a formal public interest remit and our work aims to ensure that markets operate in the best interests of society.

Our mission is to advance discussions of critical importance to the built and natural environment, inspiring positive and sustainable change for a prosperous and inclusive future.

The future of the office space in the era of hybrid working

What are the current global trends shaping the office market?

Upcoming WBEF Webinars

Webinar

Attracting investment for net zero neighbourhoods: A localised approach to global decarbonisation

• Online

Free

Webinar

Housing markets in 2024 and beyond: How can the sector leverage change?

• 1 Hours Formal CPD • Online

Free

Webinar

Construction project pipelines in 2025 and beyond: Management, financing & macro-economic conditions

• 1 Hours Formal CPD • Online

Free

The future of real estate valuations: The impact of ESG

How can we truly embed ESG requirements into real estate valuations? Given the huge climate and social challenges we are facing globally, we need to move to a market where ESG is firmly embedded and reflected in valuations.

Written by experts from the RICS Europe Leaders’ Forum, this paper and its accompanying data list examine the current legislative situation and market drivers around ESG and valuation in Europe.

Access the latest industry insight examining the current legislative situation and market drivers around ESG and valuation in Europe.

Latest megatrend insights

Reimagined retail: Future urban centres in a post-pandemic, hybrid working world

How can urban centres be transformed into vibrant hubs where local businesses thrive, people can socialise and engage in leisure activities?

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Why capex and whole-life cost are a false dichotomy: Six trends in sustainability by design

A panel of industry leaders gathered for a recent webinar to discuss how decision-makers can be encouraged to take a longer-term view.

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The future of the office space in the era of hybrid working: Navigating the new norm

What are the current global trends shaping the office market performance, and what adaptations in the workspace are becoming imperative for both individuals and investors? Is hybrid working here to stay?

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India building sector outlook: Can the country’s standout growth be sustained?

India’s property sector has outperformed global trends over recent years – but can it maintain this momentum? The second of two articles examines the data.

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India building sector outlook: What has contributed to the country’s standout growth?

With India’s economy and the property sector in particular performing well despite global trends, the first of two articles asks: what key factors are behind its standout growth?

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Whole life carbon assessment: Why the built environment industry needs a renewed standard to support

With the new edition of RICS’ Whole life carbon assessment coming into force in July 2024, what are the standard’s major changes and what is its potential for international application?

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Why collaboration can promote innovation in public procurement

How do we encourage public procurement to be more pioneering? In a recent webinar, a panel of experts gave their views on how projects can foster more innovation and provide greater value for money.

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Net zero city: Ten energy system interventions

How will we transform our urban energy systems to renewable, sustainable energy that is free of greenhouses gases? And can it be achieved within a decade?

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Net zero city: The timeline of increasing urgency

Can the accelerating adoption of renewables counter slow global progress towards net zero?

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Managing construction costs and claims: How APAC is dealing with new pressures

Clear understanding of project plans and processes as well as contractual provisions can reduce the risks posed by inflation and disputes in the Asia–Pacific region, a recent WBEF webinar heard.

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Net zero city: The energy transformation

How quickly can a total transformation of the energy system be achieved?

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Housing markets in 2024 and beyond: What does good look like?

In a recent webinar, a panel of experts from the UK, US, Germany and France discuss the current state of the residential market, challenges and potential solutions.

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Lightning talks

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Smart Readiness Indicator: Practical implications for the construction and real estate sectors

How does Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) fit into the broader ESG concept and how is it enabling the effective decarbonisation of the built environment?

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Technical and AI jargon: Explanation of the technology changing the built and natural environment

How can artificial intelligence systems be trained and applied to different kinds of tasks in the built environment and what impacts will this have on professionals?

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The role of AI in improving sustainable outcomes in real estate

How will the increasing adoption of AI affect sustainability in the real estate sector?

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The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive: Objectives and challenges

The building sector is crucial for achieving the EU’s energy and environmental goals.

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How digital transformation will impact the construction industry

As digital technologies become more cohesive, how will they affect the construction sector?

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The power of data and technology for quantity surveyors and cost managers

The growing significance of data and technology in quantity surveying and cost management practices cannot be overstated.

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RICS Q1 2023 Global Construction Monitor findings

Where has the global construction industry shown the most resilience to the economic downturn?

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The UK’s journey to net zero

Amidst rising inflation and high energy bills, how is the UK government advancing on their targets and what are the latest proposals?

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IEA: The future of energy and emissions

Brian Motherway is Head of the Energy Efficiency Division of the International Energy Agency (IEA). In this excerpt, taken from his keynote speech at WBEF Week 2023, he presents IEA insight on the future of energy demand, energy security, and energy efficiency.