2024 marks a significant milestone for the Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) registration, a globally recognised designation made possible through the Society for the Environment (SocEnv). Among the founding partners of SocEnv in 2002, the Institute of Water (IWater) has been at the forefront of championing environmental competence, making this anniversary a proud moment for its members and the wider environmental community.
The CEnv designation was established in 2004 following SocEnv’s receipt of a Royal Charter. Its aim was clear: to professionalise environmental practice by recognising individuals with proven expertise and dedication to sustainable development. During these 20 years, over 11,000 professionals, including over 250 from the Institute of Water, have joined or been members of the CEnv community, making invaluable contributions to environmental stewardship and sustainable innovation.
Ministerial Support for Environmental Professionals
In celebration of this 20-year milestone, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Nature, Mary Creagh CBE MP, expressed her appreciation for the vital work of Chartered Environmentalists. In her letter to SocEnv, she wrote:
“I want to express my appreciation for the invaluable contributions of Chartered Environmentalists across the UK, over the hugely impressive 20 years of the Society, its Royal Charter, and the distinguished CEnv professional registration. Your collective expertise, dedication, and innovative approaches are at the heart of efforts to tackle the environmental and wider societal challenges we face today.
Your collective work is vital in ensuring that our natural environment is protected, enhanced and managed sustainably, while developing green skills, creating quality jobs and supporting communities and businesses to ensure that environmental benefits are shared equitably.”
Mary then outlined her eagerness to work with, and learn from, CEnv professionals to collectively tackle the multitude of challenges we face:
“I look forward to working with the Society and to drawing on the expertise and support of innumerable Chartered Environmentalists as we pursue shared goals to achieve net zero, enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, drive resource efficiency and sustainable food production, and build resilient communities in the face of climate change.”
Institute of Water: A Founding Force
As one of the eight founding bodies of SocEnv, the Institute of Water has played a pivotal role in nurturing environmental professionalism within the water sector. Through its support for the CEnv registration, IWater continues to empower its members to lead the way in sustainability, innovation, and environmental excellence.
Commenting on this milestone, Gabrielle Mandell, Chief Executive of the Institute of Water, said:
“The Institute of Water is incredibly proud to have been a founding partner of the Society for the Environment and to have supported the Chartered Environmentalist registration from the very beginning. For 20 years, CEnv professionals have been making a real difference, and we’re delighted that so many of our members are part of this remarkable community. As we look ahead, we remain committed to equipping our members with the tools, recognition, and opportunities they need to lead the way in achieving a sustainable future.”
Reflecting on this achievement, SocEnv Chief Executive Dr Emma Wilcox CEnv FIMMM CMgr stated:
“Ministerial support for environmental professionals and the superb work they do can only be a good thing—especially if it provides greater opportunities to influence policy and decision-making. The CEnv registration—and more recently REnvP and REnvTech—has amplified the influence and trust in the environmental profession. Together with our partners like the Institute of Water, we share a vision for a sustainable future. If you’re considering becoming a CEnv, there’s no better time than now to take that step.”
Join the Celebration
The Institute of Water invites its members to explore the benefits of CEnv registration and celebrate 20 years of progress in environmental professionalism. Together, let’s continue shaping a sustainable future.
Discover 20 years of CEnv: socenv.org.uk/20-years-of-cenv
Learn about becoming a CEnv: socenv.org.uk/chartered-environmentalist
Become a CEnv via IWater: https://instituteofwater.org.uk/chartered-environmentalist-cenv/
