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SREF Partners with RICS to Transform the Real Estate Landscape

On March 17, 2026, the Sustainable Real Estate Forum (SREF) made a significant announcement that could reshape the future of the real estate industry. In a strategic move, SREF has appointed the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) as its Global Knowledge Partner. This collaboration aims to unite various stakeholders within the real estate ecosystem and foster a more sustainable and profitable approach to asset management and investment.

The Vision Behind the Partnership

Founded by Peter Panayi, SREF's mission is to create a dynamic global forum that facilitates knowledge sharing, innovation, and best practices among industry leaders. Panayi, recognized as a Future Leader Award Winner by the UK PropTech Association, has worked closely with RICS over the past two years to lay the groundwork for this partnership.

With sustainability becoming a top priority for real estate firms, the collaboration between SREF and RICS underscores the industry's need to align on standards and actionable insights. As Susanne Eickermann-Riepe FRICS, Senior Vice President at RICS, stated, "RICS is proud to partner with SREF to make standards-aligned research actionable for the entire industry. This collaboration bridges leadership insight with real-world execution."

Addressing Industry Challenges

Real estate has long been criticized for inefficiency and a lack of data-driven decision-making. RICS and SREF believe the key to overcoming these challenges lies in creating a unified ecosystem where industry bodies and associations can collaborate beyond their member circles. This approach can help drive real growth while mitigating risks. Gina Ding, RICS Head of Public Affairs Europe, emphasized the need for better connections and innovation, stating, “A forum like this can help perspectives meet, share what works, and speed up the travel of good evidence.”

SREF convenes top executives from asset management and investment firms at invite-only events in major global cities, including London, Paris, New York, and Dubai. These forums aim to produce global studies that reflect real-world applications rather than theoretical frameworks. This methodology provides market leaders with concrete case studies that validate the effectiveness of sustainable investments and practices.

Incorporating RICS Standards

As the Global Knowledge Partner, RICS will embed its globally recognized standards, frameworks, and thought leadership into the SREF forum. This integration ensures that all research and case studies not only meet but exceed industry best practices. Key topics such as sustainability, risk mitigation, and carbon management for sustainable assets will be central to the collaborative research efforts.

The partnership allows associations and policymakers to harness SREF's platform to share insights, co-create studies, and reach a broader audience across the real estate and investment sectors. This initiative is poised to scale institutional-grade intelligence and transform expert insights into actionable strategies that are accessible across the ecosystem.

Driving Performance Through Collaboration

One of the core objectives of SREF is to provide unmatched access to the sustainable asset and investment community. The platform features curated events with industry-leading speakers and validated outcomes from ongoing projects. Panayi articulated the vision for this partnership: "By partnering with RICS, SREF turns fragmented expertise into a unified force for measurable sustainability and profitability. Our case studies don't just inform—they de-risk decisions and accelerate trust across the ecosystem."

In conclusion, the partnership between SREF and RICS marks a pivotal moment for the real estate industry. By aligning global standards with actionable insights, they aim to foster a culture of innovation and accountability. As they work together to develop strategies for sustainable growth and risk management, the partners are set to positively impact the industry's landscape, paving the way for a more sustainable and profitable future.