RICS
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Nonprofit organization, Browse similar opportunities
The Cities for our Future Challenge is a global competition run by the Royal Institution Of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in partnership with UNESCO UKNC and the ACU.
Are you an imaginative, problem solving young professional, start up or student involved in surveying, urban design, architecture,or engineering? Then share your transformative ideas for projects and policies that solve some of the defining issues of our time:
Globally, 3 million people move to urban areas every week. Our cities are struggling to cope with the huge demands being placed on infrastructure, services, housing, transportation and the environment. Almost all future urban population growth will take place in African and Asian countries (International Organisation for Migration), where approximately one third of the population will live in slums.
Although this huge transition towards being an urbanised, global society presents significant challenges, it also represents a powerful opportunity for emerging cities to be designed in a way that is sustainable and inclusive.
Cities contribute a disproportionate amount to climate change. Although they cover less than 2% of the earth’s surface, cities consume 78% of the world’s energy and produce more than 80% of greenhouse gas emissions (UN Habitat), mainly through energy generation, vehicles, and industry.
Imaginative countermeasures need to be implemented in developing and developed cities, targeting longevity and low energy use. Whilst the reliance on cars must be reduced further, green spaces in unexpected places can also mitigate heavy carbon dioxide emissions while providing enjoyable spaces for people in congested cities.
By 2030, it’s predicted that the global, urban population will demand 35% more food, 40% more water, and 50% more energy (PWC). The pressure on our planet to supply finite resources to rapidly expanding cities is complicated by climate change and is an immediate threat to the way we live and work.
Changes in rainfall and temperature are predicted to significantly reduce agricultural productivity across large parts of Africa by 2030 (Science), estimates suggest that two thirds of the world’s population could experience water scarcity by 2025 (UN DESA), and it is forecast that renewable energy will only account for 23% of energy use in 2040 (EIA). Cities must implement policies, action plans and projects to feed, water, and fuel their growing urban populations in a sustainable way whilst reducing their ecological footprint.
Submit your entry by selecting a challenge by core topic and region of the world. The best entries will be shortlisted in June 2018, and each entrant will receive mentoring from a RICS professional to help develop their idea ready for the final global judging.
An international judging panel will select the final winner from the shortlisted applicants in November 2018.
£50,000 FOR A CITY CHANGING IDEA
A £50,000 prize will be awarded to the winner, and their idea could be made into a prototype that makes a positive contribution to the world. You will also get the chance to build your professional profile at an international level, potentially kick start a rewarding and varied career, and work with experts within the surveying industry.
Choose the country you wish to travel to study for free, work or volunteer
