Inspiring finalists announced for the 2026 SocEnv Awards

We had an incredible year of entries in the 2026 SocEnv Awards. Not only have we seen a record-breaking number of nominations, we have had exceptional and inspiring entries which is an incredible step forward and showcases the number of incredible environmental professionals working hard to protect, preserve or enhance the environment. The Society for the Environment is delighted to announce the highly deserving and exceptional finalists of the prestigious 2026 SocEnv Awards.

There are two awards up for grabs:  

2026 Environmental Professional of the Year 

Highlighting the best work of Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv), Registered Environmental Practitioner (REnvP) and Registered Environmental Technician (REnvTech) registrants. 

2026 Rising Star 

Shining a light on professionals who have really hit the ground running in their early environmental careers. 

The finalists were selected from an array of excellent nominations, received for environmental professionals working in digital, environmental management, energy, water supply, transport, waste, engineering, and much more.

The Judging Panel confirmed the exceptional finalists for the 2026 SocEnv Awards as follows: 

2026 Environmental Professional of the Year: 

Geraldine Badura CEnv

Construction Sustainability Lead, Gatwick Airport
Registered via Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP)

Lewis Chenery CEnv

Environment & Sustainability Director, Southern Renewals Enterprise (via Atkins Realis)
Registered via Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP)

Suzanne Dolan CEnv

Founder, D-Carbon Alliance
Registered via Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP)

Stephen Elderkin CEnv

Director of Environmental Sustainability, National Highways
Registered via Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP)

Sarah Horrocks CEnv

Head of Air Quality & Emissions, AtkinsRealis
Registered via Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES)

Penny Lewns CEnv

Associate Director, AtkinsRéalis
Registered via Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)

Dr Richard Manton CEnv

Director of Sustainability, University of Galway
Registered via Engineers Ireland

Crawford Wright CEnv

Head of Architecture and Design, Department For Education
Registered via Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP)

2026 Rising Star: 

Frank Adiga CEnv

Independent Environmental Consultant / PhD Researcher UCL
Registered via Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)

Tsz Kai Lam CEnv

Senior Sustainable Development Officer, Swire Properties Limited
Registered via Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM)

Robert Modler CEnv

Principal Consultant, Strategy & Governance Lead, Cundall
Registered via Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP)

Abigail Sheppard REnvP

Nature Advisory Consultant, WSP
Registered via Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP)

Rhythima Shinde CEnv

Principal Sustainability Advisor, KLH Sustainability
Registered via Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP)

Francesca Wilkinson CEnv

Senior Sustainability and Environmental Manager, Willmott Dixon
Registered via Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP)

Awards event:

The winners will be revealed at the celebration event on Thursday 4th June 2026 at Arup in London.

It’s a celebration of the environmental professional community, recognising outstanding dedication to the profession and we want you to celebrate with us!