RICS at COP29 - leading and influencing on sustainability

As part of our commitment to lead and influence on sustainability, we are participating in COP29, taking place between 11-22 November in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Attending COP29 presents us with a key milestone to continue building on the momentum we have gained since COP28 in Dubai. It also enables us to take part in strategic decision-making with policy makers, working collaboratively to accelerate decarbonisation in the built environment worldwide and drive a net-zero future

Participating for the second time as a UN-accredited observer organisation, we will be representing the profession and our members, highlighting their contribution to positive change. Along with this, a crucial goal for us is to strengthen our relationships with decision makers and government representatives, advocating the importance of global harmonisation of the measurement of whole life carbon.

What we’ve achieved so far

Over the last year, we have positioned ourselves as a global leader in sustainability in the built and natural environment. Specifically, we highlighted our work around consistent measurement and reporting of whole life carbon, through the RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA) in the built environment standard

In March 2024, we played an active role at the inaugural Buildings and Global Climate Forum in Paris, where we launched our global WLCA harmonisation guide, as well as a series of practical supporting guides for governments and the industry to embed whole life carbon assessments.

Following this activity, we are now a member of the steering committee for priority action 1 of the UN Buildings Breakthrough, which focuses on standards and certifications. In addition, we have also been appointed as the co-intervention lead of the Lever 1 World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s Market Transformation Action Agenda. This focuses on achieving harmonisation of WLCA across the full value chain of the built environment.

Advocating for global harmonisation of WLCAs

We have entered COP this year with global endorsements for our standards, guides and thought leadership, placing us firmly within the crucial discussions on sustainability. Our most recent endorsement came from the International Energy Agency (IEA), which cited our Global Harmonisation guide in the 2024 Breakthrough Agenda report.  

Global harmonisation of WLCAs is a key priority in our COP29 agenda. With the built environment contributing to approximately 39% of all carbon emissions, there is a need for countries to adopt a harmonised approach in measuring Whole Life Carbon.

We are asking governments to embed our WLCA standard in policies. Measuring whole life carbon can contribute to countries meeting their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) through the reduction of the carbon emissions from their built environments – what you don’t measure, you can’t manage.

Together, this provides an opportunity for policymakers and the market to come together to deliver a net zero future.

What does our attendance mean for members?

While pushing for harmonisation and consistent measurement and reporting of whole life carbon, we will highlight the vital role that RICS members play in delivering this sustainable future.

Our participation allows us to represent our profession as solutions to tackle the climate crisis are discussed and decisions on actions are made. These actions agreed at COP will impact governmental policies, thereby impacting our members and their work globally. If we can influence both policymakers and the market to adopt RICS standards such as the WLCA standard, then we will create demand for the profession - now and in the future.

Globally RICS and its members have never been more fundamental to meeting the challenge of achieving a net zero future.

Visit our Sustainability Hub to see a full range of our sustainability standards, guidance and insights.