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20 years of CEnv

September 2024 marks 20 years since the first Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) certificates were signed. It's quite the milestone and we're proud of our collective achievements, but the work certainly doesn't stop here! We've been talking to CEnvs who received their certificates 20 years ago, as well as more recent CEnvs to highlight what it all means. Read on, and share with your networks.

If not now, when?

A message from our Chief Executive:

Over the last two decades, CEnv registration has changed the face of professionalism for a global challenge with complex, wide ranging problems – protecting our environment. I have no doubt that CEnv – and, more recently, REnvP and REnvTech – has amplified influence, trust, commitment, and change. The CEnv community also bridges knowledge gaps to drive innovation and quicken the adoption of good practice.

But across our registrants and partners, we share a vision for a sustainable future, which we are yet to achieve. So, if you are thinking about leading the way and playing your part, I ask – if not now, when?

Dr Emma Wilcox CEnv FIMMM CMgr
Mary Creagh CBE MP professional portrait. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Nature)

UK Government appreciation for 20 years of invaluable CEnvs

Marking 20 years of the Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) registration, Mary Creagh CBE MP expresses her gratitude for the invaluable contributions of Chartered Environmentalists over the years, and to this day. In a letter to us, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Nature, said:

“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 work is vital in ensuring that our natural environment is protected, enhanced and managed sustainably..."

20 years of CEnv | What does professional registration mean to you?

20 years with 20 CEnv registrants in less than 4 minutes. Press play for insights from CEnvs who registered in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008... you get the idea! This is what CEnv means to them. But what does it mean to you?

CEnv at 20 blog | An agent of environmental wisdom

"I like to think of SocEnv as an agent of environmental wisdom. At the 20th birthday celebrations, I rather light-heartedly described SocEnv as providing “knit-working” opportunities in which the wisdom of members with different wisdom can be knitted together through networking to create new paradigms to tackle the continuing list of environmental problems. So, the ‘environment choir’ must keep on singing whilst knit-working at the same time!" A blog full of reflections by Dr Peter Matthews HonFSE CEnv (pictured far left at the 2024 SocEnv Awards) - one of the very first 65 CEnvs 20 years ago. Have a read!

Celebrating the SocEnv 20th anniversary | Andrew Marlow CEnv

Andrew Marlow is CEnv number 20 and registered on the very first day 20 years ago via his membership of IEMA. Here, on his YouTube channel, he dedicates a couple of minutes to celebrate 20 years of CEnv and SocEnv. But don't stop there! Check out his other videos - he knows his way around a camera AND environmental management! We'll forgive him for the old SocEnv and CEnv logos used...

Find out more about our history

As you now know, 2024 marked 20 years since we achieved our Royal Charter and handed out the first CEnv certificates. As part of this landmark occasion, we have put together a potted history of key events, whilst always keeping our focus on the future.

CEnv at 20 | Content from our partners

Our Licensed Members have been helping to mark the occasion by producing some content of their own. This partner organisations are fundimental to how we function. Without their ongoing enthusiasm, dedication to competence, and general brilliance, 20 years of the CEnv registration wouldn’t have happened. This would mean no 8,000 CEnvs currently operating around the world. So to our partners – thank you.

Here are some examples of what they’ve been saying:

 

The Institute of Water

IWater have included not one, but two articles in their recent magazines specific to SocEnv and CEnv turning 20. They were a founding organisation from the very start of the Society for the Environment. Take a look using the links below:

 

The Chartered Association of Building Engineers

CABE marked the occasion by speaking to one of their CEnv members, John Corben, about their career and where CEnv fitted into it:

 

The Institution of Environmental Sciences

The IES interviewed one of their members key to the beginnings and ongoing journey of SocEnv – Prof. Will Pope HonFSE CEnv. Will shared a honest and reflective perspective spanning four decades of involvement.

 

The Chartered Institute of Building

As the CEnv registration turns 20, CIOB investigated the environmental challenges and opportunities for CIOB members – including notes from CIOB Trustee, Paul Vega FCIOB CEnv, and their Head of Environmental Sustainability, Amanda Williams CEnv:

 

More 20 years of CEnv content coming your way soon! Watch this space.