in 2015, all 193 member states of the united nations adopted a plan for achieving a better future for all – laying out a path over the next 15 years to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and protect our planet. at the heart of “agenda 2030” are 17 sustainable development goals (sdgs) that address the most important economic, social, environmental and governance challenges of our time. the 17 goals clearly define the world we want – applying to all nations and leaving no one behind.

the UN global compact asks companies first to do business responsibly by making the ten principles an integral part of their daily business decision-making and operations and then to pursue opportunities to solve societal challenges through business innovation and collaboration – both important contributions to the sdgs.

in 2018, the royal institution of chartered surveyors [rics] published its guidance ‘advancing responsible business in land, construction and real estate use and investment’ as one of the first sector-specific initiatives of the UN global compact. it calls on all organisations to think holistically about the impact of their activities and decisions when commissioning, planning, designing, constructing and operating buildings. for the common good members work with their clients and teams to that end.