Document downloads - Land use and construction
Available downloads
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An investigation into the relationship between land administration and economic development (RICS)
Published June 2013
This research undertaken by the University of Reading’s Henley Business School investigated the relationship between land administration and economic development.
In this research, the national land titling programme of Thailand was studied as a successful example of this process and the surveying settlement programme in Bangladesh was selected as a detailed comparative case study of a village in the Gharinda Union. -
Methodology to calculate embodied carbon (ARCHIVED)
Published May 2014
Effective from 27 May 2014
Archived June 2018
This document has been archived and is available on isurv for information purposes only.
This global guidance note outlines a practical framework for quantity surveyors on how to calculate embodied carbon emissions associated with their projects.
The guidance note supersedes the 2012 RICS information paper Methodology to calculate embodied carbon of materials, 1st edition which was aimed at a UK audience. -
Making more brownfield land available for housing (RICS)
Published March 2015
Using Nottingham as a case study, the research looks at the barriers to housing development on brownfield land. -
Planning tools for strategic management of peri-urban food production (RICS)
Published September 2016
Using Sydney as a case study, this report aims to develop an understanding of what best practice looks for land-use planning on the urban fringe. -
The design, delivery and management of healthy buildings
Published October 2023
Effective from 10 October 2023
Health and well-being are becoming key considerations in built environment design and management for every property professional and discipline. At the same time, it is becoming increasingly challenging for surveyors and other built environment professionals to navigate healthy choices around building design decisions, certifications, products and operations, with new regulations and voluntary standards emerging that require detailed guidance and expertise.
With well-being also forming an important part of ESG, surveyors, funders and developers are keen to understand, enhance and measure the ways in which their property portfolios can support human health.
This paper is intended as an overview document and ‘one stop shop’ of guidance and key considerations, rather than detailed recommendations and actions for each discipline. -
Land agreements for development purposes
Published 8 December 2025
Effective from 1 March 2026
This professional standard provides advice and sets out mandatory requirements for RICS members working on land agreements for development and promotion purposes. It explains the role of these agreements in defining responsibilities and commercial arrangements between landowners and developers or promoters. The document addresses the complexity and risks involved in land development, outlines common types of agreements, and sets principles to help avoid delays, disputes and unnecessary costs.
This standard is designed for RICS members working in the UK who advise landowners or developers/promoters on heads of terms for land agreements. It applies to all development contexts – greenfield or redevelopment sites, residential or mixed-use projects – and aims to ensure successful outcomes for all parties involved.