RICS CEO invited to UN climate summit
The summit saw global government, business and civil society leaders commit to finding lasting solutions to the complex threats of climate change. Ahead of the summit, hundreds of thousands of people had marched for global action on climate change in cities around the world.
With 40% of CO2 emissions resulting from buildings in operation alone, the summit highlighted the significant role the built environment has to play in reducing carbon emissions.
Mobilising the profession
In his review of the summit, Dr Tompkins pledged RICS' commitment to mobilise the profession and sector leaders to actively support the work towards a binding climate deal at the UN's formal negotiations under the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris in 2015.
"Everybody has to play their part in this - especially our sector. The land, construction, real estate and infrastructure sector has real potential to lead the charge for climate friendly and sustainable solutions and business practices, not only within the sector itself but also in interaction with the many downstream stakeholders who use or invest in real estate," he says.
Writing for the RICS website, Dr Tompkins points out: "This should not be seen as a threat but as a tremendous opportunity for leadership. I intend to work with leaders in the built environment to confirm our action agenda ahead of Paris 2015."
Read Dr Sean Tompkins full review of the UN Climate Summit.
