CEnv Profile | Kieran Doona, EHS Manager, Wills Bros - Construction and Civil Engineering

What does an average day look like in your career?

As Environmental Manager for Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd. my average day can be very varied. I have been working for the construction industry since 2004, overseeing the delivery of construction and civil engineering projects across the UK & Ireland.

Over the years I have spent a lot of time out on-site learning how things are done properly which I think is really important for developing competency. I can now bring that experience to a senior management level by supporting the preparation of tender submissions, reviewing contract information and preparing key construction-stage documentation such as the construction environmental management plan (CEMP), and site waste management plan (SWMP).

I have a key role for auditing and promoting conformance with the company’s ISO 14001 certification. I also track changes in legislation and innovations in industry working practices. I enjoy supporting and advising project management teams to successfully deliver construction projects from commencement through to completion in full compliance with the law and industry standards. In construction no two days are ever the same which makes it really interesting and rewarding. That’s why I’ve stayed loyal to the industry for 20+ years and professional registration has been a great crutch to lean on throughout that journey. 

How did you get to where you are now?

I have been blessed throughout my career with excellent employers and line managers who have instilled a passion for environmental protection within me.

I studied construction management in university which was my initial route into the construction sector. I got involved with environmental management early in my career and returned to university part-time as a mature student to study a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science which expanded my knowledge of the field greatly. I have personally benefitted from having continuity with the same employer for a long period of time.

In what ways does your role consider and protect the environment?

Environmental Protection is core to my role as Environmental Manager for a Civil Engineering Contractor. We build complex infrastructure projects across the UK & Ireland in challenging and often remote working environments. It can be necessary to construct these projects in environmentally sensitive areas with the highest level of regulatory protection and requiring the strictest controls. My role is to coordinate all of the business functions required to prevent harm to wildlife and habitats and to promote biodiversity net-gain wherever possible.  

How has your focus on environmental impacts changed over the course of your career?

As my experience has grown over the past 20+ years my approach to managing environmental impacts has become more strategic. This has evolved as I’ve moved from a site-based advisory role to a senior management role overseeing multiple projects. My focus has moved from micromanaging issues at a site level, to long–term strategic decision making. Nowadays I invest a lot more time understanding the project risks at a tendering and preconstruction stage to pre-empt and prevent issues at the construction stage.

Having worked across the UK & Ireland I have a greater appreciation of the variability of local weather patterns. Seasons can no longer be depended upon as a predictor of weather and the intensity of rainfall is increasing with climate change which makes managing silt effluent at a site level more challenging. I invest my time in recruiting personnel who are as passionate about the environment as I am and support their career development through continuing professional development and professional registration.

As the saying goes “A person who feels appreciated will always do more than what is expected”. Registering with the Society of the Environment Employer Champion scheme sends a message to potential employees that Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd. will support them through their career development which is very helpful from a recruitment aspect.  

What are the top three key knowledge areas that are crucial to your role?

1. Legislation – It is essential as an environmental professional to keep abreast of current and forthcoming legislation and to plan ahead for significant changes which may need to be budgeted and resourced for in advance. For example, external reporting of carbon accounting performance has been a significant growth area in recent years requiring additional staff for many organisations. 
2. Best Industry Practices – Become attuned to best practices in your chosen industry. Every industry will have its own risks and level of maturity. If possible, tap into networks that share best practices through your professional membership organisation or employer organisations. 
3. Managing Relationships – As environmental professionals we can only be successful if we bring people on the journey with us. It falls upon us to educate others and to share the reasons behind ‘why’ compliance with environmental standards is so important.  It is also important to empower people to understand that their individual actions people can take to make a difference. When a big challenge like environmental compliance on a large infrastructure project is broken down into smaller parts its not so intimidating.

What part of your role do you find the most exciting?

My favourite part of my role as Environmental Manager for a Civil Engineering Contractor is getting involved at the early stages where the biggest opportunity to have influence and to make an impact exists. I really enjoy supporting the company with tender submissions and supporting the pre-planning for mobilising new projects. This is the time when project teams are being assembled, key procurement decisions are being made, and the key stage to instil the right conditions and behaviours.  

What are your 3 top tips for those applying for CEnv?

Join a Professional Membership Organisation that reflects your passion – There are now 28 professional membership organisations who are licenced by the Society for the Environment to Award the Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv), Registered Environmental Practitioner (REnvP) and Registered Environmental Technician (REnvTech) registration. Taking time to research the organisation which best matches your specialism is time well spent and this will help you to attain the level of registration you aspire to achieve –  https://socenv.org.uk/our-licensed-members/  

Be Prepared and Get Mentored – Plan your application for membership upgrade and CEnv registration well in advance. The time you take to prepare will be dependant on where you are in your career and how much experience you have accumulated. As an experienced professional I would allow at least 12 months preparation time. Attend any webinars that are available on the application and interview process, get mentored and broaden your awareness of environmental issues beyond your own industry and specialism by reading your professional membership magazine and other literature available.  

Believe in Yourself – When you are ready to apply for CEnv registration you will know. If you need extra reassurance, you can reach out to a trusted colleague, line manager or mentor who has already been through the process and they can give you some advice on your level of readiness based upon their experience. If you don’t have any close contacts in your field, then reach out to your professional membership organisation who can connect you with a mentor. You will need to sell your achievements in the interview so take time to reflect on your career accomplishments and believe you are ready.  

Why would you encourage others in your sector to aspire to become a CEnv?

• Credibility – Chartered Member Status is the universally recognised mark of excellence across the globe and CEnv Registration is the stamp of professional competence in the environmental field. This designation informs prospective employers and clients that you are a highly capable professional those experience has been benchmarked by peers.  

• Validation – People who have been through the peer review process often communicate a sense of validation of their achievements. Many also say that professional recognition helps with experiences of ‘imposter syndrome’.  

• Personal Reward – You work very hard to develop your competency and personal brand in your career. The application process for CEnv is an opportunity to take stock of your career to date, and where you want to go in the future. The day you achieve CEnv registration is a day to pat yourself on the back and celebrate how far you’ve come. 

• Access to a Network – Membership of a Professional Network and CEnv Registration broadens your professional network and opens up opportunities for volunteering and having influence beyond your immediate role. Over the past number of years, i have gotten enormous self-satisfaction by giving back to my profession by sharing my accumulated knowledge and experience.  I have also benefitted from support and advice from my peers and broadening my knowledge of environmental management issues that are relevant to other industries.