14 August 2025 – The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) today announced a new project with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), a leading professional body working in the public interest to advance knowledge, uphold standards and inspire current and future professionals.
This collaboration aims to align CISL’s sustainability leadership expertise with RICS’ mission to achieve a built and natural environment that is sustainable, resilient and inclusive for all. The work will focus on building the capacity for change among RICS’ 150,000 members through online learning, supporting the annual 20-hour CPD requirement for Chartered Surveyors. This will be delivered through CISL’s 8-week Sustainable Real Estate course.
“The built environment shapes every aspect of our lives, from where we live and work to how we connect, move, and thrive, making it a critical foundation for human wellbeing, economic resilience and market stability. Through this project with RICS, we aim to build the capacity of the sector to deliver a landscape that is fit for the future, to support the often-conflicting needs of people, nature and climate," said Alice Spencer, Executive Director for Education, CISL
Anil Sawhney, Head of Sustainability, RICS, said: “RICS’ collaboration with CISL strengthens our commitment to leading on sustainability across the built and natural environment. By focusing on the interconnected pillars of decarbonisation, resilience, biodiversity and circularity, we aim to equip professionals with the insight and capabilities needed to address complex social, environmental and economic challenges.
“As expectations grow for our sector to respond to the climate and nature crises while advancing inclusive outcomes, it is crucial that our members are prepared to drive meaningful change and uphold the relevance and integrity of the profession.”
This collaboration builds upon CISL’s recently launched initiative, Transforming Systems, Sectors and Places, and is closely aligned with insights from its report, Competing in the Age of Disruption, which outlines the commercial and societal value of integrating sustainability at the heart of business strategy.