Our commitment to sustainability: planning for tomorrow’s environment

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has signed the Katowice Declaration 2022, published by the Global Planners Network following the Eleventh Session of the World Urban Forum in Katowice, Poland. The Declaration sets out the commitment of the global planning profession to addressing the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation and to promoting more sustainable, resilient and inclusive cities.

Every year, millions of people are pushed into poverty by natural disasters, with the poorest often worst affected. Cities must become more resilient and sustainable if they are to respond effectively to climate change, environmental pressures and other global challenges.

Our in-house Sustainability Taskforce has a mission to promote the principles of the Katowice Declaration among our clients, development organisations, other professions and civil society, in a spirit of global partnership and collaboration.

According to UN projections, around 70% of the global population will live in urban areas by 2050. Rapid urbanisation, climate change, the impact of human activity on ecosystems, food insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, increasing energy demand and social inequalities are challenges where planners can make a meaningful difference.

Supported by effective planning, cities can become drivers of a sustainable future. For this reason, JLA is engaging with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We will build capacity for creating safe, healthy and sustainable settlements by mobilising, sharing and developing the knowledge and skills of planners.

We will help disseminate best practice and lead by example, highlighting the contribution of knowledge and research and taking a strategic approach to future challenges.

This dedicated collaboration will help tackle rapid urbanisation, poverty and inequality, biodiversity loss, climate change, global conflict and natural disasters.

Our Commitments

Through our Sustainability Taskforce, we will:

  • Put sustainability at the heart of planning and design, integrating environmental, social and economic considerations from the earliest stages of projects.

  • Support climate action and resilience, promoting development that responds to climate risks and helps reduce carbon emissions.

  • Protect and enhance nature and biodiversity, including opportunities for green infrastructure, ecological connectivity and nature recovery.

  • Promote healthy, inclusive and connected places, with access to housing, services, employment, green space and sustainable transport.

  • Reduce inequality and promote social value, considering the needs of vulnerable and under-represented communities.

  • Share knowledge and promote best practice, working collaboratively with clients, development organisations, professionals, communities and civil society.

  • Lead by example, continually improving our professional practice and considering the environmental and social impacts of our work.

This dedicated collaboration will help tackle the interconnected challenges of rapid urbanisation, poverty and inequality, biodiversity loss, climate change, global conflict and natural disasters.

We believe that good planning is fundamental to creating sustainable, resilient and inclusive places, and will continue to use our professional expertise, knowledge and collaboration to help create healthier, safer and more sustainable communities.

For further information, please Contact us.