The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has appointed Arlette Anderson to the newly created position of RICS Head of Sustainability.

Anderson is developing a framework strategy which will coordinate sustainability activity and projects across the organisation. The aim is to create a sustainable centre of excellence, encouraging members to be more involved in the promotion of sustainable land, property and construction.

Anderson's sustainability objective is to balance economic, environmental and social objectives at global, national and local levels whilst building enthusiasm and commitment from stakeholders, and pushing through the policies and interventions required.

The key priorities will be engaging with RICS members and sustainable communities, while building on the objectives of the existing RICS Sustainability Working Group.

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RICS' sustainability projects will focus around the themes of climate change and mitigation and adaption, waste and materials, water and biodiversity and sustainable communities. Currently RICS is undertaking over 100 different projects with a relevance to the sustainability programme.

Anderson was previously employed as Director of Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility at Atisreal, international property consultancy company, part of the BNP Paribas Group, where her role was to formulate Atisreal’s sustainability response specifically identifying commercial opportunities assisting clients with their sustainability requirements.

Commenting on her appointment Arlette Anderson said: "RICS has already achieved a lot in pushing the sustainability agenda, a key factor in me wanting to join such an organisation. We are really making headway in delivering sustainable solutions in land, property and construction and are perfectly placed to shape a more sustainable future.

"With such diversity within the organisation, it was recognised that a cohesive approach was needed to ensure that members are aware of the work that is being done on matters of sustainability that should be affecting their work."

(GK/JM)