20 years of the Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) registration

If not now, when?

This is our clear message as we mark 20 years of professionals leading the way as Chartered Environmentalists. Join nearly 8,000 CEnv registrants doing amazing work with proven competence, experience, and dedication – helping to tackle environmental emergencies locally and globally.

The “CEnv” letters give you some powerful tools to make a difference including trust, influence, and credibility. Here’s to the next 20 years and the opportunity to change the world!

Friday 20th September 2024 marks 20 years since the first Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) certificates were signed.

The Society for the Environment (SocEnv) was launched in 2002 to champion competence in environmental practices across sectors. The first objective was to create a chartered designation to professionalise this work – and so, Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) was born in 2004 via a Royal Charter. One of the key reasons – a platform to spearhead change

20 years on and change is needed more than ever with the climate, biodiversity and environmental emergencies in full swing. 

The first cohort of 65 CEnvs officially received their accreditation on the 20th September 2004. They established the community that’s still growing today – now nearly 8,000 strong and leading the way towards a more sustainable future.

Reflecting on 20 years of CEnv registration, Chief Executive at SocEnv, Dr Emma Wilcox CEnv FIMMM CMgr, said:

“CEnv registration has changed the face of professionalism for a global challenge – 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. For example, a CEnv in environmental reporting can learn from a CEnv peer in civil engineering – connected through their common status and a common goal.

But we share a vision with our registrants and partners 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?”

The very first CEnv, Baroness Barbara Scott Young of Old Scone, describes why CEnv was a goal for her: 

“Up till then, there was a lack of quality assurance in environmental work and there had been some few but important examples of lack of professional practice.  CEnv was a means of establishing a visible accreditation of high professional standards which would be understood by the public and those commissioning environmental services.”

This quote is taken from a special Q&A with Barbara to celebrate 20 years since she officially became CEnv number one. The former CEO of the Environment Agency also discussed the special connection between the Environment Agency and SocEnv, as well as providing some top tips for future leaders. Read more here.

Join the CEnv community

Demand is growing for individuals who have the knowledge and experience to help solve some of the big environmental challenges of our time – globally and locally. The CEnv award is a demonstration of knowledge, expertise, commitment, and professionalism across all sectors that environmental professionals practice within. If you would like to join the other 8,000 Chartered Environmentalists find out more in the links below:

Interested to hear more about CEnv at 20?

Visit our dedicated 20 years page for insights and reflections from our CEnv community, our partner organisations and more. We’re talking videos, articles, blogs and Q&As: