The RIBA welcomes the new appointment of Barbara Young as Chief Executive of the Environment Agency. Marco Goldschmied, President of the RIBA (pictured) said: "The worldwide need for sustainable, elegant and intelligent shelter has never been greater. As President of the RIBA, I am determined to work with partners, such as the Environment Agency, to provoke Government into creating legislation which ensures that all new developments are built in a community-based, integrated and environmentally viable way.

"The urgency of building sustainable developments is highlighted by the Office of National Statistics report that the pollution from cars has continued to increase, despite high fuel prices. The legacy of out of town shopping centres and the lack of a decent urban environment with a good transport infrastructure have contributed to this worrying increase. Alternatives must be sought.

"I will be inviting Barbara Young to participate in European Car Free Day, on 22nd September, when the RIBA will be urging Government to adopt a sustainable planning policy for towns. I very much look forward to working with her and the Environment Agency to determine other ways in which the RIBA can ensure the issue of sustainability sits high on the political agenda."